juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Hi all, hope you can help me with some suggestions and/or opinions.

I have the opportunity to buy the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens, used, at a very good price from what I understand (asking USD 500, probably can get it by less) at least around my country.
I have thought of this lens to give macro a try and that may also be useful as a portrait lens.

It will be used on a D7200, so not sure if the crop factor would make it too long for portraits and I have read it has some breath issues for macro.
Could you let me know what your opinions are on this lens for these uses?
For portraits should I just stick to the 50mm 1.8?
For macros should I look for another one?

I have read very good reviews from Tokina's equivalent (if you can find it in stock), and I guess that there wouldn't be much difference in cost between new Tokina and used Nikon. I could wait until June/July when I may have the chance to buy a lens on the USA. Would you suggest this?

And finally, if I go for the used Nikon lens, is there something specific I could check/try with the lens to be sure there are no issues with it? (I think that is a little cheaper than I expected and that makes me doubt).

TIA as always!

Largobob

I certainly can't judge the quality of the used lens you are considering. I own the Nikkor 105, and have found it to produce remarkably good images....when I do my part. I use the lens primarily for close-up/macro....flowers, insects, etc. I don't do portraits with this lens, so I have no comment there. If the used lens is in good condition, the asking price is more than fair.

art pear Loc: North Dakota

I have the Tokina 100 2.8 and the Nikon 105 2.8 I consider them equals. Both are wonderful. Shoot with D7000 and D850.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks for your input!

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks!
So if you consider them equals, having to buy only one, the Tokina would be the one, taking in consideration that the new one is less than half the price of the Nikon?
Or you would still consider the Nikon for reliability and/or resale value?

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Nikon 105mm is a great lens. I use a Nkon 1.4 Telextender with it on my full frame camera all the time which would equal its performance on a crop sensor like a D7200. Excellent results both for portrait and Macro. I wouldn't use a 50mm for portraits or macro.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks for your opinion based on your experience, greatly appreciated!
50mm definitely not for macro, would use it for portrait as it would be on a DX, but your opinion is definitively weighting in favor for the 105mm

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Juan,
I have the 105 Nikon Micro Nikkor and the 200MM Micro Nikkor. My go to lens is my 105. The 105 Micro nikkor is an outstanding lens. Go for it used. It will give you great results and will hold it's resale value for the future.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks!
Are there any specific things I can/should check to make sure the lens is OK?
(either than looking for defaults and taking test pictures)

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

On a DX body, the 50 is too short for head shots, in my opinion. For waist up, you’ll be fine.

In school, I was taught that the ideal focal length for conventional portraits should be about twice that of the “normal” lens to keep facial proportions looking natural. There are always exceptions though. Depends on what look you’re after. With 35mm or “full-frame, that’s anywhere from about 90-105. With DX, it would be about 70mm. I often go longer so I can control what I have in the background of the portrait. I use the 70-200 on my FF cameras and Sigma’s 50-150 on the DX sensored Fuji S5pro.

The Nikon lens is great for macro work. Just depends on how much working room you find yourself in.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks for chiming in, I will take this in consideration. I hope some day to get the 70-200, but at this moment I should win the lottery first :)

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have owned and used this Nikkor Micro lens for 12 years. I've used it on both crop sensor (D200/D300) and full frame (D810/D850) bodies. As a macro lens, it provides a working distance long enough to be easy to use, but not so long that it is awkward. I have also used it as my all day "only" lens, and it functions very well as a short/mid telephoto. Because it is a macro lens, it is very usable in short distance situations where you might not be able to use a standard 105mm lens. It has a flat plane of focus, so it also makes an excellent copy lens.

I would do a close visual inspection to make sure that there are no scratches or other damage visible on the lens elements. And exercise the diaphragm to make sure it moves freely between f2.8 & minimum aperture and that it doesn't stick or bind up when opening or closing. If possible, mount it to your body and verify that the VR works. And of course, nothing should be loose or "wiggly."

This is a wonderful lens. It is a premium grade product, evidenced by the Gold Ring around the barrel.

Good luck with it.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks a lot for your experience and even more for what to check!
Would be my first used lens, but I for sure will have the change to try it on my camera.

Time to contact seller and see what I can negotiate :-)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's a very good lens for a good price.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Between the Tokina macro and this Nikon lens I go for the Nikon lens anytime. Having VR is very useful even for macro photography when a tripod cannot be used. It is excellent for portraits too from what I know because I have never used one.
$500 is a great price assuming the lens has no issues. Try its VR function and make sure it works. Make sure apertures work and make sure AF works. The glass should be free of scratches. Look under bright light with the lens wide open for fungus. Just make sure everything works and finally make some images at close range and at distant subjects. If you have the opportunity make some portraits.
Buena suerte.