Nikon 105mm f/2.5 AI-S

Overview

The Nikon 105mm f/2.5 AI-S is legendary for one reason above all: it was the lens Afghan Girl was shot with. Steve McCurry's 1984 National Geographic cover made this lens immortal. But beyond the fame, it's genuinely one of the finest portrait lenses ever made — with rendering that photographers describe as 'magical.' The 105mm focal length provides beautiful compression, and f/2.5 delivers enough speed for subject separation.

Verdict: One of the greatest portrait lenses ever made, at any price. The 105mm f/2.5 has a rendering quality that transcends specifications. If you shoot portraits and don't own this, you're missing something special.

Optical Character

Community Insights

Summary: Users generally praise the affordability and versatility of Canon FD lenses for mirrorless cameras like Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds. They appreciate the character and quality of these vintage lenses, which can be used with affordable focal reducers to provide wide angles on smaller sensors. Sentiment: Positive Top Praised: - Affordable pricing, especially compared to modern lenses - Compatibility with various mirrorless camera systems - Pleasing image character that is not too clinical or too "crazy" - Ability to use focal reducers to achieve wider focal lengths on smaller sensors Top Complaints: - Lack of ultra-wide angle options natively in the Canon FD lineup - Incompatibility of some Canon FD lenses with certain focal reducers like the Zhongyi Lens Turbo II Use Cases: - General photography and videography, including corporate, shorts, and music videos - Works well on a range of mirrorless cameras, from full-frame Sony A7S to Super 16 BMPCC Disagreements: - None noted Confidence: 0.8

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