Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4 E ED Autofocus IF Lens {82}

Nikon's 105mm f/1.4E ED: the original full-frame 105 at maximum aperture.

This was the world's first full-frame 105mm f/1.4 lens when Nikon released it, and the optical engineering behind that distinction still holds up. The 14-element, 9-group design incorporates three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to keep chromatic aberration in check at f/1.4, where lesser glass tends to fall apart. Nano Crystal Coat controls ghosting and flare across a broad wavelength range, so contrast stays intact even when shooting into light. Internal focusing means the barrel doesn't extend or rotate during focus, which matters for filter work and video pulls alike.

At f/1.4 with a 23°10' angle of view on a full-frame body, subject isolation at this focal length produces a quality of background separation that wider-aperture short telephotos simply can't replicate at the same working distance. The Silent Wave Motor autofocus is quiet enough for video and responsive enough for indoor sports. Minimum focus distance lands at 1 meter, giving you enough working room for three-quarter portraits without crowding your subject. The 82mm filter thread and 985g weight reflect what it actually takes to build a prime at this specification, this is a substantial lens built for serious, sustained use.

For portrait and wedding photographers who want the absolute maximum in subject separation and rendering character at this focal length, there's no comparable Nikon F-mount native option. At f/1.4, available-light ceremony shooting becomes a different conversation entirely.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers working full-frame Nikon F bodies will find the f/1.4 aperture and 105mm focal length produce subject isolation with a three-dimensional quality that f/1.8 alternatives at this length don't match. Wedding photographers shooting low-light receptions and ceremonies benefit from the light-gathering capability and Silent Wave Motor's quiet operation. Indoor sports shooters get a fast-aperture short telephoto with reliable AF performance. Videographers doing portrait-style documentary work gain from internal focusing and the electromagnetic diaphragm, which allows smooth, consistent aperture transitions during clips.

Key Features

• 14-element, 9-group optical design with three ED glass elements
• f/1.4 maximum aperture with f/16 minimum for 105mm focal length
• Silent Wave Motor autofocus with internal focusing and electromagnetic diaphragm
• Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghosting and flare across broad wavelength range
• 1-meter minimum focus distance for portrait and available-light work
• Nikon F-mount, full-frame format, 82mm filter thread, 985g weight

FAQ

Is this really the first full-frame 105mm f/1.4 lens ever made?

Yes. Nikon released this as the world's first full-frame 105mm at f/1.4 when it debuted, and no other manufacturer has matched it in native F-mount since.

How does the background separation compare to wider f/1.4 lenses?

At 105mm with f/1.4, you get subject isolation that 35mm or 85mm f/1.4 lenses can't touch at the same working distance. The longer focal length compresses perspective and amplifies bokeh depth.

What's the minimum focus distance, and does it work for close portraits?

1 meter (3.28 feet). That's enough breathing room for three-quarter to full-body portraits without cramming the lens into your subject's space.

Does the Silent Wave Motor work quietly for video?

Yes. The AF-S motor is quiet during autofocus pulls and responsive enough for live-action video work, though manual focus is still your best option for controlled focus racks.

What does "internal focusing" mean for actual shooting?

The barrel doesn't extend or rotate when you focus, so filter threads stay fixed, ND grads don't shift, and your follow focus setup stays locked. Critical for video and filter work.

Why three ED elements in a single-focal-length lens?

Chromatic aberration gets brutal at f/1.4 on a 105mm prime. The three ED elements keep color fringing controlled across the frame even at maximum aperture.

Is 985g acceptable for a professional portrait lens?

It's substantial, but that weight reflects the optical engineering required to hit f/1.4 at this focal length. It feels planted on full-frame bodies and balances well.