Micro-NIKKOR 55mm f/2.8
This manual focus Micro lens is perfect for extreme close-up and general photography with continuous focusing from infinity to 1/2 life-size (1:2).
$409.95*SRPSRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
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- 52mm front lens cap
- Rear lens cap
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
Micro-NIKKOR 55mm f/2.8
10
10
Sharpest Nikkor ever?
This was the first Nikkor lens I ever bought... what a great choice it turned out to be. I have used it for about 30 years now. I shot Kodak Technical Pan film with it and made huge enlargements with great results. If you don't know, Tech Pan was the finest grain film Kodak ever produced. Today I still use it on my D3 and D3X bodies, and I'm certain of the best image quality possible. I love this lens.
April 16, 2011
A great lens
I got this lens only recently, but it has impressed me. I got it to use on my film body, but I have also used it on DX format digital.
I think this lens will replace my 50mm f/1.4 AI-S lens for general use. Although the fast speed and ability to minimize depth of field is nice, the 50mm f/1.4 is a little weak at the larger apertures (of course). This 55mm f/2.8 seems sharper and I like the ability to focus close. Both lenses have their uses, but in halfway decent light there is no reason not to just use the slower lens.
I have the latest 60mm f/2.8 AF-S micro which I use on my D40. This older design seems comparable in most aspects, perhaps a little softer wide open at infinity, but just as sharp stopped down a little or close up in my experiences thus far, which is to say, extremely sharp.
The newer lens does have autofocus (not very useful if you are shooting in macro ranges, though) and the Nano crystal coating; I am guessing this lens would have more flare/ghosts than the modern version if sunlight was hitting the lens directly, but the front element of this lens is so deeply recessed that it is pretty unlikely. The barrel of this lens seems sufficient as a hood.
The new lens also focuses all the way down to 1:1 on film or the sensor, whereas this lens only focuses down to 1:2 without an extension tube. I rarely need to get closer than 1:2 for my shooting, but it is something to be aware of. I do have a PK-13 extension tube, but haven't used it yet.
The minimum focus distance is 9.86" or 0.25 meters, so like all macro lenses with relatively short focal length, the working distance is fairly short. It's about 4 inches at the maximum 1:2 magnification. It is possible you will block your own light or scare your subject if you are shooting insects etc. with this lens. In those cases you should probably look at a longer macro lens. I don't find it to be a problem for my uses.
One thing to note is that this lens extends a lot as you focus down to 1:2 magnification, unlike the modern lens which does everything internally. It extends to almost four inches from the flange at the maximum magnification, and longer if you are using extension tubes, of course.
Also like the modern lens, this lens does lose light as you focus closer. Sometimes my split image rangefinder blacks out a little, but it is still usable. If you meter externally you will need to find the exposure compensation factors at the various distances.
July 31, 2010
A great little lens...
I've had at least one of these in my bag since 1991. Works great as both a macro lens and a normal lens. It does have the ability to create sunstars if stopped down to f/22 while shooting with the sun in the frame.
My favorite combination with this lens is a Nikon F or a Nikkormat. Small enough to carry around, yet has the capability of locking the mirror up for low-light situations.
July 30, 2010
Para quem gosta de macro...
Estou contente com a precisão e qualidade das fotos principalmente quando se trabalha com macro!
April 24, 2012
Bad product
We just had the product for a month. We treated our camera like a baby and we still got a broken lense. We sent it to Nikkon and they won't pay for the repair. Very dissapointed I wish I could take everything back.
August 11, 2011
6 Questions | 10 Answers
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All1 year, 3 months ago
by
Pat
Bridgeport
Location :
Bridgeport
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Just getting started with photography
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
I use it with my D5000 and it works perfect. Don´t forget you will net to manual focus but it is extremelly simple and accurate. My photos stay perfect. I am very happy to have it.Aug 1, 2011 by
by
FallingPT
Portugal
Location :
Portugal
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 3-6 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes, you can certainly use it, but just be aware that there will be no autofocus function with this lens as it's an all-manual, old style AIS lens, not an AF or AF-S. For its price range, you should look at getting the AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED so that you can take advantage of your DSLR's functionality coupled with the lens.Jun 23, 2011 by
by
NikonEd
San Francisco, CA
Location :
San Francisco, CA
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
Answer:
Nikon offers two types of autofocus digital camera bodies: those with a built-in focus drive motor and those which require a lens to have a motor. Cameras such as the D5000 do not have a focus motor in it so they require the lens to have the focusing motor – an “AF-S” lens. While these bodies can use a lens with no focus motor (an “AF” lens) you would have to manually turn the focus ring to bring the subject in to sharp focus.1 year, 1 month ago
by
Anonymous
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Role: Just getting started with photography
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
also, you'll probably be without light (exposure) metering as well. afaik it's an AI-S lens and you need at least a d7000 to meter with that one. aaand, you'll only be able to use the M (full manual) mode.Answer:
It will fit and work but will be manual focus only.Has staff answer
Micro-NIKKOR 55mm f/2.8
2 Answers
If this lens is used on a DX camera such as the D-300, will the magnification be closer to 1:1?
If so, then maybe the PK-13 won't be needed.
11 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
The DX cameras don't have magnication. they only crop the image. That means you are only changing the angle of view not the magnification.Nov 24, 2011 by
by
Photo Bug
Chicago,IL.
Location :
Chicago,IL.
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than 20 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
The magnification is going to be 1:1. The PK-13 won't work.
Is this Compatible with the Nikon d40?
1 year ago
by
lovelyareyou
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Family & Friends
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Nikon offers two types of autofocus digital camera bodies: those with a built-in focus drive motor and those which require a lens to have a motor. Cameras such as the D40 do not have a focus motor in it so they require the lens to have the focusing motor – an “AF-S” lens. While these bodies can use a lens with no focus motor (an “AF” lens) you would have to manually turn the focus ring to bring the subject in to sharp focus.11 months ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
No as the P100 does not hve interchangeable lenses.10 months ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Just getting started with photography
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes.1 of 1
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