Nikon 105 F1.4 AF- S ED

Nikon has just announced the introduction of a super fast full frame telephoto lens the 105 F 1.4 AFS ED  weighing a hefty 985 grams ( just less than a kilo!) and priced at US 2199.95 $ . The Nikon USA web site (www.nikonusa.com) gives the details as below:

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.

Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism
An electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism in the lens barrel provides highly accurate electronic diaphragm or aperture blade control when using auto exposure during continuous shooting. With conventional D/G type lenses, the diaphragm blades are operated by mechanical linkage levers.

ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass
An optical glass developed by Nikon that is used with normal optical glass in telephoto lenses to obtain optimum correction of chromatic aberrations.

IF Lens
A NIKKOR lens in which only the internal lens group shifts during focusing. Thus, IF NIKKORS do not change in size during AF operation, allowing for compact, lightweight lenses capable of closer focusing distances. These lenses will be designated with the abbreviation IF on the lens barrel.

M/A
Select NIKKOR lenses have a focusing mode which allows switching from automatic to manual focusing with virtually no lag time by simply turning the focusing ring on the lens. This makes it possible to seamlessly switch to fine manual focusing while looking through the viewfinder.

Nano Crystal Coating
An anti-reflective coating developed by Nikon that virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections across a wide range of wavelengths. Nano Crystal Coat solves ghost effects caused by red light and effectively reduces ghost and flare caused by light entering the lens diagonally.

Silent Wave Motor
AF-S NIKKOR lenses feature Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which represents a significant advance in AF lens technology. SWM uses ultrasonic vibrations—rather than a gear system—to focus the lens, providing incredibly smooth, silent and precise autofocus operation.
LCD, Video and Photo Gallery images are for illustrative purposes only.

What about the earlier Nikon 105s?

We still have the following lenses many of which are available second hand (www.keh.com):

105 F2 DC This is the only autofocus lens for 105 mm prior to the new release.

105 F2.5 AIS manual focus
The was a legendary lens in it's time and is still coveted. Used by photo journalists the world over it was renowed for it' high speed, superb sharpness. It is still available second hand for around $150-300 depending on condition. Prior to this Nikon also had a number of 105  F2.5 lenses - K, AI, non AI etc.





105 F1.8 AIS manual focus 
 This was the fastest 105 before the introduction of this new lens. It is still available for around   $350-400 used but somehow always ran second to the F2.5 above

Pros and Cons of the New 105

Pros

• Super fast 1.4 aperture
• Excellent bokeh
• Supern sharpness

Cons

• Heavy lens almost a kilo in weight!
• Price - at more than $2000 it would appeal to specialist and professional photographers

Links

https://photographylife.com/nikon-105mm-f1-4e-ed-announcement

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/105mm-f14.htm

http://petapixel.com/2016/07/28/sample-photos-show-bokeh-powers-nikon-105mm-f1-4/