Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/1.8 Ai-S - Nikon F Mount

The Nikkor 105mm f/1.8 Ai-S is a fast, manual-focus telephoto lens featuring a nine-blade diaphragm and a built-in retractable lens hood. Known for its pleasing bokeh and solid all-metal construction, it remains a popular choice for portraiture and low-light photography on both film and digital Nikon bodies. The f/1.8 aperture provides a significantly brighter viewfinder image and shallower depth of field compared to the more common f/2.5 version. When inspecting a used example, the focus throw should be smooth and consistent without any gritty spots or excessive resistance. SDS technicians check for oil on the aperture blades, which can lead to slow response times. The integrated hood should slide freely but stay in place when extended. Due to the large front element, we also check for internal dust and ensure there are no scratches on the glass coatings.