Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED vs Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Nikon

AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

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Nikon

AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D

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Verdict at a glance

Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D is faster by 1 stop (f/2.0 vs f/2.8), letting in more light.
Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D is lighter by 110g.
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is the newer design (2006 vs 1993).

Specification comparison
Spec	AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED	AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D
Brand	Nikon	Nikon
Mount	Nikon F	Nikon F
Type	Prime	Prime
Focal length	105mm	105mm
Max aperture	f/2.8	f/2.0 (faster)
Released	2006	1993
Format	full-frame	full-frame
Groups	12	6
Af motor	SWM	none
Elements	14	6
Weight g	750.0	640.0 (lighter)
Filter mm	62	72
Length mm	116.0	111.0
Stabilized	Yes	n/a
Diameter mm	83.0	79.0
Min focus m	0.314 (closer focusing)	0.9
Max magnification	1.0	n/a

Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

A 1:1 macro lens for Nikon FX cameras with vibration reduction. It doubles as a medium-telephoto portrait lens.

Pros

True 1:1 macro
Vibration reduction
Internal focusing
Sharp

Cons

Focus breathing
Larger and heavier than the 60mm (750 g)
Slow focus at close range

Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D

Nikon's portrait telephoto with a Defocus Control ring that lets you add spherical aberration in front of or behind the focal plane, introduced in 1993. It uses screw-drive autofocus.

Pros

Defocus Control ring
f/2 aperture
Dense metal build

Cons

Screw-drive autofocus only
Defocus control takes practice
No VR

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