Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S
The Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S is a 105mm f/2.5 manual-focus lens for the Nikon F (AI-S) mount, made by Nikon from 1981-2005. It uses 5 elements / 4 groups, Gauss-derived (early versions Sonnar). Typical used value is $150 to $450, with most examples near $260, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S specifications
Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S specifications
| Brand | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Model | Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S |
| Focal length | 105 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.5 |
| Native mount | Nikon F (AI-S) |
| Production years | 1981-2005 |
| Optical design | 5 elements / 4 groups, Gauss-derived (early versions Sonnar) |
| Adapts to | Sony EFuji XMFTCanon RFNikon ZL-mount |
Why collectors want it
A legendary portrait lens used for the 1984 National Geographic Afghan Girl photograph. It renders with excellent sharpness, smooth bokeh and pleasing color at a moderate aperture. The lineage runs from a Sonnar formula to a later Gauss design, both well regarded.
Mount and adapters for the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S
The Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S has a native Nikon F (AI-S) mount. Nikon F is the 1959 bayonet with a 46.5mm register that Nikon kept through the pre-AI, AI (1977), AI-S (1981), and autofocus eras. Every mirrorless mount has a shorter register than 46.5mm, so a plain mechanical adapter puts the lens at its design distance and infinity focus is preserved. Plain adapter ring for every manual-aperture Nikkor. Pre-AI lenses mount freely on adapters; their only compatibility problem is with later Nikon bodies whose meter-coupling tab they can bend.
| Camera system | Adapter | Infinity focus | Frames like | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony E | Plain mechanical, 28.5mm | Yes | 105mm on full frame; 158mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Nikon F to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 28.8mm | Yes | 158mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Nikon F to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 27.25mm | Yes | 210mm on Four Thirds (2x) | Nikon F to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 26.5mm | Yes | 105mm on full frame; 168mm on APS-C (1.6x) | Nikon F to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 30.5mm | Yes | 105mm on full frame; 158mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Nikon F to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 26.5mm | Yes | 105mm on full frame; 158mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Nikon F to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S?
The Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S has a native Nikon F (AI-S) mount. Nikon F is the 1959 bayonet with a 46.5mm register that Nikon kept through the pre-AI, AI (1977), AI-S (1981), and autofocus eras. With a plain mechanical adapter it fits Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount bodies and keeps infinity focus.
How much is the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S worth in 2026?
A used Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S typically sells for $150 to $450, with most clean working examples near $260. Basis: eBay sold listings, KEH and MPB, 2024-2025. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S work on Sony E, Fuji X, and MFT?
Yes. Nikon F has a 46.5mm register and every mirrorless mount is shorter (16mm to 20mm), so a simple Nikon F adapter reaches infinity with no optics. On a full-frame body the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S frames as a 105mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 158mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 168mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 210mm. Plain adapter ring for every manual-aperture Nikkor. Pre-AI lenses mount freely on adapters; their only compatibility problem is with later Nikon bodies whose meter-coupling tab they can bend.
When was the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S made?
Nikon made the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S from 1981-2005. That puts the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S 22 years into the life of the Nikon F mount, which appeared in 1959 on the Nikon F.
What is the optical design of the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S?
The Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S uses 5 elements / 4 groups, Gauss-derived (early versions Sonnar). Sonnar designs pack their elements into thick cemented groups with few air-to-glass surfaces, which gave high contrast before multi-coating and a smooth, low-contrast look wide open.
Which lenses are similar to the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 (100mm f/2.8, $250 to $900) and the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 (90mm f/2.8, $300 to $800). None of them is cheaper or faster than the Nikon Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S; they differ in mount and rendering.
Alternatives to the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AI-S
Lenses within 15mm of 105mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.