Lens · prime
Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S
Nikon · 1981-2005
Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S: 5 elements in 4 groups, 7 aperture blades, 1m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 435g.
- Focal length
- 105mm
- Max aperture
- f/2.5
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 5 / 4
Known for
- Portraits
- Headshots
- Events
- Street telephoto
Considerations
- Heavy for the focal length
- Manual focus challenging for moving subjects
- Manual focus and aperture (Ai/Ai-S F-mount)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Exceptional, creamy smooth
Rendering: Beautiful 3D pop, portrait magic
Colour: Warm, flattering skin tones
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Nikkor-P Auto (original)
1959-1971
5 elements in 3 groups, Sonnar-type
Earlier optical design
Nikkor-P Auto / P.C / K / AI (redesigned)
1971-1981
5 elements in 4 groups, Xenotar-type
Same optics as AI-S
AI-S
1981-2005
Built-in telescopic hood, AI-S markings
Final version
Nikon redesigned the optics in 1971 from the original Sonnar-type (5 elements, 3 groups) to a Xenotar-type layout (5 elements, 4 groups), which continued through the AI and AI-S versions.
Common issues
- Focus ring stiffness
- Aperture ring looseness
- Hood dents
Buying guide
Look for smooth aperture action and clean coatings. The AI-S version has the smoothest focus but earlier AI versions are optically identical.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal Length | 105mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Min Focus | 1m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 435g |
Optical design
| Formula | other |
| Elements | 5 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Coating | NIC (Nikon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £200 - £350
- Mint
- ~£450
Indicative, no dated source.