authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Is the Nikon 55mm 2.8 AIS manual focus lens any good. I read from time to time how unbelievably sharp it is but would like to hear from someone who has actually used this lens ......
I can do AF or Manual and the Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens I have now is not as sharp as I think it should be with AF being questionable plus I have a chance to pickup the Nikon 55mm 2.8 AIS. I have seen it and it looks new and has the hood for $199.99. Would use it on a Nikon D300.


Thanks

shagbat Loc: London

jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

I owned that lens years ago before I switched to AF because my old eyes were making it hard for me to focus my FE-2 properly. It was one of the sharpest and best made lenses in my bag. I say go for it! It will work perfectly with your D300 and you will love the results. I wish I still had mine.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

[quote=authorizeduser]Is the Nikon 55mm 2.8 AIS manual focus lens any good. I read from time to time how unbelievably sharp it is but would like to hear from someone who has actually used this lens ......
I can do AF or Manual and the Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens I have now is not as sharp as I think it should be with AF being questionable plus I have a chance to pickup the Nikon 55mm 2.8 AIS. I have seen it and it looks new and has the hood for $199.99. Would use it on a Nikon D300.


Thanks[/quote

I have owned every version of that lens, the 55AIS was the best of the bunch. If you have an auto focus you may want to consider the 60mm 2.8 micro AF. Very good results and you may pick one up for about the same price.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

At the end of it's production run, Nikon did make an AF 55mm F2.8 lens. If used exclusively for macro, AF wouldn't be needed anyway. I have the 55mm F2.8 Micro Nikkor but seldom use it as the minimum focus distance is too close to my subjects when shooting macro plus it only goes to 1/2 life size.. That said, I own 9 different true macro lenses (some AF, most MF) ranging from 55 to 180mm in focal length. My go to macro lens is a MF 105mm as that is the most convenient...

[quote=billnikon][quote=authorizeduser]Is the Nikon 55mm 2.8 AIS manual focus lens any good. I read from time to time how unbelievably sharp it is but would like to hear from someone who has actually used this lens ......
I can do AF or Manual and the Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens I have now is not as sharp as I think it should be with AF being questionable plus I have a chance to pickup the Nikon 55mm 2.8 AIS. I have seen it and it looks new and has the hood for $199.99. Would use it on a Nikon D300.


Thanks[/quote

I have owned every version of that lens, the 55AIS was the best of the bunch. If you have an auto focus you may want to consider the 60mm 2.8 micro AF. Very good results and you may pick one up for about the same price.[/quote]

forjava Loc: Half Moon Bay, CA

See http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55f28ais.htm for someone who has used it.

For a discussion of 50mm vs. 55mm AI, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEC1hEHbK1E -- the verbal content at about 1:45. He also covers some older cameras.