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Nikon 85mm DX Micro
(2009 - ), $530.
© 2009 KenRockwell.com. All rights reserved.
Intro Specs Performance Recommendations
Nikon 85mm f/3.5 DX VR (DX only, 12.5oz/355g, 52mm filters). enlarge. I'd get it at Adorama, Ritz, Amazon or Calumet. It helps me keep adding to this site when you get yours through these links, thanks! Ken.
October 2009 More Nikon Reviews
Introduction top
Intro Specs Performance Recommendations
I personally buy from Adorama, Amazon, Ritz, B&H, Calumet and J&R. I can't vouch for ads below.
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This new Nikon 85mm Micro VR DX is a macro lens that only works on Nikon DX cameras.
The good news is that it autofocuses on the cheapest D40, D3000 D5000 and etc. (see more at lens compatibility); this is a G and AF-S lens), but otherwise, especially for serious macro work where we focus manually and use strobes, any old 105mm Macro is at least as good.
It will not work well on FX or film cameras because it only covers the middle of the frame.
Specifications top
Intro Specs Performance Recommendations
Name
Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
Focal length
85 mm.
On a DX camera, it sees the same angle of view as a 135mm lens sees on full-frame. (see crop factor).
Maximum aperture
f/3.5
Minimum aperture
f/32
Optics
14 elements in 10 groups. One is of magic ED glass.
Schematic diagram. Yellow: ED. enlarge.
Coatings
Nikon Super-Intergrated Coating (SIC).
Picture angle
18° 50.’
Diaphragm blades
9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance
0.286 meters.
0.9 feet.
Maximum Reproduction ratio
1:1 (life size)
Filter thread
52mm, Nikon's standard since the 1950s, yay!
Size
2.9 x 3.9 inches.
73 x 98.5 millimeters.
Weight
12.5 oz. (355g), specified.
Supplied accessories
52mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-52
Rear Lens Cap LF-1
Plastic Bayonet Hood HB-37
Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1018
Price
$530 at introduction, USA October 2009.
Announced
14 October 2009.
Available
Promised for December 2009.
Performance top
Intro Specs Performance Recommendations
Nikon claims the VR system is good for four stops, but for macro, it won't work that well. Use strobes.
As for sharpness, every Nikon Micro lens has been spectacular, and the claimed MTF of this lens, as well as its complex construction, suggests that this 85mm lens should be ridiculously sharp, limited only by your abilities, not the lens.'
MTF, Nikon 85mm f/3.5.
Recommendations top
Intro Specs Performance Recommendations
I'd get the 105mm VR Micro long before I got this lens because this lens won't work properly on film or FX cameras. You may not have a full-frame camera today, but you probably will in the future.
If you step up to FX, you'll want to buy a new lens if you only have this lens.
Barring that, if you have no macro lens, this is a much handier focal length than 60mm because it gives you more room between your subject and your lens.
Then again, the 105mm lenses give even more.
Personally, I shoot the 200mm AF Micro every day in my studio because it lets me stand far enough away to get a proper perspective. Sadly, the 200mm Micro is far more expensive.
More information
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If you find this as helpful as a book you might have had to buy or a workshop you may have had to take, feel free to help me continue helping everyone.
If you've gotten your gear through one of my links or helped otherwise, you're family. It's great people like you who allow me to keep adding to this site full-time. Thanks!
If you haven't helped yet, please do, and consider helping me with a gift of $5.00.
The biggest help is to use these links to Adorama, Amazon, Calumet, Ritz, J&R and when you get your goodies. It costs you nothing and is a huge help to me. eBay is always a gamble, but all the other places have the best prices and service, which is why I've used them since before this website existed. I recommend them all personally.
Thanks for reading!
Ken
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