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

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


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Brand: Nikon
Category: Photography

List Price: $669.00
Buy New: $475.41
You Save: $193.59 (29%)



Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 7 reviews

Media: Electronics
Fragile: No
Batteries Included: No
Maximum Focal Length: 60
Minimum Focal Length: 60
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 2.9 x 2.9 x 3.5

MPN: 2177
Model: 2177
UPC: 018208021772
EAN: 4960759025623
ASIN: B0013A1XDY

Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

Features:
  • Compact for close-up, copy work and general photography
  • Continuous autofocus from infinity to life-size
  • Accurate, high-speed and quiet autofocus operation
  • 2 aspherical elements virtually eliminate lens aberration even at the widest aperture
  • Glass element minimizes chromatic aberration

Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Get better pictures from your digital SLR with this Nikon USA: AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens. With its two aspherical lens elements, lens aberrations are rare. And if you need to take a picture fast, the Silent Wave Motor produces high-speed and quiet autofocus operation. And its Nano Crystal Coat eliminates most internal reflections across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image integrity.

Faster, smoother autofocusing and eliminates barrel length changes and front element rotation Virtually eliminates internal reflections across a wide range of wavelengths Superior color performance, while substantially reducing ghosting and flare Optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both the Nikon FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) and DX-format image sensors Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements M/A Focus Mode allows fast, smooth transitions, autofocus to manual operation Focal length - 60mm Maximum aperture - f/2.8 Minimum aperture - f/32 Lens construction - 12 elements in 9 groups (with one ED glass lens, two aspherical lenses, one with Nano Crystal Coat) Picture angle - 39 40' (2630' with Nikon DX format) Closest focus distance - 0.185 m/0.6 ft. (life-size) Maximum reproduction ratio - 1.0x (life-size) Filter/attachment size - 62 mm Diameter x length - Approximately 2.9 x 3.5 inches Weight - Approximately 15 oz. Supplied accessories - LC-62 62mm Snap-on front lens cap, LF-1Rear lens cap, HB-42 Bayonet hood, CL-1018 Flexible lens pouch Optional accessories - 62mm screw-in filters, including circular polarizing filter



Customer Reviews:   Read 2 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars Sharp, flat field, fast to use   July 29, 2008
R. Geoghegan
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

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 D200-300 bodies and probably any recent Nikon.

The 60mm focal length gives more perspective & depth compared to longer lenses. It's also great for informal portraits. It gives the classic 85-105mm range from film in the DX format. 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 wind-open for DOF, not 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 (Bjorn, if you know the name). I can't confirm that, but 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. The manual focus gearing seems to get better in the near range. Slower gearing or even variable ratio would help, though.

[Edited focus distances after getting them way wrong]



4 out of 5 stars ??...Not sure...??   July 8, 2008
Jason Mcdonald (Japan)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

For portrait style photos this is a great lens at 2.8f. However, when getting down and dirty with the macro you can't rely heavily on the auto-focus. It has problems focusing depending on the situations, or sometimes not. Use the manual and you've got yourself a good lens otherwise. IMO I would've tried out other lenses of equal price first, but I have such faith in Nikkor lenses that I didn't. I would have ended up with this lens regardless. The glass is just better.


5 out of 5 stars Very good close-up lens   July 8, 2008
Petre Gheorghian (Portland, OR)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is a really nice Nikkor lens, incredibly sharp, changing from AF to manual focus is done on the fly, great results, it does what it is designed for really well. AF is great in good lighting, it hunts a bit in low lighting conditions. Overall this is one of Nikon's best lenses.


4 out of 5 stars Lens is great despite being broken upon receipt   June 4, 2008
Dave H
This lens is quite awesome for close ups. Unfortunately there was a problem with the focus ring so I sent it back to Nikon for repairs. They're fixing it right now, but will report later on the service.

As for the few days I was able to use it, I'm not sure if the problem affected the focusing but it seemed like it did. Low-light portraits on non-moving subjects seemed a bit blurry, even wide open at 2.8. I'm hoping this had to do with the focus ring problem, again, will report later on this.

When the focus was working though, it was FAST...very FAST. I love it! Close up focusing is great, you feel like you're going to hit the subject with the lens you're so close. With good lighting objects are clear as crystal. In low light, you may need a tripod or improvise something to keep the cam steady. (This problem may be curbed on the 105mm VR model, but not sure).

When shooting close-ups, bokeh is beautiful and creamy, none of that...what's the word...I dunno, splotchy-ish bokeh. Haven't used this for portraits in good light, so can't report on bokeh at greater distances yet, but I have high hopes (of course, this is not really a portrait lens, but it better be able to do some good for $500). I'm hoping since it's 60mm and f/2.8 portraits will come out OK. But I wouldn't buy this for that purpose, go for the 50mm 1.8 instead. Or, if you're like me and own an AFS dependent cam like D40 or D40x, Sigma's releasing a 50mm 1.4 HSM (with an autofocusing motor inside).

You know, even though it was broken, I was so impressed with the lens' capabilities and overall build quality I'm giving it 4 stars for now. If the focusing on the lens works when I receive it back and if the repair improves the blur on low-light images and if the portraits come out decently, I'll change this review to 5 stars.



5 out of 5 stars sharp and fast   May 21, 2008
Levent Konuk
2 out of 5 found this review helpful

pros
sharper and faster than the old 60mm
much better performance at the edges

cons
bigger and heavier


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