Nikon Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 Review

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Introduction

Updated August 17, 2008

Nikon is well known for their macro lenses(Nikon calls them Micro-Nikkor's). The Micro-Nikkor's are well known for their performance. The sample tested here is the "non-D" version. This lens is identical with the D version, with the exception of the distance information. The distance information is used for 3D color matrix metering and 3D multi sensor balanced fill flash. The 60mm Micro-Nikkor features Nikons CRC(Close Range Correction) which reduces distortion when the lens is focused at close range. It also has a focus limiter (to prevent to much hunting while focusing) and a M/A switch to select between manual or auto focus mode.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 8 elements in 7 groups

Picture Angle: 39°40 (35mm)

Macro: 1:1

Minimum focus distance: 8 3/4 in. / 0.219 cm.

Filter Size: 62mm

Lens Hood: HN-22

Included accessories: 62mm lens cap, rear cap

Size and weight: 2.8 x 2.9 in, 15.5 oz / 74.5 x 82.5 mm, 445 g

Diaphragm: 7 straight blades

Price from: $ discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• DOF(depth of field) markings
• Rear element is fixed, earlier MF Micro-Nikkor's have a tendency to collect dust.
• 1:1 macro, earlier manual focus Nikkor's usually only goes to 1:2
• Sharp until f/16, after that it gets softer. Something you usually only see in old manual focus Nikkor's

Drawbacks

• Slow AF, this is probably one of the slower AF lenses made by Nikon. Not a major problem for macro, but if you want to replace a "normal"(50mm) lens, this might not be the best choice.
• CA, quite a bit of chromatic aberrations, which is visible to f/4 in high contrast shooting.
• Infinity Focus, not as good as the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 Pre-AI.
• Slightly soft wide open.
• 62mm filter thread.
• M/A switch, these have a tendency to break.

Verdict

With the release of the D3 and the D300 with their Live view mode, auto focus macro lenses are all of a sudden something a bit more interesting to own. The AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 is close to excellent, down side is infinity focus and softness wide-open, two things that you usually wouldn't look for in a macro lens. Other then that this is a solid performer. The amount of CA was surprising, this can however easily be corrected in Post Processing.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

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

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D AF. Price From: $389.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED Price From: $454.95 USD

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR: Price From: $749.95

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di. Price: $ 449.95 USD

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

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG. Price: $439.00 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from January 20, 2009

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.