Nikon Nikon F Prime

AI-S Nikkor 105mm f/2.5

105mm
f/2.5
Prime
435 g
Min focus 1 m

Quick answer

A compact manual-focus 105mm with a 5-element, 4-group design dating to 1971, in AI-S form. It focuses down to 1m, takes 52mm filters and weighs about 435g.

Pros

Compact for a 105mm
Smooth focus feel
Takes 52mm filters
Close focus of 1m

Cons

Manual focus only
Needs lens data entered to meter on some bodies
Some flare against bright light

Verdict

A long-regarded manual-focus portrait lens, well suited to adapting on Z cameras.

About this lens

The Nikon AI-S Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 is a short-telephoto prime lens covering 105mm at f/2.5 for Nikon F mount cameras. The focal length is a classic choice for portraits and details.

Nikon AI-S Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 specifications

Brand: Nikon
Mount: Nikon F
Focal length: 105mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.5
Lens type: Prime
Format coverage: full-frame
Optical construction: 5 elements in 4 groups
Autofocus motor: none
Minimum focus distance: 1 m
Filter thread: 52 mm
Weight: 435 g
Length: 78 mm
Diameter: 66 mm

Specification source: en.wikipedia.org

What can you shoot with the Nikon AI-S Nikkor 105mm f/2.5?

Portraits
Manual-focus film shooting
Adapted use on mirrorless

Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.

Full-frame equivalent and field of view

Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.

Sensor	Crop	Equivalent	Horizontal FOV	Diagonal FOV
Full frame	1.0x	105mm	19.5°	23.3°
APS-C	1.5x	158mm	13°	15.6°

Try the field-of-view calculator

Frequently asked questions

Is the Nikon 105mm f/2.5 AI-S good for portraits?

Yes, its focal length suits head-and-shoulders framing and it is regarded as one of Nikon's best manual-focus designs.

Can I use the 105mm f/2.5 AI-S on Z cameras?

Yes, via the FTZ or FTZ II adapter. Focus is manual, and entering the lens data in the camera menu enables metering and lets in-body stabilization work.

Does the AI-S 105mm f/2.5 meter on Nikon DSLRs?

Mid-range and pro bodies such as the D7500, D750, D500 and D850 can meter with non-CPU lenses once lens data is entered. Entry-level D3xxx and D5xxx bodies cannot meter, so exposure is by trial and review.