Nikon 105mm AIS Macro f2.8

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How much should I be paying for one of these used and in good condition? I don't really know what they're worth and don't want to get fleeced!

Also, which lens is better optically, this or the AF-D? Baring in mind I don't really need the AF.
 
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How much should I be paying for one of these used and in good condition?


I really don't know the UK market and prices but a look
at different used sites —ebay and others— or a visit at
a local store should give you very good approximations.
 
The last time I bought anything like this it was the f/4 version in average condition and it cost somewhere around £80 I think. The relentless rise of mirorless cameras using adapted lenses and good old brexit mean that older MF lenses have gone up a fair bit since then so I would have to assume we'd be talking near or more than £200 for the 2.8 version. Greys have them for about £500 but their prices are generally, erm, optimistic. Do bear in mind that these AIS Micro lenses only get to 1:2 magnification. You'd need an extension tube to get 1:1. AF and AF-D and later AF-S lenses all fo 1:1 out the box.

To be honest, much as I love using these AIS lenses (they're generally beautifully made and very satisfying to use), much of the appeal used to come from how affordable they are vs modern lenses, but looking at this example, you could get a whole myriad of modern options from Nikon, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina etc for similar money, better magnification, auto foucs and probably some will be stabilised. Sure the AIS, lenses are pretty and nice to use but it's quite hard to justify the cost.

By the way, if it's not macro you're actually bothered about, take a look at the 105mm 2.5 AIS. That is a manual lens, I'd happily pay premium for.
 
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Thanks for the replies, I'll keep an eye on a few on ebay and see what they go for. I'm after one for macro so I'll have a look at a few others as well for the 1:1. I do like the look of these AIS lenses though :)
 
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It will no doubt be good if it is a good example.
Are you suggesting that the quality control of manual focus Nikkors was all over the place? Shame on you! Maybe you were raised on a diet of Sigmas, or worse?

take a look at the 105mm 2.5 AIS. That is a manual lens, I'd happily pay premium for.
Yes it is a fine lens, sharp and flare-resistant, but I find its rendering to be on the cool side. Overall character isn't the same as technical efficiency.
 
Are you suggesting that the quality control of manual focus Nikkors was all over the place? Shame on you! Maybe you were raised on a diet of Sigmas, or worse?


Yes it is a fine lens, sharp and flare-resistant, but I find its rendering to be on the cool side. Overall character isn't the same as technical efficiency.

To be honest it's always been the character of it that I've liked. Never really looked all that closely at the technical side of it.
 
Are you suggesting that the quality control of manual focus Nikkors was all over the place? Shame on you! Maybe you were raised on a diet of Sigmas, or worse?
.

It is going to be second hand isnt it?

Ps I have never and nor am I likely to own any Nikon lens unless they completely change direction.
 
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Yes, I've been using a Raynox DCR 250 on a few different setups I've since sold to pay for my D7100+Lenses:

Never mind you can buy another raynox to put on the 105mm later along with a set of tubes
 
Never mind you can buy another raynox to put on the 105mm later along with a set of tubes

Sorry, I should rephrase that; I sold the other setups and held onto the Raynox! Must be my bedtime I'm not making sense :)
 
I don't live in Lincoln but oddly enough I was in there a couple of weeks ago. It's close enough to get down to the shop and try it.
Check they still have it before setting out then.
 
I ended up buying a new Sigma instead. I'm not at all sure going for a 30 year old manual focus lens (and an tube for 1:1) would've been the best decision. It was 60 quid more than the used one so seemed to make sense.
 
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