AF-S Micro Nikkor 105 1:2.8 G ED as general purpose lens

[MEPER]

The Nikkor-Z 50/1.8 S is an example of a lens where LO-CA disappears when stopped down a bit.
Quite low a 1.8 and gone (almost) at 2.8. It may be a lens that can handle a 35mm extension tube quite well?

[Birna Rørslett]

That particular review put the Nikkor 105 MC and the Sigma Art 105 on the same level of quality. One better here, another better there. A toss up, apparently.

Having a nice native Z lens for close-up work is OK for me as I don't intend to purchase third-party products if this can be avoided.

Now, the value of any lens is what it can deliver to the user. Not all images need to fall into the category "needle sharp, no CA". On NG, we see plenty examples of this.

[MEPER]

Yes, and Nikon photographer like John Shaw shows that lenses that has a bit of LO-CA close up can make very nice images in general.
Lot of examples and also shows that the Nikkors are durable. Result of a Google search below:

https://www.google.com/search?q=John+Shaw+Nikon+close+up+images&sca_esv=c66570702dbaae6e&udm=2&biw=2187&bih=1117&ei=u_78aL-QIaPCwPAP0LeIwQ0&ved=0ahUKEwj_2aSv5r-QAxUjIRAIHdAbItgQ4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=John+Shaw+Nikon+close+up+images&gs_lp=Egtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZyIfSm9obiBTaGF3IE5pa29uIGNsb3NlIHVwIGltYWdlc0jrEVD2B1jVDXABeACQAQCYAUCgAe4CqgEBNrgBA8gBAPgBAZgCAKACAJgDAIgGAZIHAKAHjgKyBwC4BwDCBwDIBwA&sclient=gws-wiz-img

[KarlMera]

Having a nice native Z lens for close-up work is OK for me as I don't intend to purchase third-party products if this can be avoided.

Why not, better is the enemy of good

[Birna Rørslett]

So, you are using Sigma lenses yourself?

[MEPER]

The thread has deviated a bit from it original purpose but I think we are used to that. It will come back one day when I go out and take more images with the AFS 105.
This test from Cameralabs shows that it is not all about "perfection".
https://www.cameralabs.com/nikkor-50mm-f1-4-ai-s-vintage-lens-review/
But we are also some "nerds" in here which just like to "play" a bit with the equipment we have.

[KarlMera]

The thread has deviated a bit from it original purpose

What is now your question?

[MEPER]

No question from me.
About the "deviation" was blot a comment not a complain.   
My plan is to post more images using the AFS 105 Micro when I get time. Both macro images and normal purpose usage.
Birna had a question for.

[MEPER]

Here is a picture where the lens is used for its original purpose. Close to its closets focus and a bit stopped down.
This is handhold. If I should use it for something serious I would make a stable setup.
The top text "Voigtar" is slightly out of focus and a slightly green cast can be observed.
The lens is usable as a macro and where focus is perfect the CA is gone and the sharpness is good.
Picture is lens lens of a Voigtländer Brillant camera.
The weather was to bad today to take som general purpose images.

[MEPER]

Same object just shot with the Nikkor-P 55/3.5 Micro + M-adapter.
It is the lens I use most for close-up.

For macro use I have no doubt that it is better for this purpose.

It would be interesting to know the design goals (requirements) before the AFS lens was developed and if all the requirements was met before it was decided to approve the lens for production.
Maybe it will show up in "1001 nights" one day so we can get a look "behind the curtain".
I think many would have expected the AFS 105 to have the macro performance of the current Z-version.
That said I was very happy with the AFS lens performance as just a general purpose lens (the few first images in this thread). Now I am even more convinced that I will not use it as a dedicated macro lens.

[MEPER]

If I had nailed the focus 100% with AFS lens the white text would have been as detailed as in 55/3.5 image (I assume).
You can see the two metal rivets is where the focus is in AFS image. That is how it goes when it is handheld.

[Erik Lund]

I will try out the AIS 105/4 Micro.
It could also be fun to get some 3d party Z Extension tubes and test some Z-lenses for Macro use.
Like this:
https://www.tombolphoto.com/macro-with-nikon-z-extension-tubes/
I like the closeup image he shows. I have a couple of the 24-70/4 S lenses.
The 2nd one which is brand new I got by accident as an offer at ebay was accepted. It seems because it is a kit lens some people think those are "junk" so they sell them cheap.

Nikon Z lenses are floating element lenses, not suitable for extension.

'Old design' unit focusing lenses are much better for this!

[Erik Lund]

AF-S Micro Nikkor 105 1:2.8 G ED as a tendency towards purple fringing in high contrast, anything against a clear sky and reflections i water for instance, when used as a general purpose lens.

[MEPER]

Ok, I will try it out when I receive the FotoDiox 35mm tube. I like to experiment :-)

The purple fringing probably will look something like this is scrolled down to Chromatic Aberration headline.
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/voigtlander-65-f2-apo-macro-review/
It is a review of the Voigtländer 65/2 apo-macro which shows that this lens is well corrected. It is tempting to get it but I think the old Nikkor-P 55/3.5 it still good enough for my purpose :-)

[KarlMera]

The purple fringing probably will look something like this is scrolled down to Chromatic Aberration headline.
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/voigtlander-65-f2-apo-macro-review/
It is a review of the Voigtländer 65/2 apo-macro which shows that this lens is well corrected. I

What has this review to do with the 105 G ED?