Hi guys, what´s your thoughts on this?. Is anyone using this lens as a portrait lens?
how about comparing it to the 105mm f2 DC in the portrait world, is the 105 DC better @ 2.8 than the 105 VR @ 2.8?

I have both the 135 DC and 105 DC, but not a 105 VR. From the reports I've seen on the 105vr, I don't see why you couldn't use it as a portrait lens and several people have reported doing so.

The DC lenses are designed as portrait lenses and do that job very well, rendering images with excellent bokeh and sharpness, plus the subtle to not so subtle DC feature application that can be applied. From what I've seen of the 105vr images, it doesn't have excellent bokeh like the DC lenses. Whether or not that is important to you, is your call.

thanks Kerry. Why people say that the 105VR isn´t a portrait lens? I´ve read is too sharp for portraits, but I can´t imagine how that could be a problem.

When you see every pore, black head, whisker, etc. pronounced, it's not always a great thing.

I'm not sure that the lens is too sharp for portraits, although it could be for some subjects. I think what most people mean when they talk about that is the contrast and tone of image produced. What I've read is that they think the lens is very high contrast (which is good for macro) and doesn't produce a flattering image for portraits, plus I think that they like the bokeh produced by the DC lenses much better.

For example, you don't want to accentuate flaws in the skin and you generally don't want too much contrast on people's skin/faces. Other than that, I really don't know. I've had the 105 DC for several years and really like how it renders an image, so haven't paid much attention to the 105vr.

I didn't know Nikon made a lens line specific for portrait. I was wondering about the difference between DC and D or G. So, DC stands for Defocus image Control? What does it do, or how is it used?

that is a problem, but another is that most if not all professional lenses are SHARP. So, when used they will show those facial irregularities some find objectionable. This is when portrait software comes in useful, as does using Phostoshop. In essence, post processing is required. Some examples are Imagenomics Portraiture 2, and NIK's Complete 3.0

If one uses the Nikkor 35-135 for portraits then there will be copmments as to how unprofessional that is, and perhaps one must pay the price to get good optical performance. YAKITY YAKITY YAK

To not use up any good graces, not using processing with portraits is just making a snapshot. Most professional uses - clients paying money - demand some sort of processing, imho, ymmv. No matter what lens you use.


Joe

codeninja wrote:
I didn't know Nikon made a lens line specific for portrait. I was wondering about the difference between DC and D or G. So, DC stands for Defocus image Control? What does it do, or how is it used?

Look around online, or even just the review section here on FM.

codeninja wrote:
I didn't know Nikon made a lens line specific for portrait. I was wondering about the difference between DC and D or G. So, DC stands for Defocus image Control? What does it do, or how is it used?

You can read the propaganda and manual here.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/1935/AF-DC-NIKKOR-135mm-f%252F2D.html

I normally don't use the DC much, so it's in neutral or at most it is set to the same as the aperture. When I do use it, it's primarily for soft focus type images, but you can use the entire range of the DC control and get very subtle to very strong effect. That depends on what you want, background, foreground, etc.

I tried the 105 DC prior to getting the Micro VR. The 105 seemed soft, the images flat. The 105 Micro is a much better all-around lens. It does close-ups very well, has nano coating for flare control, great bokeh and is very sharp, plus has VR. It's less money now than the DC lens, as well.

For portraits, I still prefer the 85 f/1.4.

A great portrait lens, only downside is AF can be a bit slow as this is a macro lens and it has to turn quite a ways to find the spot.

Below are a few portraits taken with it. I've since purchased the 85/1.4 which is my favorite lens in the bag.

Mark

as already been said, I love the 105VR as a portrait lens, but there is a major drawback: even with the range limiter, the lens can be hunting quite a lot before locking on the target (even with a D3), and this gets worse in low light. Other than that, I like the focal length, IQ is remarkable and the lens is perfectly balanced on a pro body. My real fav is still the 70-200VR

Guy

guys what about the aperture changing while focusing? I´ve read that It could be change from f2.8 to f3.5, is this true?

when in close range its true, yes

I also agree 100% with gugs.

the 105 DC actually tests sharper than the 105 VR Macro

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php

If you don't need defocus control, Nikon's 105mm macro lens also works well as a portrait lens. Vibration control (VR) is a feature of this lens, however the 105mm ƒ/2 DC is sharper at every aperture and has the benefit of a faster ƒ/2 maximum aperture setting. CA, corner shading and distortion results are similar between the two lenses.

Similar thread from a few weeks ago:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/793567/0#7315134

hyperion wrote:
the 105 DC actually tests sharper than the 105 VR Macro

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php

If you don't need defocus control, Nikon's 105mm macro lens also works well as a portrait lens. Vibration control (VR) is a feature of this lens, however the 105mm ƒ/2 DC is sharper at every aperture and has the benefit of a faster ƒ/2 maximum aperture setting. CA, corner shading and distortion results are similar between the two lenses.



photozone has the 105 VR as being sharper, and I tend to go with their findings more than anyone else's. The 105 VR shattered the limits of the D200's sensor and almost needs something like the D3x to fully utilize its resolution ability.

AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED wide open in daylight.



Camera: Nikon D700
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 200

It’s fine. I use it all the time.

--------
Gary
Will Fly for Food... and more Nikon stuff

Here are a couple of D700 portraits with the 105mm VR.