Wanted, Nikon 105mm 1.8 Ai-S manual focus lens: I would like to buy a Nikon 105mm 1.8 Ai-S manual focus lens, I want to use it for Macro Photography, please inform me of your thoughts...

Silverrails

I would like to buy a Nikon 105mm 1.8 Ai-S manual focus lens, I want to use it for Macro Photography, please inform me of your thoughts and Opinions on this specific lens. Would I also need to have "Extension Tubes" for the Macro Photography?

tramsey Loc: Texas

That is a super lens. You will be well satisfied with it. As far as tubes and macro photography I don't have a clue but just be patient and you will find out. If you don't just repost on the macro section.

User ID

Silverrails wrote:

I would like to buy a Nikon 105mm 1.8 Ai-S manual focus lens, I want to use it for Macro Photography, please inform me of your thoughts and Opinions on this specific lens. Would I also need to have "Extension Tubes" for the Macro Photography?

I have no issues with the vernacular use of the word “macro” ... so I’m asking what approximate size are the smallest subjects that interest you ? I may possibly have an appropriate outfit for you.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Silverrails wrote:

I would like to buy a Nikon 105mm 1.8 Ai-S manual focus lens, I want to use it for Macro Photography, please inform me of your thoughts and Opinions on this specific lens. Would I also need to have "Extension Tubes" for the Macro Photography?

Extension tubes will allow most any lens to focus close, but for your purpose you would be better served by picking up a 105 f/2.8 or f/4.0 Micro-Nikkor. The f/2.8 autofocus version focuses to 1:1 with no tubes.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Silverrails wrote:

I would like to buy a Nikon 105mm 1.8 Ai-S manual focus lens, I want to use it for Macro Photography, please inform me of your thoughts and Opinions on this specific lens. Would I also need to have "Extension Tubes" for the Macro Photography?

You would be much better off with a Nikon ais 105 2.8 macro lens.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EXC-Nikon-Ai-s-Micro-NIKKOR-105mm-f-2-8-Macro-F-Mount-Lens-Hood/164256947353?hash=item263e7a1c99:g:cHQAAOSw7RleylgX

User ID

RWR wrote:

Extension tubes will allow most any lens to focus close, but for your purpose you would be better served by picking up a 105 f/2.8 or f/4.0 Micro-Nikkor. The f/2.8 autofocus version focuses to 1:1 with no tubes.

I’ve observed that your advice is the widespread belief. Since I use all the lenses mentioned thus far in the whole thread, I hafta wonder how or where you formed or adopted your own belief.

Acoarst it’s entirely possible that you’ve tried them all, but it’s also quite unlikely so I naturally have my doubts simply cuz the f/1.8 is seldom encountered.

photoman43

This lens is not a macro lens. If you want it to focus at 1:1 get this extension tube, the Nikon PN-11.

You will have to buy it used as Nikon no longer makes it. Note that it has a tripod collar so when you use it with the 105, you get the benefit of a macro lens with a built in tripod collar mount. I do not know if 52mm extension is enough to get you to 1:1, but it ought to get you close to it.

Look for it used at KEH, Hunts, B&H, Adorama, etc. I have one and love using it with my 105mm f2.8 AF-D Nikon macro lens and my Nikon 300mm f4 PF lens on my Nikon camera bodies.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product-archive/lens-closeup/pn-11-auto-extension-tube.html

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

The F1.8 AiS is not a macro lens. The 105 F2.8 AiS is, although it will only go to 1/2 life size unless the PN-11 is used with it...Nikon calls their macro lenses "micro"

jeweler53

The 105mm 1.8 Ai-S is an very good lens. It's fast, sharp and well made, however it is not a "macro" lens. It has a close focusing distance of about 3 feet or so. The image formed will not be much of a "macro", more of a closeup. Yes, you can get larger image if you use extension tubes. Extension tubes are in my kit almost every outing.

You would probably be better served by an actual macro lens. Nikon labels them "Micro", but in our use here the words are interchangeable.

You probably don't need the fast speed of an f 1.8 lens if you primary goal is primarily macro. If closeup is your primary goal you would be better off with the Nikon 105mm F2.8 Micro Ai-S, or even the Nikon 105mm f/4.0 Micro Nikkor. Both of these will focus to a 1:2 ratio (without an extension tube).

If you can afford it I would suggest the AF versions, even AF VR. I have not used the newer lenses, but the are on my wish list.

Don't believe everything you hear on this forum. Not everyone is as familiar as they would like to sound with many of the topics which are brought up.

Silverrails

User ID wrote:

I have no issues with the vernacular use of the word “macro” ... so I’m asking what approximate size are the smallest subjects that interest you ? I may possibly have an appropriate outfit for you.

Outdoor, Flowers, Caterpillars, Bumble Bees, etc.
Indoor, Coins, Bubbles, Water Droplets, etc.

Silverrails

jeweler53 wrote:

The 105mm 1.8 Ai-S is an very good lens. It's fast... (show quote)

Thanks for your insight on my Lens interest. I was considering Manual Focus thinking they will be less expensive. I really would like a 105mm 1.8 AF/VR Macro lens, if I had the $$$$

BebuLamar

Silverrails wrote:

I would like to buy a Nikon 105mm 1.8 Ai-S manual focus lens, I want to use it for Macro Photography, please inform me of your thoughts and Opinions on this specific lens. Would I also need to have "Extension Tubes" for the Macro Photography?

That is a nice lens for portrait but not so much for macro.

gchapell

I believe nikon micro lenses are supposed to be designed for flat field where regular lenses are not.

photoman43

I used to own the Nikon 105 f4 manual focus AIS macro lens. It allowed for 1:2 magnification. You needed to add the 52mm PN -11 extension tube to get to 1:1. It was very sharp and easy to focus accurately.

I believe the manual focus Nikon 55mm f2.8 and 55mm f3.5 macro lenses were both flat field lenses. This link takes you to good information on Nikon manual focus lenses.

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html

User ID

photoman43 wrote:

This lens is not a macro lens. If you want it to f... (show quote)

If it’s possible to love a tube, then I looooooove that tube ... especially since I have three different 105 Nikkors.

Does fall short of 1:1 but 1:1 is just a meaningless threshold, unless you’re a lens designer. Means nothing to a user.

The non-numeric synonym for “1:1” is “life size image”. Image size in the sense meant by that term exists only in analog images. Digital images do not have any such “size”.

Regardless of terms used, that tube is verrrrrry much a bargain these days. It’s mainly for legacy lenses. Cuz most modern lenses focus quite close without it.