105 f/2.8 Micro Nikkor VR vs. D Question

[Replytoken]

I have owned the VR version of this lens over 10 years and have been quite happy with it. A good friend is thinning his lens herd and asked if I was interested in picking up the D version for what he would receive on a trade-in. I know the newer version is considered by many to be better than its predecessor, but I am wondering if there would be any reason for me to consider acquiring the D version (as I am not very familiar with it). I am not looking for redundant lenses, but sometimes certain lenses have certain characteristics that make them desirable even if they have been replaced with a newer model. I am currently shooting with a D610 and D500. Any thoughts?

--Ken

 

[Replytoken]

Does anybody have any general thoughts about the D version? Not an easy forum search given how many different ways one can abbreviate the full name of this lens.

--Ken

 

[bpdougd]

I had the D version and it was sharp with very good OOF areas in the background. I never compared it to the latest VR version.

 

[Replytoken]

I had the D version and it was sharp with very good OOF areas in the background. I never compared it to the latest VR version.

That was kind of what I thought about it, but I prefer to hear it from actual users.

Thanks,

--Ken

 

[andreasb]

I have had both and and still have the vr version and see no reasons why you would want to buy the older version. Its not sharper, af is slow and so on

 

[Replytoken]

I have had both and and still have the vr version and see no reasons why you would want to buy the older version. Its not sharper, af is slow and so on

That was what I thought, but my friend has dropped the price a bit, and it is part of a package of gear that I want, so I am going to take it. I am sure I can sell it for what I paid, and the price is not a lot, so in the name of being a good friend, I probably just fatten my lens herd a bit.

--Ken

 

[longzoom]

Sorry for this post, it could be annoying a little bit, but I want to show my way to solve the problem in critical situation. So the combo of D810 + the last Nikkor 80-400 lens + Canon 500D screw-in. At 400mm, minimal distance, f11.0, ISO800. On a FX frame this combo delivering 1:1.5, and on DX 1:1. My wristwatch, couple crops.

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[Replytoken]

Its a bit OT, but the images are quite impressive. The Canon 500D has quite a reputation, and they are not easy to find these days. Glad it is a working solution for you.

--Ken