Comparison
Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 vs Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S
The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 is a 100mm f/2.8 M42 lens made 1950s-1970s, valued at $250 to $900 used. The Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S is a 105mm f/2.5 Nikon F (AI-S) lens made 1981-2005, valued at $150 to $450 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 | Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100 mm | 105 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.5 |
| Native mount | M42 | Nikon F (AI-S) |
| Production years | 1950s-1970s | 1981-2005 |
| Optical design | 3 elements / 3 groups, Cooke Triplet | 5 elements / 4 groups, Gauss-derived (early versions Sonnar) |
| Typical used value | $450 | $260 |
| Value range | $250 to $900 | $150 to $450 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT |
What actually differs
- The Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S is 0.3 stops faster: f/2.5 against f/2.8.
- The Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S is cheaper. Typical used value is $260 against $450, a gap of $190 (roughly 1.7x). Ranges: $150 to $450 versus $250 to $900.
- The Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S is longer at 105mm against 100mm, a 5mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 is the older design; production began around 1950 against 1981 for the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S (1950s-1970s versus 1981-2005).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Nikon F (AI-S), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 3 elements in 3 groups for the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8, 5 elements in 4 groups for the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S wins on the 0.3 stops of extra speed and the $190 lower typical price, and the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.