On 8 May 1998 20:04:39 -0700, derrick@sonic.net (Derrick Low) wrote:

>Given a choice between these two lenses, which one would you choose?
>
>At my local pro shop, there are several 105/2.5 Nikkors, ranging in
>price from $175-$225. Most are older (w/ metal focusing rings), non-ai
>lenses, which, while optically clean, suffer some sort of mechanical
>defect--sticky focus, heavily used, etc. There is a newer, AIS version
>as well, but it is beaten up to the point of being almost grey
>(instead of black, like it should be), and it is also $225.

These appear to be all somewhat overpriced - you should be
able to find the better AI/AIS (large rear-element) version
on the 'net either for far less, or in much better condition...

>100/2.8 Series E lenses, I've found, are somewhere between
>$100-$125. I have an older Series E 50/1.8 ("older" meaning it has the
>chrome ring in front of the aperture ring) and, despite being loose at
>some points, I feel is well built. (These loose parts were loose or
>coming apart when I bought it for $30; it has held up pretty well in
>the past few months.)

Yours is the later E. (BTW, I have a minty later version 100 E
for $125, if you want...) The E non-zooms used a teflon-on-aluminum
focus mechanism, rather than the MF brass-on-aluminum, and it did not
wear as well - but even a well-worn old E is often tighter than a
new AF lens...

>The 105/2.5 Nikkor seems to have a *very* good reputation for
>sharpness, etc. but I have not heard very much about the 100/2.8 E,
>except for what David Reuther has in his lens review, which is pretty
>brief. Is the 105/2.5 worth the extra $50-$100, especially if it is
>non-ai or in worse condition than a much cheaper Series E lens?

No! The 100mm f2.8 E-Series lens is one of the sharpest around, and
is as sharp even wide open as the best of the 105mm AIS lenses.
BTW, from my "SUBJECTIVE Lens Evaluations (Mostly Nikkors)", on
my web page, under "I babble":

100mm f2.8 E 4.8 (3) light and compact
105mm f2.8 Micro 5 at infinity, possibly the best center to corner
4.4 close (2) performance at infinity at f2.8 of
all lenses I have tried (with the
180mm AF, 135mm f2 MF, later 105mm
f2.5, 100mm f2.8 E, and the
latest-version 35mm f2.8 PC also
performing unusually well at
infinity-focus at f2.8), goes to
1:2
105mm f2.8 Micro AF 4-4.5 at infinity, (comments deleted)
4.8 close (3)
105mm f2.5 early 4 (several (small rear element)
samples)
105mm f2.5 later 4.8 (several (large rear element), performance
samples) declines at wide stops near
minimum focus

(number in parentheses is the number of samples used)

>Also, I have some technical questions about these lenses. Does the
>Series E lens have a built in lens hood like the newer 105/2.5
>Nikkors? What are the close-focusing distances on each of these
>lenses? I would also like the dimensions of each lens--I haven't
>had a chance to compare them side-by-side.

The E has no built-in shade, is somewhat shorter than the AI/AIS,
and is noticeably lighter. I think it focuses down to about 3.5'.
Close focus performance at wide stops is better than the AI/AIS.
This is one of Nikon's best lenses - a real "sleeper" (and cheap!).