Nikon AF NIKKOR 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D Macro Autofocus IF Lens {62}

28-105mm F-mount workhorse with built-in macro reach

The Nikon AF NIKKOR 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D covers a focal range that handles most shooting situations without a lens swap. At 28mm you have enough width for environmental portraits and tight interiors, and at 105mm you're working with solid subject separation for head-and-shoulder frames. The D-type designation means the lens communicates distance information to compatible Nikon bodies, which translates to more accurate 3D Matrix metering and TTL flash exposure.

The macro capability is a genuine asset, not a marketing footnote. It lets you move in close enough for product shots and botanical details that would otherwise require a dedicated macro lens. Internal focus keeps the barrel length fixed as you rack through the range, which matters when you're shooting with a polarizer on the 62mm filter thread and don't want it spinning as focus changes. Autofocus is driven by the body's internal motor, so full AF functionality depends on using a body with a built-in AF drive screw.

For a Nikon F-mount shooter who wants one lens that can carry a full day of varied work, this covers the distance between a wide-angle and a short telephoto while adding close-focus capability that most zoom lenses skip entirely.

Who It's For

Travel photographers who shoot on Nikon F-mount bodies will find the 28-105mm range covers street scenes and portrait moments without swapping glass. Documentary and editorial shooters benefit from the D-type distance data feeding accurate flash metering in mixed lighting. Anyone doing product or still-life work on a budget gets real macro utility without investing in a prime. Wedding photographers shooting in reception halls can use the 62mm filter thread with a circular polarizer for window light control across the zoom range.

Key Features

• 28-105mm focal range with macro capability for close focus work
• F-mount AF with D-type distance communication
• Internal focus design keeps barrel fixed during autofocus
• f/3.5-4.5 variable aperture
• 62mm filter thread
• Autofocus requires body with AF motor coupling

FAQ

Does this lens autofocus on all Nikon F-mount bodies?

No - AF requires a body with a built-in AF motor (the screw-drive coupling). Film bodies like the FM2n or FE2 will work in manual focus only, while autofocus-capable bodies like the N90s, F90x, or most digital DSLRs will have full AF functionality.

How close can you focus with the macro mode?

The macro capability lets you work close enough for product shots and botanical detail, though Nikon doesn't publish a specific minimum focus distance. It's not a true 1:1 macro lens, but it eliminates the need for a second lens for close work in mixed shooting.

What does the D-type designation actually do?

D-type lenses communicate focus distance information to compatible Nikon bodies, which improves 3D Matrix metering accuracy and TTL flash exposure calculation. You get better metering and flash exposure in most shooting scenarios.

Will the filter rotate when autofocusing?

No - internal focus design means the barrel stays fixed during AF, so a polarizer or ND filter threaded on the 62mm front element won't spin as the lens racks focus.

Is this a constant aperture lens?

No - aperture ranges from f/3.5 at 28mm to f/4.5 at 105mm. You lose about one stop of light as you zoom to the telephoto end.

What's the optical design like?

Nikon didn't publish the element count or diagram, but the range-and-macro combination in a compact form factor typically uses 13-15 elements. It's a workhorse zoom, not an ultra-wide or extreme telephoto specialist.