Nikon 105 vs 70-180

[Ron Boyes 0]

Hi All,

I have been using the 70-180 with my D100, will I notice any real difference if I use my 105? compared to the zoom at 180mm? I haven't used the 105 for a couple of years now.

 

Is it worth me buying the port for the 105 or should I stay with the 70-180 - I am using Subal housing and ports.

 

thanks

ron

[james 0]

You can use autofocus with the 105.

 

You can use a 1.4x teleconveter and a diopter and get LOTS more magnification with the 105 than with the 70-180. At 180mm, the 70-180 REALLY only has a true focal length of about 90mm.

 

Both lenses have a good use on a Nikon body. I would get the 105 if you can.

 

Cheers

James

[Ron Boyes 0]

You can use autofocus with the 105.  

 

You can use a 1.4x teleconveter and a diopter and get LOTS more magnification with the 105 than with the 70-180.  At 180mm, the 70-180 REALLY only has a true focal length of about 90mm.

 

Both lenses have a good use on a Nikon body.  I would get the 105 if you can.  

 

Cheers

James

 

Hi James,

 

Thanks for the reply.

I already have a 105, 60 and 20mm from my old F90 system (sea & sea housing) unfortunately I can't use these ports with the Subal.

I gather that you feel the 105 would give me better macro results.

 

I have attached an image of before and after cropping - I used the 70-180 at 180 with a wetlens as well.

 

I would appreciate your comments on how this shot would look if taken with the 105 with the teleconverter.

 

Thanks and regards

ron

[Alex_Mustard 0]

Hi Ron,

 

This shot of similar subject matter was taken with a D100 and 105mm with a dioptre (+4). It is uncropped. This combo certainly allows you to shoot much tighter if you want - but is much less flexible than the 70-180 when the dioptre is on. This was taken using AF (AFC) and with out a torch to aid focusing - which shows that the AF performance is pretty good with this lens.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Alex

 

[Alex_Mustard 0]

Another use I have found for the 105mm is as a telephoto lens (obviously without the dioptre). Shooting through 1.5 to 2m of water, to create a different look to my images. Although I guess you could also use the 70-180mm for this. This Bohar snapper was about 70cm long.

 

 

I would consider getting a flat port for your Subal. You could get a 60mm AF port an an extention ring (30mm) that would allow you to use both lenses?

[Kasey 0]

Personally I much prefer the 105mm. I bought the 70-180 because so many here on wetpixel seem to love the lens, however I found that the size of the housed system was way too cumbersome for the added flexibility, and the viewfinder was too dark and difficult to focus.

 

I prefer the 60 or 105 and rarely dive the 70-180. When I do use the 70-180, I use it only on my f100 because I can use it effectively in AF.

 

Which you'll prefer depends on what you are shooting, but for tiny creatures the 105 is boss. For larger stuff I'll take the 60, and for shy creatures the 70-180.

 

YMMV