Then the lens with a 105mm 4.0 bellows mounted in front with a K3 ring like Bjorn Roslett rates it 5/5 and says:
"Opinions are divided regarding the optical quality of this lens, which derives directly from the Bellows 105mm f/4. My sample is excellent, however. Getting top-notch results demands that the lens is stopped down less than ~ f/11, because image quality deteriorates rapidly from there on. This behaviour is by the way typical for all Micro-Nikkors. Although it's multi-coated, flare still can be a problem for some shooting situations. The earliest (AI) version lacked the small locking screw to secure the focus setting, and thus the focused distance would change when the lens was pointed downwards. It focuses to 1:2 on its own and the PN-11 extension ring is needed to give 1:1 magnification.
A terrific macro capacity can be given this lens by mounting the short-mount Bellows 105mm f/4 onto its front thread. The lens head should not be reversed in this case, contrary to usual practice, and is easily attached to the 105 Micro by using the K3 ring. This setup yields 1-2X magnification without any light loss at all so effectively equals a 50 mm f/2 lens! The viewfinder is brilliantly clear and focusing the package is a joy compared to other setups I've tried. I have obtained my sharpest insect photos ever using this combination. The only drawback is that the working distance can be a little on the short side for shy objects.
On the D2X, you are assured superb image quality for near subjects (distant scenes not yet tested). Images are crisp and clear across the entire frame at f/4 and get even better when the lens is stopped down. The field flatness is remarkable and no ills from CA can be detected. Quality holds up well even at f/16 on D2X.
IR: Very good. No problems detected, no hot spots. There is a focus shift that largely can be taken care of by refocusing according to the red dot on the focusing scale."
The bellows 105mm will set you back $500 bucks, the same lens in a focusing mount will cost $100, go figure.
A coin with the two 105mm setup, it is hard to keep a perpendicular plane on a towel, this looks like 2x-3x to me. It was very bright on the finder, easy to focus, much more than the 200 medical at 2x.
Am I understanding that there is a 105 in front of a second 105?
That's the bellows Nikkor 105 f4 in front of the 105mm f4 micro Nikkor, mounted using a BR-2a (F mount to 52mm threaded adapter ring)
Mounted using a Nikon K3 ring. The BR2 would give you a female thread, need male to screw onto the 52mm filter thread. Both lenses have the same optical design and somehow that makes this setup work.
