Nikon 105 mm / F 1.4 AF-S NIKKOR E ED Lens

What This Product Is Used For

This is a fast telephoto prime lens designed for Nikon F mount DSLR cameras, offering a significant step up from standard portrait zooms and slower prime options. Compared with an 85 mm f 1.8 or a typical 70 to 200 mm zoom, it delivers stronger subject separation and superior low light capability thanks to its very wide f 1.4 aperture. It is intended for Nikon FX cameras and can also be used on DX bodies with a tighter field of view.

In real world use, this lens is chosen for portraits, fashion, weddings and controlled lighting work where background separation, subject emphasis and optical quality are more important than compact size.

Who This Product Is Best Suited To

This lens is best suited to photographers who prioritise image quality, depth of field control and visual character over portability. It suits portrait specialists, professional shooters and enthusiasts who are comfortable working with a larger lens and who want their subjects to stand out clearly from the background.

Pros and Cons

Pros
The f 1.4 aperture creates exceptional background separation, giving portraits a confident and refined look that feels effortless. Low light performance is reassuring, reducing pressure to raise ISO and helping maintain image quality. Autofocus operation is smooth and quiet, supporting calm shooting during sessions and events.

Cons
The lens is large and heavy compared with smaller portrait primes, which can be tiring during long handheld shoots. The premium optical design places it firmly in the professional category, which may be more than some photographers need.

Real World Performance and Day to Day Use

In day to day use, this lens feels deliberate and precise. Focus accuracy is dependable, especially for portraits where eye focus matters most. Images show strong subject clarity with smooth transitions into blur, even at wider apertures. It rewards careful technique and works best when the photographer has space to step back and compose thoughtfully.

Why We Like This Product

From the YPC Team perspective, this lens consistently delivers a distinctive look that is difficult to replicate with slower lenses. In practical shooting, it helps avoid the common mistake of relying on longer zooms for portraits, which often lack the same depth and subject separation.

Comparisons With Similar Systems

Compared with an 85 mm f 1.8 lens, this 105 mm option makes more sense when maximum background blur and compression are the priority, while the 85 mm is easier to manage in tighter spaces. Against a 70 to 200 mm f 2.8 zoom, this lens excels when creative depth of field and optical purity matter more than framing flexibility.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If you need a lighter setup for everyday portrait work, an 85 mm prime may be a better fit. If flexibility across multiple focal lengths is more important, a professional telephoto zoom may suit event based shooting better.

Tips for Getting the Best Performance

Allow extra working distance when shooting portraits to make the most of the focal length. Use single point autofocus for precise eye focus at wide apertures. Stop down slightly when you want to balance sharpness and depth of field without losing subject separation.

Full Technical Specification

Focal length: 105 mm
Maximum aperture: f 1.4
Lens mount: Nikon F
Format compatibility: FX and DX
Autofocus system: AF S with Silent Wave Motor
Diaphragm type: Electromagnetic
Optical elements: ED glass
Lens coating: Nano Crystal Coat
Image stabilisation: None

Buyer’s Guide

Buy this lens if you want maximum background separation and premium portrait image quality. Do not buy this lens if you need a lightweight lens or frequently shoot in confined indoor spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this lens suitable for portrait photography?
Yes, it is designed specifically for high end portrait and subject focused work.

Will autofocus work on Nikon cameras without a focus motor?
Yes, the lens includes its own autofocus motor and works on compatible Nikon DSLR bodies.

Can this lens be used on DX format cameras?
Yes, it can be used on DX cameras with a tighter field of view.

Is it good for low light shooting?
Yes, the f 1.4 aperture allows strong low light performance.

Does this lens have image stabilisation?
No, stability relies on shooting technique and camera body support.

Is this lens heavy to carry?
It is heavier than most portrait primes and is best suited to deliberate shooting sessions.

Is it suitable for weddings?
Yes, especially for portraits and detail shots where subject separation is important.

Does it produce smooth background blur?
Yes, background blur is one of its strongest qualities.

Is manual focus available?
Yes, manual focus can be used when precise control is required.

Is this a good upgrade from an 85 mm lens?
Yes, if you want stronger compression and more pronounced background separation.

Looking for more options?
Browse our full range of Camera Lenses for other great choices to suit your space, goals, and budget.