I have this lens. It’s crazy how a lens that old provides the resolution and rendition that great. I use it with my D850 and yeah it shines with those 45 megapixels. Thanks for the review!
I have just bought this lens and after seeing your video I am very keen to use it. For travelling and not wanting to heavy camera bags this should do all I need it to do. I will use it on my F6 and my D700. Thanks for your review
I purchased this lens sometime after seeing your review. I have and love the manual version also. This AF version Is wonderful optically and nice/solid in the hand. I have been searching for Nikkor lenses that render dry clear colour like Leica, and this is very close, but with Nikkor warmth also. Thank you, and thank you for the review.
I found this lens in North of France (Lorraine). I am living in Belgium. Very good quality, fast autofocus, very sharp. Thanks a lot for your review. Best Regards. Patrick
I was tempted to sell min e but after seeing your review i have decided to keep it. thanks for this review i had no idea of the real quality of this beauty.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this terrific lens. Mine is far superior to the 60mm f2.8D for copy work, and I often use it as a general walkabout lens. It's unique look can be a conversation starter amongst photog-types.
I just bought one of these second hand. It's a model with autofocus (but no motor; it depends on the camera body for the movement). I am hoping it won't give me much trouble (I've heard some scary stories about oil leaks (??)), but I'm anyhow xstill looking forward to experiencing the image quality the lens will (should 😅) provide. We'll see. 😇
@@WimBalsThanks for replying. :) I’ve been testing it in my spare time, and it is really fun! I am loving it. It came without its original box nor manual if any kind, though. I am now wondering what the meaning of that white line in the last ring (the one furthest from the camera body) is. Mine has the white dot aligned to the other end of the line (the one that doesn’t have the “A”). Also, to comment that aperture is changed automatically, increasing from 2.8, to what seems to me its minimum value depending on how close the subject is, just as it happens with a variable aperture lens, like my f3.5-5.6 70-300mm. Is that how this 55mm “micro” lens is expected to behave, perhaps? 🤔🤷🏻♂️😇
There is a ring on the front of the lens with a dot and an A. "A" is for autofocus. The dot position adds drag to the focus ring for manual focus, for instance, if you are on a copy stand. Otherwise the focus ring has very little drag just like other AF lenses. To rotate the ring, push it toward the camera and turn. There is no shift forward or backward and no clicking. The camera will autofocus if set to the dot, but it won't be happy due to the additional drag. The “A” setting still has plenty of resistance for most manual use anyway. The dot is just additional drag if you really need it manually. About the changing aperture: The elements are moving farther away from the lens, spreading the projected image over a larger area. The result is a less light hitting the sensor or film format limited area. This is typical of all macro lenses and not something to worry about.
Due to the compression of RUclips, a large part of the fine nuances has disappeared. For the most part, it comes down to the fact that the Nikkor 55mm shows more different tones between pure black and pure white than the Sigma ART lens.
Hi, this is a great review. I am looking for a lens to photograph my own paintings. I just bought a camera body, but could you tell me if this lens will fit the Nikon D7100, as long as I switch the camera to M? I just went ahead a bought one lol
I guess I got lucky. I have a Nikon D7100 and was looking for a good lens to pair with my camera. Saw a listing on Facebook market place where some one was selling a Nikon D8008 film camera with this lens attached for $30. I bought it for lens and also looked at reviews for the camera. I got a great deal. Cant wait to try it out tomorrow. Oh and it comes with 1 roll of black and white and 5 rolls of color film. The film expired in 2017 but I’m sure it is still ok to use.
@@WimBals then lens works great. but when I got homeland used the lens the focus ring was broken. it is still a great lens I just can't use it in manual.
I have this lens. It was ridiculed for being plastic at the time. First one ever I think from Nikon? And it's supposed to break down but mine hasn't. Ken Rockwell calls it the sharpest lens Nikon ever made (pre- Z era). And I agree with it's 3D rendering whatever that is. It's quite beautiful and should be worth a lot more on the used market. But like all things it got ridiculed for being plastic and then we all forgot about everything else, like how good a lens is it. God forbid!
Again, excellent review and great lens. I bet that the Sigma has more glass inside than the Nikon. And autofocus does not have much of a value in macro photography in my opinion.
Buogiorno. vorrei acquistare anch'io questo obiettivo.Vorrei un consiglio, dovrei riprodurre dei negativi, diapositive e foto.Monterei l'obiettivo su una sony a7iii con l'adattatore.Cosa mi consiglia questo obiettivo oppure uno piu moderno tipo sony ,laowa e... Grazie della risposta.Lorenzo
This lens is very good for reproduction. As a rule, most macro lenses are very sharp. I also have the 90mm SP macro from Tamron, a lot more modern of course than this oldtimer.
I have this lens. It’s crazy how a lens that old provides the resolution and rendition that great. I use it with my D850 and yeah it shines with those 45 megapixels. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I have just bought this lens and after seeing your video I am very keen to use it. For travelling and not wanting to heavy camera bags this should do all I need it to do. I will use it on my F6 and my D700. Thanks for your review
Thanks for your input!
I purchased this lens sometime after seeing your review. I have and love the manual version also. This AF version Is wonderful optically and nice/solid in the hand. I have been searching for Nikkor lenses that render dry clear colour like Leica, and this is very close, but with Nikkor warmth also. Thank you, and thank you for the review.
It’s great lens!
I found this lens in North of France (Lorraine). I am living in Belgium. Very good quality, fast autofocus, very sharp. Thanks a lot for your review. Best Regards. Patrick
It's great that you discovered this lens. It is a really unknown and underrated lens from Nikon.
Vele groeten!
I subscribed today because your content is fantastic...peace from NYC
Thank you so much! Cheers from Belgium.
I was tempted to sell min e but after seeing your review i have decided to keep it. thanks for this review i had no idea of the real quality of this beauty.
Thank you, cherish this lens. Although the lens doesn't look hip right away, it hides great capabilities.
I own this lens and love it. I currently have it mounted on a 17 year old camera body - the Nikon D200. Sometimes it is on my D700.
It is a fantastic versatile lens that you can use for many purposes.
I own it, it's SHARP!!! and the black and whites are even better.
Indeed, this is one of the most underrated lenses.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this terrific lens. Mine is far superior to the 60mm f2.8D for copy work, and I often use it as a general walkabout lens. It's unique look can be a conversation starter amongst photog-types.
Thanks for your comment!
I just bought one of these second hand. It's a model with autofocus (but no motor; it depends on the camera body for the movement). I am hoping it won't give me much trouble (I've heard some scary stories about oil leaks (??)), but I'm anyhow xstill looking forward to experiencing the image quality the lens will (should 😅) provide. We'll see. 😇
No issues here with the lens.
@@WimBalsThanks for replying. :) I’ve been testing it in my spare time, and it is really fun! I am loving it. It came without its original box nor manual if any kind, though. I am now wondering what the meaning of that white line in the last ring (the one furthest from the camera body) is. Mine has the white dot aligned to the other end of the line (the one that doesn’t have the “A”). Also, to comment that aperture is changed automatically, increasing from 2.8, to what seems to me its minimum value depending on how close the subject is, just as it happens with a variable aperture lens, like my f3.5-5.6 70-300mm. Is that how this 55mm “micro” lens is expected to behave, perhaps? 🤔🤷🏻♂️😇
There is a ring on the front of the lens with a dot and an A. "A" is for autofocus. The dot position adds drag to the focus ring for manual focus, for instance, if you are on a copy stand. Otherwise the focus ring has very little drag just like other AF lenses. To rotate the ring, push it toward the camera and turn. There is no shift forward or backward and no clicking.
The camera will autofocus if set to the dot, but it won't be happy due to the additional drag.
The “A” setting still has plenty of resistance for most manual use anyway. The dot is just additional drag if you really need it manually.
About the changing aperture:
The elements are moving farther away from the lens, spreading the projected image over a larger area. The result is a less light hitting the sensor or film format limited area.
This is typical of all macro lenses and not something to worry about.
@@WimBals Many, many thanks for your reply. I'll go back to my new lens after work. :)
at 3:50 i didnt notice any difference, and im surprised because i thought i have great eyes and I notice very well. so im a bit confused.
Due to the compression of RUclips, a large part of the fine nuances has disappeared.
For the most part, it comes down to the fact that the Nikkor 55mm shows more different tones between pure black and pure white than the Sigma ART lens.
Hi, this is a great review. I am looking for a lens to photograph my own paintings. I just bought a camera body, but could you tell me if this lens will fit the Nikon D7100, as long as I switch the camera to M? I just went ahead a bought one lol
Hi, this lens will work on your D7100. The body has an af motor.
Good luck 👍.
I will never sell mine. Ken Rockwell implies its the sharpest Nikon ever.
Good idea 👍
I have this lens. Better than 105mm vr micro. Perfect rendering. Very little front clearance at 1:1.
How does this compare to the old Manual focus 55mm Ai-s lens? Is it worth getting that for half the price of AF?
As far as I know, both lenses have the same optical formula.
Great review! Do you think it can be used with Nikon mirrorless bodies witn a normal non AF adapter so that it can be used fully manualy?
This lens should work with the FTZ on z bodies but lacks AF.
I guess I got lucky. I have a Nikon D7100 and was looking for a good lens to pair with my camera. Saw a listing on Facebook market place where some one was selling a Nikon D8008 film camera with this lens attached for $30. I bought it for lens and also looked at reviews for the camera. I got a great deal. Cant wait to try it out tomorrow. Oh and it comes with 1 roll of black and white and 5 rolls of color film. The film expired in 2017 but I’m sure it is still ok to use.
That's an excellent deal for the lens as well as for the camera.
Let us know how you like this lens!
@@WimBals then lens works great. but when I got homeland used the lens the focus ring was broken. it is still a great lens I just can't use it in manual.
Those are the risks of such sites, of course.
Nevertheless, if you can still use the lens, I hope you enjoy it.
I have this lens. It was ridiculed for being plastic at the time. First one ever I think from Nikon? And it's supposed to break down but mine hasn't. Ken Rockwell calls it the sharpest lens Nikon ever made (pre- Z era). And I agree with it's 3D rendering whatever that is. It's quite beautiful and should be worth a lot more on the used market.
But like all things it got ridiculed for being plastic and then we all forgot about everything else, like how good a lens is it. God forbid!
So true Tony, this is indeed an incredible lens.
The color rendering that this lens creates is out of this world.
Again, excellent review and great lens. I bet that the Sigma has more glass inside than the Nikon. And autofocus does not have much of a value in macro photography in my opinion.
The Sigma 50mm ART F/1.4 has 13 elements and weighs a ton.
The Nikon 55 mm Micro Nikkor, on the other hand, is feather light and gives better colors.
I purchased this lens from a air ambulance charity shop on ebay , it is a excellent lens and I usually leave it on the camera most of the time
Good to hear. This lens is truly an all-rounder.
i have this lens. love my copy.
Great! It's a true gem.
Amazing! 😍
Thanks!
Buogiorno. vorrei acquistare anch'io questo obiettivo.Vorrei un consiglio, dovrei riprodurre dei negativi, diapositive e foto.Monterei l'obiettivo su una sony a7iii con l'adattatore.Cosa mi consiglia questo obiettivo oppure uno piu moderno tipo sony ,laowa e... Grazie della risposta.Lorenzo
This lens is very good for reproduction. As a rule, most macro lenses are very sharp.
I also have the 90mm SP macro from Tamron, a lot more modern of course than this oldtimer.
Just got an excellent copy from KEH for $150. Easily the sharpest lens i've ever used.
That's a fair price. Good luck!
У меня есть такой объектив. Он у меня дружит с fujifilm finepix s5 pro.
Great choice