When Nikon introduced the latest addition to its line was the dedicated DX lenses, the 85/3.5 Micro Nikkor VR is often heard question: Why should I choose this lens over the already existing Micro Nikkor AF-S 60/2.8? Many prefer to use prime numbers as their macro telephoto portrait lenses, but also with his more moderate maximum aperture of the new Micro Nikkor not like an attractive choice for this type of VR 85mm dual-use look.
However, at least on paper, there are a few good reasons to choose this lens over the AF-S 60, at least for the intended primary use, macro photography. First of all, a dedicated DX lens is quite compact and lightweight. Compared to 60mm macro lens, it offers a larger and, as such, more comfortable working distance. And last but not least, there is the added bonus of optical stabilization.
The construction quality of the lens is very decent thanks to an outer race of high quality plastic and in line with other recent offerings from Nikon in the mid-price segment made. It feels a little tighter than some zooms to the consumer, but does not quite reach the level of comparable lenses, the Micro Nikkor AF-S 60 for example. The broad, rubberized focus ring is a bit subdued, but it’s a throw rather short for a macro lens.
The VR Micro Nikkor has 85 maximum magnification of up to 1:1 at its close focus distance. Thanks to a true IF design is the overall length of the lens can focus at all constant. Typical for most macro lenses reduces the effective opening to the close focus. The objective of these reports corrected value to the camera.
The front element does not rotate it with a polarizer is no problem.
BUY NIKON 85MM F/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR LENS NOW AT THE BEST PRICE!
As AF-S VR Micro Nikkor is the 85-compliant and provides AF with any current Nikon DSLRs, including the motor-free entry level DX cameras. There is no focus limiter which can be annoying at times when the camera decides to hunt through the focus range.
Nikon includes its latest generation of optical stabilization system (VR II) with a claimed efficiency of up to 4 stops. In our field tests, it felt more like 3 stops and this applies to normal focus distances only. In close-up scenarios of VR is much less effective. But put in the macro-region the most important issue and to overcome the photographer is even slight forward/backward movement of the subject and possible movement in a slight breeze and no optical stabilizitation could still help against this.
Verdict
The Micro Nikkor AF-S DX 85/3.5 VR is an attractive new option for DX shooters looking for a dedicated macro lens. It is quite light and compact, delivers very sharp images wide open, the distortion can be considered (at least for typical macro subjects) and show only minimal traces of CAs. The bokeh is nice and smooth, use only a little underdeveloped for normal tele, since the lack of speed.
All this comes with the added bonus of Nikon’s VR II optical stabilization. VR is not really of great use in life-size macro shooting, but it’s a long way from infinity to minimum focusing distance for most of this size, the VR is certainly a welcome and useful feature.
Optically, the lens has only one theme that is surprisingly high vignetting wide open. However, this can be easily solved by stopping down by f/5.6 … or in post processing.
Best of all is the lens at moderate prices, so if you are in macro photography and have no plans to move on an FX camera soon, this is certainly one of the lenses tested.
BUY NIKON 85MM F/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR LENS NOW AT THE BEST PRICE!
Related posts: