Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Review

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Introduction

The Nikon Micro-Nikkor 70-180mm is a unique lens in several ways. It's the only true macro zoom lens ever made, by any manufacturer. When I say true macro zoom lens, I don't mean a lens with close focus, but actually a macro lens. The Micro-Nikkor 70-180mm gives you a maximum of 1:1.3 at 180mm. To get life size, or 1:1 macro you need a Nikon 6T adapter, which is rather hard to find these days. Another of it's unique features is that the effective f/ stops are constant while focusing. The f/4.5-5.6 part has to do with the zooming and not the focusing.
Is this yet another one of those: damn why did they discontinue it lens? Read on to find out.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 18 elements in 14 groups, 1 ED glass element.

Picture Angle: 34°20' - 13°40' (35mm)

Minimum focus distance: 37cm/0.12

Filter Size: 62mm

Lens Hood: HB-14

Included accessories: Front / rear cap, HB-14 lens hood.

Size: Approx. 75mm (3.0 in.)dia. x 167mm (6.6 in.)

weight: Approx. 1010g / 2.226lb

Diaphragm: 9 rounded blades.

Price from: $ Discontinued

Positives

• Constant effective f/ stop while focusing.
• Convenient, having the possibility to zoom on an macro lens is god-sent. No need to reposition the whole setup.
• Bokeh, watch out though as it can produce nasty bokeh in some situations.
• Focus limiter

Drawbacks

• Discontinued. Price is rather steep second hand.
• AF Speed, although faster then some of its peers.
• Not 1:1 macro, goes to 1:1.3(180mm)
• Tripod collar, similar to the 80-200 f/2.8D ED, simply not good enough.
• No DOF/IR markings.
• Close focus, minimum focus distance is 37cm / 0.12 this is on the short side.

Verdict

The Nikon Micro-Nikkor 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D ED is an incredible lens, and there is truly nothing like it. Having the possibility to zoom on a true macro lens is very useful. Having a constant effective f/ stop on the entire focus range on a macro lens is even more useful. Combining these two features and you have a very powerful tool. The optical quality of the lens is extremely good, the tripod collar on the other hand is puny at best. Other reviewers have compared the build quality of this lens with the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED, I don't agree with this at all. The 80-200 is far better built then the 70-180mm. Overall build quality could definitely be better, and I expect more from Nikon on pro products like this lens. The M/A switches are known to break, so handle that with care. Infinity focus is pretty good for a AF macro lens. The best result I have seen on infinity on a macro lens is the MF Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 Pre-AI. The 70-180mm has a slight edge on the 60mm Micro-Nikkor on infinity. IR performance is really good, with no hot-spot at any aperture and focus shift is minimal.

The Nikon Micro-Nikkor 70-180mm is indeed another of those; damn why did they discontinue it. I see allot of people are paying more for this lens used then what it costed new.

Alternatives

Nikon MF Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8. Price from: $349.95 USD

Nikon MF PC Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D Price From: $1,279.95 USD

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D AF. Price From: $ 394.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED From: $474.95 USD

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR: $739.95

Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF From: $1,179.95 USD

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di. Price: $489.00 USD

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100. Price: $399.95 USD

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG. Price: $399.00 USD

Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM Price: $799.00 USD

Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di LD IF Macro Price: $659.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from August 2, 2008.

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.

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