Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Sep

Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Filed under: Nikkor Lens; Tagged as: 60mm, cameras, dslr, f2.8g, lens, MicroNikkor, Nikon

Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Manufacturer: Nikon
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List Price: $0.00
Sale Price: $539.95
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Product Description

Ideal for close-up shots, copy work, and general photography, the Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both Nikon FX format and DX format image sensors. The lens is equipped with an exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that enables accurate, quiet, high-speed autofocus operation. The lens's pair of aspherical elements, meanwhile, virtually eliminate coma and other types of aberration even at the widest aperture. Add in an extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass element--which effectively minimizes chromatic aberration--and your photos will enjoy superior sharpness and color correction regardless of the subject. Other details include an internal focusing (IF) design that enables the use of polarizers and speed-light systems; a Nano Crystal Coat that virtually eliminates reflections across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image integrity; a Super Integrated Coating (SIC) that substantially reduces ghosting and flare; a rounded nine-blade diaphragm that makes out-of-focus image elements appear more natural; and a M/A focus mode that allows you to quickly transition between autofocus and manual operation.

Specifications

Focal length: 60mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/32
Autofocus: Yes
Silent Wave Motor (SWM): Yes
Compatible formats: FX, DX, FX in DX crop mode, 35mm film
Vibration reduction: No
Distance information: Yes
ED glass elements: Yes
Super Integrated Coating: Yes
Nano Crystal Coat: Yes
Internal focusing: Yes
Rear focusing: No
De-focus control: No
Close-range correction: No
Manual/auto focus mode: Yes
Minimum focusing distance: 0.6 feet
Angle of view: 39 degrees @ 40 feet
Lens construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
ED elements: 1
Maximum reproduction ratio: 1x
Filter type: 62mm screw-on
Mount type: Nikon F-bayonet
Lens case: CL-1018
Lens hood: HB-42
Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches long
Weight: 15 ounces
Warranty: 1 year

Product Details

Lens Type: AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED
Designed for use with Nikon FX and DX digital SLR cameras including the D40, D60, D80, D90, and D300
Focal length: 90mm effective for APS-C sensor cameras
Ideal for closeup and macro photography
Minimum focus distance: 8 inches

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this product.

All you can say is: WOW!

Review Date: May 5, 2008

Reviewer: R. Lanthier, Vienna, VA United States

Who would have thought that Nikon could have improved on the already excellent 60mm micro? How?

1) It no longer extends when focusing.

2) Hood is now included, and is bayonet style, not screw on.

3) AFS. Quiet focusing.

4) 9 nine rounded aperture blades (instead of 7 straight) for very pleasant bokeh.

5) As sharp as the old one.

6) New Nano crystal coatings supposed provide better color and contrast (only time will tell on this one).

Is it worth the upgrade? Check this list and see if these are important to you. If not, you can pick us a used 60mm AF(D) micro or maybe still find a new one for less money. As I was not replacing but buying a short macro for the first time, I got this latest version and am very very happy with it.

Is it worth the higher price? I certainly think so, but others may disagree. Shop around, there are better prices at good stores. Avoid Broadway photo and its related sites.

Super sharp, quick and fast

Review Date: May 16, 2008

Reviewer: D. Renner, Arizona

I bought this lens as my entry into shooting macro and haven't been at all disappointed. I was concerned about the claimed 7.2" minimum focus but apparently, that's only for the auto-focus because focusing manually I can get down to 2 or 3 inches. All images are superbly sharp with good color reproduction. This lens will not disappoint, however, if distance is a concern you may wish to look at the Sigma 150mm Macro or Nikon's own 105mm Micro lens. After being so satisfied with this Nikon 60mm I broke down and bought the Sigma 150mm macro as well and I'm glad I did. Both have their specific uses and sometimes the shorter focal length of this Nikon is exactly what I need for a specific situation. The Sigma is at least as sharp and perhaps a little more versatile as well as being (arguably), one of the best macro lenses currently available.

Unless you need to really keep your distance, this lens will serve your needs and blow you away with the crisp detail and accurately saturated color in the pictures you'll produce. I didn't think I could get close enough to some subjects but working slowly, I've had the end of this lens within 2-inches of wild fence lizards and inside of the minimum possible focal distance with subjects like grasshoppers and bees.

It's almost one of those rare "can't go wrong" situations. Buy it, you'll be glad you did.

Sharp, flat field, fast to use

Review Date: July 29, 2008

Reviewer: R. Geoghegan,

An excellent lens. AF and MF both work well on my D200 in macro work and general use. AF-S lets the focus be easily controlled manually after AF, without moving switches. It's a good size match for the D200-300 line. It shouldn't overwhelm the smaller Nikon bodies.

The 60mm focal length gives more perspective & depth compared to longer lenses. It's also great for informal portraitsnon DX format, fitting into the short end of the classic 85-105mm range from film. I like all these aspects. They do mean there's a wider background and you're closer to the subject compared to longer alternatives.

Close focus is a hair tighter than 1:1. You have about 7.5" from the sensor-film plane to the subject. This translates to just under 2" from the lens front, or 1/2" from the front of the hood. The hood can be a problem that close. Backing off to 1:1.5 gains about an inch of distance. DX gives 1x1.5" field there to match 1:1 on FX or film. By 1:3 you've got 4+ inches in front of the hood. You get used to adjusting focus and framing with a mix of lens and camera movements. It's easier in practice than some have described, even on a tripod.

The lens is incredibly sharp and contrasty. You stop down from wide-open for DOF, not because you need better sharpness. Papery low contrast detail on flowers is captured well. Out of focus areas are smooth. Some say it's got the best Micro-Nikkor optics ever (see Bjorn Rorslett's site). You have to look hard to see this lens's few optical flaws (like barely visible CA).

Possible drawbacks (debatable):

The 60 mm focal length is short for some people's taste. Longer macro lenses do give greater working distance. Instead the 60 AF-S is smaller & lighter than 90-105mm macro-micro lenses. The price is lower if you're comparing Nikkors.

Manual focus gearing is quite fast. Infinity to close focus is about 180 deg. Finger tip movements take it from infinity to 7 feet. Manual focus gearing works better in the near range. Slower gearing or even variable ratio would help, though.

[Edited to correct focus & working distances]

Sharp and Fast!

Review Date: March 7, 2009

Reviewer: Gerald Khoo, Singapore

The AF-S 60mm micro is a real improvement to the AF-D 60mm micro in many ways...
1. It has a SWM motor, and focusing is really fast and quiet!
2. The lens is sharp from f/2.8, so sharp it'll cut you!
3. The barrel does not extend.
4. It comes with a lens hood, HB-42.
5. Nano Crystal coasting.
6. 9 round aperture blades, which makes the bokeh consistently round.

On a DX camera, this 60mm becomes a 90mm field of view lens. It is good not only for close up work, but you can use it as a portrait lens, and you are guarenteed sharpness.

With the above improvements, and being such a great lens, there are also some problems to it. The SWM is so fast that it can actually overshoot the focusing, and then it just stops. You'll need to press the shutter release button again to focus. This lens viginettes more than the AF-D lens on a FX body. The resolution also starts to decline significantly after f/16.

This is the world's first professtional aspherical macro lens. For the year 2008, Nikon picked up 5 Amateur Photographic Awards, of which the AF-S 60mm f/2.8G got the award in the Fixed Focal Length of the Year category.

Very versatile lens

Review Date: September 5, 2009

Reviewer: Busy Executive, Long Island, NY

I've owned virtually all of Nikon's short macro lenses, going back to the 1970's, and I have to say, this is the best of them all - and that's saying something.

Not only does it have fast and accurate autofocus (although the previous AF version wasn't bad either), it just gives you jaw-dropping detail, whether you use it close up or focused at infinity.

The 60mm is a little short for serious closeup work as it puts you right on top of the subject...this is why some people prefer the 105, and I might agree if I shot FX-sensor cameras exclusively. But on a DX sensor, this acts more like a 90mm lens, and that's plenty comfortable for the type of work I do. Indeed, I find when I go REALLY close, I tend to use an old-fashioned bellows setup, and again, here I like the 60 instead of the 105.

One point about this particular lens is that it's not just incredibly sharp and contrasty - it also has a wonderfully flat field of focus. On the older lenses, if you photograph, say, stamps or other flat objects, you may have had issues with the corners being slightly out of focus due to curvature of field. Not so with this one, which is flat right out to the corners.

It also makes a great normal lens for day-to-day use, for those of us who like to travel light and leave the monster zooms home.

Highly recommended.

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