Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Review

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D is a zoom lens for full-frame cameras, Nikon. It began producing in 1999. It posed as a kit lens for film cameras Nikon F100 and a Nikon F80. This lens upgrades Nikkor 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D, which also has a good performance. The lens is made in the best Nikon traditions. And comparing it with the modern kit lens, it wins in many ways. For example, the modern Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR did not lose such a wide angle on the sprinkles and the absence of a stabilizer.  

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Specs

Focal length: 28—105mm
Max. aperture: f/3.5-4.5
Weight (gr): 455
Length (mm): 81,5
Filter Ø (mm.): 62
Aperture blades: 9
Min. focus distance (m.): 0,5 (0.22 in macro mode)  

Nikon 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Handling and Mechanics

The lens is well assembled in a metal barrel. 

In front of the lens focus ring is located. The ring is rotated by 45 degrees in the normal mode and 90 degrees in the macro mode. Ring narrow and focus it manually uncomfortable. The lens is designed to work better with autofocus. 

The autofocus is fast. Slips happen, but not often. The lens does not have a built-in motor and has a mechanism of a "screwdriver." This means that AF will work only in those cameras, where there is a built-in motor. At the entry-level DSLR cameras, autofocus will not operate. When focusing the front element does not rotate, it is a pleasant surprise. While the zooming front element rotates, this lens is not set petal lens hood and gradient filters (if anyone is needed). The zoom ring is closer to the camera. It is moderately broad. When Zooming, the lens extended in front by 4 cm. 

The lens has two focus modes: normal and macro. To go from normal to macro mode, you need to set the focal length from 50 to 105 mm. It also shows an orange dash underneath the zoom bar. 

And to go from the macro to the normal mode, we need to focus on the long range. At first, it's uncomfortable, but then you get used, and it is not a problem. It is also closer to the bayonet. There is a switch of manual and automatic preset aperture.

To diaphragm can be properly controlled by the camera, you need to close the switch on the value of 22, a manual aperture ring.

View on the camera Nikon D80

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Example Photos

I captured all examples of on-camera Nikon D80 in the AF mode. Exports from RAW program Darktable without post-processing.

Nikon 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Sharpness

At wide-open, the lens is sharp at all focal lengths.

105mm f/ 4.5

The sharpness is quite good, as for the zoom lens.

28mm f/ 3.5

105mm f/ 4.5

38mm f/ 4

Nikon 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Character and Bokeh

The lens shows a nice Nikkor character.

80mm f/ 4.5

It has good aperture settings as for the zoom lens. Therefore, the long end can obtain good background blur.

105mm f/ 4.5 MFD at normal focusing mode (0.5 m)

105mm f/ 4.5

80mm f/ 4.5

The bokeh I have not found anything special, typical zoom lens bokeh. But for reportage shootings, lens fulfills well. Picture a nice, and that's enough.

105mm f/ 4.5

Nikon 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Contrast and Color Reproduction

The lens has good contrast.

28mm f/ 3.5

105mm f/ 4.5

Tolerates backlight. Although sometimes catches the flare.

28mm f/ 4.5

105mm f/ 4.5

It's color reproduction I like more than the modern lenses. It is pleasant.

28mm f/ 3.5

Nikon 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Distortion and Vignetting

The distortion of the lens is small, an excellent performance for such a zoom ratio.

28mm f/ 3.5

Vignetting at a wide-open aperture is present, especially on full frame cameras.

28mm f/ 3.5

Nikon 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D Macro mode

In macro mode, at the long end of the lens can shoot close-up on the reproduction ratio of 1: 2. This is an excellent performance for a zoom lens.

105mm f/ 10 MFD at macro mode (0.22 m)

It is also pleased that the macro mode works full autofocus.

105mm f/ 4.5

105mm f/ 4.5 Examples show that the lens has excellent sharpness even at a wide-open aperture.

Summary

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5D is good staff autofocus zoom lens. It is convenient to use as all-day photos. I bought it myself for reportage shooting; it fulfills its purpose properly.