Fast Glass SHOOTING WITH THE NEW NIKKOR 105MM/1.4

There is something special, magical even, when shooting with fast prime lenses. Nikon has just introduced a truly special and perhaps beyond magical new lens, the AF-S Nikkor 105mm/f1.4E ED. I received mine this past Friday and immediately began shooting with it at the IMSA WeatherTech Michelin GT Challenge Sportscar race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR).

Lee Willard, Michelin Race Engineer, checks the track temperature on race morning.

The lens is a beautiful piece of engineering. 4.2 inches long, 3.7 inches wide and a weight of 34.8 ounces, it is big, but not bulky and is well balanced when placed on my Nikon D5. I know a lot how glass like this is designed, other than to say the 9 blade diaphragm , the ED glass and he Fluorine coating combine to provide tact sharp images and killer bokeh. The majority of the images on this post were shot at 1.4, a couple shot at 1.8 and 2.0.

Corvette driver Tommy Milner prepares for the day's work.
Nick Tandy, 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours winner, and Gary Davies, Porsche race engineer, debrief after qualifying.
Jan Magnussen being interviewed after qualifying his Corvette on pole.
Antonio Garcia sits in the cockpit of his Corvette prior to practice session.
Ford GT driver Ryan Briscoe relaxes on pit wall.
Ryan Briscoe focused and ready in the cockpit of the Ford GT.
Andy Lally, in the cockpit of the Magnus Racing Audi R8.

The Nikkor 105mm/f1.4 is the type of investment that pays dividends from the very first assignment and will continue to do so for years to come. The quality of this glass is worth every penny. What I love most about shooting with this lens as with all fast prime lenses, is it encourages me to slow down and to really think and work to find the best angle, the best composition, and the best light.

Co-drivers Antonio Garcia and Jan Magnussen hug in Victory Lane.
Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia celebrate their victory at VIR.
Jan Magnussen celebrates his victory at VIR.

Richard Dole is sports/portrait/corporate photographer based in Saint Augustine, Florida. His work can be viewed at http://www.dolephoto.com.

All images ©2016 Richard Dole Photography. All Rights Reserved.

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