Welcome to keh.com!
Theme gray image

Nikon AF DC-NIKKOR 105mm f/2 D Autofocus Lens {72}

Model #246528
  • $471.00

Select Gear Grade
Our Grading System
New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
BN Bargain
With Caps
$471.00
Only 1 left!
Free 180 Day warranty on all purchases
FREE SHIPPING OVER $75 + FREE 21-DAY RETURNS
Talk with an expert:
1-800-342-5534

Nikon's 105mm f/2 with Defocus Control for deliberate bokeh

The DC-NIKKOR 105mm f/2 D is built around one idea: giving the photographer direct control over out-of-focus rendering. The Defocus Control ring adjusts spherical aberration independently for the foreground and background, letting you dial in softer or more structured bokeh than accepting whatever the optics produce by default. At f/2, there's already significant subject separation, but the DC ring adds a layer of intentionality that no standard portrait lens offers.

Autofocus is driven by a D-type CPU, which passes distance information to compatible Nikon bodies for matrix metering and flash exposure calculations. The 72mm filter thread accepts standard polarizers and ND filters without adapters. Manual focus override is always available, which matters when you're working close and AF hunting would break the moment.

This lens has been in production long enough that its rendering characteristics are well-documented and widely trusted. Portrait and beauty photographers who want to shape the quality of their backgrounds, not just blur them, will find the DC mechanism earns its place in the workflow.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers shooting on Nikon F-mount bodies get the most direct benefit: the DC ring lets them tune background rendering shot by shot, which is genuinely useful in cluttered environments. Beauty and editorial shooters working in controlled light can use DC adjustments to soften foreground elements around the subject's face. Film photographers with Nikon SLRs get full metering integration via the D-type CPU. Studio photographers who want a fixed 105mm with f/2 speed and intentional optical control than a zoom compromise will find this fits precisely into that gap.

Key Features

  • f/2 fixed maximum aperture with 105mm focal length
  • Defocus Control ring adjusts bokeh in foreground and background independently
  • D-type CPU autofocus with distance data to camera body
  • 72mm filter thread for polarizers and ND filters
  • Manual focus override always available
  • Full-frame (FX) mount compatible

FAQ

What does the Defocus Control ring actually do?
It adjusts spherical aberration independently in the foreground and background, letting you soften or structure the bokeh character rather than accepting fixed optics. Turn it one direction for creamier backgrounds, the other for more defined rendering.
Will autofocus work on modern Nikon DSLRs and mirrorless bodies?
Autofocus functions on any Nikon F-mount body. The D-type CPU passes distance data to the camera for metering and flash exposure calculations, but older AF mechanics mean focus speed is slower than current AF-S or AF-P lenses.
Is this lens only for portraits?
No. The 105mm focal length and f/2 aperture work for any subject where you want shallow depth of field and the ability to shape bokeh. The DC ring adds control that's useful beyond portraiture.
Can I use this on a Nikon mirrorless camera?
Yes, with an FTZ adapter. The optical performance is unchanged, but you lose autofocus on Z-mount bodies without the adapter.
What filter size does this lens take?
72mm. Standard circular polarizers and ND filters screw on directly without additional adapters or step rings.
Does manual focus override work smoothly?
Yes, manual focus is always available and responsive. There's no focus-by-wire delay - you can grab the focus ring at any time without waiting for autofocus to disengage.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length105mm
Max Aperturef/2
MountNikon F (FX)

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Nikon
Filter Size 72mm
Focus Type Autofocus (camera motor)
Lens Mount Nikon F Mount D Type
Lens Type Short Tele / Portrait
Max Focal Length 105mm
Min Focal Length 105mm