Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED - Lens review and specs

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Nikon F Prime full-frame 2016

Weather Sealed

Autofocus

Full-time Manual Focus

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Useful links

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Compare with

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f1.8G f/1.8 · 35mm
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S f/1.2 · 85mm
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR f/6.3 · 18-300mm
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G f/1.8 · 28mm
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105mm

Focal length

f/1.4

Max aperture

985 g

Weight

14mm35mm85mm200mm600mm

▲ 105mm

Max aperture

f/1.4

f/2

Constant Aperture

Aperturef/1.4

f/1.4f/16

Near focus18' 3"

Far focus19' 1"

Total DOF9"

Hyperfocal896' 1"

Subject distance18' 8"

Focal length105 mm

Aperturef/1.4

SensorFull Frame

Illustrative scene preview based on this lens's focal length, aperture, and sensor coverage.

This preview uses 105mm, f/1.4, and Full Frame. Subject distance is estimated to keep lens previews comparable.

Min aperture: f/16
Diaphragm blades: 9

Optics

Optical construction: 14 elements in 9 groups
Special elements: 3 ED glass elements
Coatings: Nano Crystal Coat, Fluorine Coat

Focusing

Minimum focus: 1 m
Max magnification: 0.13×
AF motor: SWM

Physical

Weight: 985 g
Dimensions: ⌀95mm × 106mm
Filter thread: 82 mm
Hood included: HB-79
Color: Black

Handling & Controls

Distance Scale: Yes

Recommended Use

Ideal for: astro, Portraits, Weddings

Release year: 2016
Announced: Jul 27, 2016
Approx price: $2200 USD
Optical correction & RAW development: NDPix Photo Editor

The best

Flagship fast short telephoto prime delivering unprecedented f/1.4 brightness on Nikon F full-frame DSLRs.

Also

Three-dimensional high-fidelity rendering, three ED glass elements, Nano Crystal Coat, and electromagnetic diaphragm.

Summary

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is a benchmark fast medium-telephoto prime lens engineered for Nikon F-mount FX-format digital SLR cameras. Combining a versatile 105mm focal length with an unprecedented maximum aperture of f/1.4, it delivers extraordinary shallow depth of field and distinctive subject isolation tailored for commercial portraiture, runway fashion, indoor sports, and fine-art photography. Its sophisticated optical design comprises 14 elements arranged in 9 groups, incorporating three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements to effectively suppress axial chromatic aberrations and maintain crisp high-contrast micro-detail across the frame. Crafted around Nikon's three-dimensional high-fidelity design philosophy, the lens reproduces physical subjects with natural depth and dimensional realism while providing smooth, gradual bokeh transitions from focal plane to background. The rounded nine-blade diaphragm produces large, soft circular out-of-focus highlights free from distracting harshness. Advanced Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal reflections, ghosting, and flare under intense backlighting, while an electronic diaphragm mechanism ensures highly consistent aperture control during rapid high-speed continuous shutter bursts. Built for dependable field durability, the dust- and moisture-resistant barrel features fluorine coatings on outer glass surfaces to repel moisture, grease, and grime. The internal focusing system powered by a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) guarantees swift, virtually silent autofocus operation with seamless full-time manual override via the dedicated M/A switch. Demonstrating the peak of Japanese optical craftsmanship, this prime remains one of the finest portrait achievements ever created by Nikon.

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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Comparisons

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Same Mount

Nikon Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f1.8G f/1.8 · 35mm

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Nikon Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR f/6.3 · 18-300mm

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Nikon Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G f/1.8 · 28mm

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Other Mounts

Nikon Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S f/1.2 · 85mm

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Pros & Cons

Pros

World first 105mm autofocus lens featuring an ultra-bright f/1.4 maximum aperture for full-frame cameras
Three-dimensional high fidelity optical design yielding breathtaking subject separation and smooth bokeh
Superb edge-to-edge optical resolution and chromatic control via 3 ED glass elements
Nano Crystal Coat and Fluorine coating suppress flare, ghosting, and moisture accumulation
Fast, quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and electromagnetic diaphragm for stable high-speed burst exposure

Cons

Heavier and bulkier barrel footprint weighing approximately 985 grams with large 82mm filter threads
Lacks in-lens optical Vibration Reduction (VR), requiring steady handheld shutter speeds or body stabilization
E-type electromagnetic diaphragm limits compatibility with older legacy film SLRs