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http://www.sethblockphotography.com/nikon-f-12d-10…f-dc-in-review/

Arguably Nikon produces the finest lens available for SLR cameras, within the Nikon stable are a number of specialty lenses, several of these were for specific use, medical, engineering, astronomy, but there are a few lens limited production models, while not widely known or used that can produce amazing results.

The Nikkor F 1:2D 105mm AF DC is one of those lens, first introduced in 1993, approximately 14,000 have been produced, few camera outlets inventory this lens but they are available, priced around 900-1000 dollars.

The DC in the monikor stands for (Defocus Image Control) used properly this lens can produce amazing portraits, its true calling however is the ability to have images literally jump off the page.

When using this lens, it is best to use spot focusing and manual control, set the DC control to the desired F-STOP (F for front, R for rear) then set the camera to the same F-STOP check your metering and ISO of course, then compose your shot and go.

Setting the DC to front will allow you to shoot through objects, branches, leaves, chicken wire, fencing, just about anything in front of your subject, while the effect is not apparent on a digital cameras screen, once you lay this image up on a computer, whatever was in front of the subject will no be visible. Basically without getting technical, the lens defocuses those objects to the point of total obscurity.

Setting the lens to (R) has the opposite effect, everything behind your subject is reduced to an indistinguishable blur, the ultimate Bokeh. It is possible to create this effect using Photoshop or other gimmickry to blur a background, many of these images look pasted on the print (some folks like that look) This lens accomplishes this during the photographic process, the effect is immediate and natural.

Only Nikon produces this type of lens, there is a 135 mm version, some say that the big brother is not quite as sharp as the 105, having never used the 135, I cannot comment on that one way or the other.

The Defocus lens offers the shooter the ultimate level of control over an image, this is not the fastest focusing lens, but it is worth the learning curve (takes a bit getting the hang of using this lens) it is a wonderful lens and allows for increased creativity.

The DC lens is produced in Japan, like all Nikon PRO lens, no sub quality China components here, it has a built in lens hood (another great feature) coupled with an F100, D700 and D4S this lens has never disappointed me.