Micro Nikkor 55 f2.8 lens MF only (Page 2): The thing I do not like about my 105mm f2.8 D macro lens is that the focus throw is so short when you use manual focus. This makes it harder...

photoman43

The thing I do not like about my 105mm f2.8 D macro lens is that the focus throw is so short when you use manual focus. This makes it harder to get sharp pictures when fousing it manually. The 55mm f2.8 has a much greater focus throw making it easier to focus.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

The newer 105mm f2.8 D is Auto/Manual focus

spencehg1

I have been doing macro photography for about 5 decades, mostly geo-science and archaeology. Currently doing massive archaeology project. Have Nikon 40, 60 and 105 micros, 90mm Tamron macro and several old 55mm F2.8 and 3.5 Nikon micros from years past. In my experience, the 90 and 105s are by far the best (not just due to focal length. The old 55mm are close but are a bit behind followed by the 60mm and then 40mm. On both DX and FX bodies, the 55mm hold up against the new lenses.

AndyGarcia

DaveyDitzer wrote:

Looking for advice. I have 3 macro lenses and two 50 mm (a D 1.4 and a G 1.8) Nikon lenses. I already have a 105 f2.8 D macro Nikon lens and a DX 40 mm macro Nikon lens. I was given a Micro Nikkor 55 f2.8 lens. I am wondering if I should sell it. But if you all with your experience say, "NO, NO, NO!!" "it was one of the best", then I will keep it. Still on the fence. Appreciate your counsel.

Do not sell it. It is a terrific lens. Use it. Enjoy it.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

While I've had a couple of them over the years, I am not certain.... Aren't all the Micro-Nikkor 55mm "only" 1:2 on their own, requiring some sort of extension to achieve full 1:1 I am not sayin' that a lens has to shoot 1:1 to be considered a macro lens. A lot of them over the years... and quite a few right now... are "only" 1:2. So I'm not holding this against the Micro-Nikkor 55mm lenses.... just noting it, since it might be a consideration depending upon what you're shooting.

I would never presume to tell you "all you need is the 105mm". In fact, it entirely depends upon what you're shooting close up. Out in the field and particularly if using it on an APS-C camera, a lens in the 90/100/105 range might be the most versatile... a good choice. I know a 100mm is my "most used". (Note: I shoot Canon mostly, and their 100 Macro lenses can optionally be fitted with a tripod ring, which is essential in my opinion.)

But there are times and places where a shorter or longer macro focal length is helpful or even necessary. When I'm shooting small products in studio, I use short focal length specifically so I can reach out to arrange the subject while observing it through the viewfinder or on the rear LCD screen. 35mm, 40mm or 55mm may also be necessary for some copy work. OTOH, when shooting critters that sting or bite, I sometimes choose to use a 180mm lens. But for other subjects the shorter lens puts me too close... while the longer focal length is more difficult to keep steady or renders too shallow depth of field.

Another consideration might be if wanting the lens to serve dual purpose.... such as a 55mm f/2.8 for the slightly larger aperture that can better double as an everyday "normal" lens than a 55mm f/3.5. Or, a 60mm or 90mm that you also like to use for portraiture.

I don't know if you need 40mm, two 55mm (one f/2.8, one f/3.5), and a 60mm... those are all pretty close to each other. Likewise 90mm, 105mm serve similar purpose.

But I have to admit I use:

- 45mm (tilt shift)
- 60mm (crop only, compact and doubles as a portrait lens thanks to f/2 aperture)
- 65mm (ultra high magnification, no less than 1X & up to 5X)
- 90mm (cheap vintage, manual focus only, 1:2)
- 100mm (most used, fitted with tripod ring)
- 180mm (also has tripod ring)

In addition, I always carry some extension tubes, so can use a lot of other lenses for close-up work or push any of the above to higher magnification.

I don't currently have one, but in the past have also had a 90mm tilt shift lens that I used with full frame camera for small product photography.

There are a lot of different types of macro and close-up photography. The lens you choose should and will be influenced by what you plan to shoot with it.

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

amfoto1 wrote:

While I've had a couple of them over the years, I am not certain.... Aren't all the Micro-Nikkor 55mm "only" 1:2 on their own, requiring some sort of extension to achieve full 1:1 I am not sayin' that a lens has to shoot 1:1 to be considered a macro lens. A lot of them over the years... and quite a few right now... are "only" 1:2. So I'm not holding this against the Micro-Nikkor 55mm lenses.... just noting it, since it might be a consideration depending upon what you're shooting.

I would never presume to tell you "all you need is the 105mm". In fact, it entirely depends upon what you're shooting close up. Out in the field and particularly if using it on an APS-C camera, a lens in the 90/100/105 range might be the most versatile... a good choice. I know a 100mm is my "most used". (Note: I shoot Canon mostly, and their 100 Macro lenses can optionally be fitted with a tripod ring, which is essential in my opinion.)

But there are times and places where a shorter or longer macro focal length is helpful or even necessary. When I'm shooting small products in studio, I use short focal length specifically so I can reach out to arrange the subject while observing it through the viewfinder or on the rear LCD screen. 35mm, 40mm or 55mm may also be necessary for some copy work. OTOH, when shooting critters that sting or bite, I sometimes choose to use a 180mm lens. But for other subjects the shorter lens puts me too close... while the longer focal length is more difficult to keep steady or renders too shallow depth of field.

Another consideration might be if wanting the lens to serve dual purpose.... such as a 55mm f/2.8 for the slightly larger aperture that can better double as an everyday "normal" lens than a 55mm f/3.5. Or, a 60mm or 90mm that you also like to use for portraiture.

I don't know if you need 40mm, two 55mm (one f/2.8, one f/3.5), and a 60mm... those are all pretty close to each other. Likewise 90mm, 105mm serve similar purpose.

But I have to admit I use:

- 45mm (tilt shift)
- 60mm (crop only, compact and doubles as a portrait lens thanks to f/2 aperture)
- 65mm (ultra high magnification, no less than 1X & up to 5X)
- 90mm (cheap vintage, manual focus only, 1:2)
- 100mm (most used, fitted with tripod ring)
- 180mm (also has tripod ring)

In addition, I always carry some extension tubes, so can use a lot of other lenses for close-up work or push any of the above to higher magnification.

I don't currently have one, but in the past have also had a 90mm tilt shift lens that I used with full frame camera for small product photography.

There are a lot of different types of macro and close-up photography. The lens you choose should and will be influenced by what you plan to shoot with it.

While I've had a couple of them over the years, I ... (show quote)

The AF iteration (an AF 55mm F2.8) went to life-size on it's own before being discontinued in favor of the 60mm AF Nikkor...

photoman43

55mm f2.8 Ais--Compatible with optional PK-13 Auto Extension Ring (27.5mm) to increase the maximum magnification to 1:1 and shorten the minimum focusing distance to 8.9".

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/37858-REG/Nikon_2653_PK_13_27_5mm_AI.html/xpcur/XAUD/IWB/AU?gclid=CjwKCAjw1ej5BRBhEiwAfHyh1FwWlXfXw3YRJ0A1eFlO-gx9a6A10_TCnWz0GpeAOAbugTdLQqD5VxoC2NoQAvD_BwE

Manual for the 55mm f2.8 Ais

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/36984-GREY/Nikon_1442_Macro_55mm_f_2_8_Micro.html/overview

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

photoman43 wrote:

The thing I do not like about my 105mm f2.8 D macro lens is that the focus throw is so short when you use manual focus. This makes it harder to get sharp pictures when fousing it manually. The 55mm f2.8 has a much greater focus throw making it easier to focus.

I believe in the right tool for the job - autofocus for autofocusing, manual focus for manual focusing. Just my personal preference.

Gianfranco47 Loc: Senoia GA

DaveyDitzer wrote:

quixdraw: what is an ES-1?

Nikon produced two or three models in joint venture with Fuji , there were square cameras es1 esn before the D series production , it is a rare camera last month on eBay was sold for 400$

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

PixelStan77 wrote:

Davey as a Nikon Micro Nikkor lenses, I would not sell the Micro Nikkor 55 2.8. Get off the fence and use it and you will see why you will love it and would not want t sell it. An amazing super sharp design.