Nikon AF-S 105mm F1.4 E ED Review

"The portrait of perfection.
Meet the new standard by which all short telephoto lenses will be measured against, the world´s first* full-frame 105mm with an f/1.4 aperture. A marvel of optical precision, distortion correction and craftsmanship. It´s fast maximum aperture make this an ideal optic for available light—recommended for portraiture or indoor sports. This short telephoto lens can defocus backgrounds with painterly finesse and isolate subjects with three-dimensional fidelity. For those seeking the ultimate in image quality in photography or videography, there´s no close second.
*Among AF lenses for digital SLRs compatible with FX-format image sensor; as of July 27, 2016; statement based on Nikon research.

Gorgeous background defocus
World´s fastest, brightest 105mm full-frame lens
An excellent performer for available light, the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED also excels when using Nikon Speedlights—indoors or out. Create beautiful portraits with minimal depth of field as well as using Advanced Wireless Lighting with Auto FP High Speed Sync. Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and nine-blade diaphragm produce a superior bokeh effect with large, smooth spheres with gradual alteration. The focal length (105mm on FX cameras, 158mm on DX cameras) creates an ideal working distance that´s close enough to interact with the subject.

Ultimate image quality
A must-have for serious shooters
This is the culmination of Nikon´s expertise in lens design, optical excellence and industry leading innovation. Its new optical design creates ultra-high definition across the entire frame, especially when used with one of Nikon´s full-frame (FX) high-resolution DSLRs. Its a lens that pushes boundaries of imaging possibility, one that can take your photography and videography to a thrilling new level. What will you achieve with it?

No compromises accepted
Pure, distortion-free photos and videos
Chromatic aberration, ghosting and flare is minimized by three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements. Nano Crystal Coat (N) outperforms conventional antireflection coatings over a broad wavelength range for maximum contrast. Like the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G, point light sources are reproduced naturally without sagittal coma flare and minimized astigmatism, even at the frame edges. An electromagnetic diaphragm (E) maintains consistent exposure during high-speed capture, while fluorine coat ensures a lifetime of brilliant performances.

Exceptional quality Superior imaging at your fingertips The new AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED joins other NIKKOR f/1.4 lenses in the Gold Ring Series, which include only premium primes with Nano Crystal Coat and pro-grade build quality. These other lenses include the AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G.


A remarkable 105 mm FX-format prime lens with bright f/1.4 aperture. Crafted to inspire new levels of artistry in portraiture, this is an exceptional lens with a unique character.

This distinctive portrait lens builds upon a legacy of excellence that stretches all the way back to the renowned NIKKOR 105mm f/2.5. Designed to perfectly capture every nuance, the all-new optical construction ensures outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness, contrast, and resolution. Bokeh is exquisitely smooth, and subjects are sharply rendered even when shooting at the widest aperture of f/1.4. Whether you’re working with available light or in the studio, images boast a depth and dimension that are truly memorable.

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER: F/1.4 MAXIMUM APERTURE AND 105 MM FOCAL LENGTH
This FX-format prime lens will perfectly reflect your personal aesthetic. The 105 mm focal length combines with a shortest focusing distance of 1 m to enable frame-filling head-shots without the need to crop. The unique optical design enables every component of the scene to be faithfully reproduced: even when shooting wide-open, the finest fabrics can be captured in all their beauty. And the rounded 9-blade diaphragm produces stunning bokeh, and enables sensitive depth-of-field control.

EXQUISITE BOKEH: DEPTH AND DIMENSION
Thanks to its unique optical construction, this lens offers wonderfully smooth bokeh and can endow subjects with a beautifully natural-looking sense of depth. The intensity of image blur transitions smoothly as the distance from the sharply focused point increases, enabling bokeh with no rough edges. And the fine gradation of bokeh from the focus point to the background renders images with an incredible sense of natural depth. The benefits extend to movies, too: when pulling focus, bokeh transitions incredibly smoothly, providing a unique advantage when it comes to filming atmospheric scenes.

DRAWING WITH LIGHT: UNBEATABLE PERFORMANCE WHEN SHOOTING WIDE-OPEN
The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED enables exceptional aesthetic control. Subjects are rendered with perfect clarity even when shooting at the widest aperture of f/1.4. Sagittal coma flare is effectively minimised for superior reproduction of point light sources as fine rounded points, even at the edges of an image. Peripheral light falloff is controlled to retain brightness across the frame, and subjects located at the edge of the frame are sharp and well resolved, even when shooting at maximum aperture with focus set to infinity.

LEGENDARY NIKKOR QUALITY Nine rounded aperture blades decrease diffraction, delivering faithful reproduction of a scene’s elements. AE control is rendered exceptionally stable—even during a high-speed burst—thanks to the incorporation of an electromagnetic aperture control mechanism in the lens barrel. Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces ghost and flare, and autofocus is smooth, quiet, and swift as a result of Nikon’s SWM (Silent Wave Motor). Three extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements minimise axial chromatic aberration. The front and rear lens elements are protected and made easier to clean by Nikon’s fluorine coat, which effectively repels dust, dirt, water, and grease."