This is a manual focus lens manufactured by Nikon, renowned for its optical qualities and robust build. It features a moderate telephoto focal length of 105mm and a fast maximum aperture of f/2.5, making it well-suited for portraiture and low-light photography. The “AIS” designation refers to the Aperture Indexing System, which allows it to communicate aperture information to newer Nikon camera bodies.
Its significance lies in its ability to deliver sharp images with pleasing bokeh, often considered a classic example of Nikon’s lens design. The optic gained popularity for its performance in various photographic applications and its relative compactness. Its historical context is rooted in the era of manual focus SLR cameras, representing a period of significant lens development.