Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 (AI-S) review

According provided by Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 lens (AI-S) many thanks to Maria Skakunova and the store www.fotika.com.ua, where can I find this model.

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 (AI-S) review

Review of the Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 (AI-S)

As soon as this lens falls into your hands, the first thing you pay attention to is that the lenses are set very deep in the lens barrel. In general, the lens is somewhat similar to the Soviet Industar-61LZ. Interestingly, the lens was produced from 1979 to 1985, and it is still appreciated. Seriously, after I took a few shots on the Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8, I immediately wanted to get myself the same one;). It captivates with its sharpness and macro capability.

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 lens has always been produced in only one AI-S modifications. Also, there is a huge line of different modifications of the older model - Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 3.5.

You will find how to use manual lenses on modern Nikon central control centers in the 'How to work with non-CPU lenses on modern Nikon central controllers'.

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 Deep Set Lens (AI-S)

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 Deep Set Lens (AI-S)

With the Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8, you can achieve a maximum magnification of 1: 2 for macro photography. This review contains original photos, without cropping. The lens is very sharp precisely because it is designed for macro photography. And yet - the lens has a special PK mode, which shows an increase from 1: 2 to 1: 1 when using the PK-13 prefix.

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 when focusing on MDF

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 when focusing on MDF

Attention: you can get a 1: 1 magnification only when using a special attachment (and in fact - a regular macro ring) Nikon Ai-s PK-13 Automatic Extension Ring... It is unlikely that someone wants to bother buying a special extension cord, it is easier to immediately buy a lens that gives “macro” 1: 1.

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 Rear Lens

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 Rear Lens

When focusing, the trunk of the lens moves very forward, while the front lens does not rotate. It’s a little annoying that when focusing, along with the trunk of the lens, the focus ring moves forward. The focus ring rotates 330 degrees. Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 uses a small thread diameter for filters - only 52mm. When focusing, the entire lens block moves, and the lens uses a system CRC (Close Range Correction) - a focusing system with correction at close focusing distances.

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 with native covers

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 with native covers

There is a focusing distance scale on the lens barrel, in the standard mode the minimum focusing distance is only 25 cm.There are also two scales with the designation of the macro zoom ratio: for the standard mode from 1:10 to 1: 2 and for working with the Nikon PK-13 extension ring from 1: 2 to 1: 1. The DOF scale is made using multi-colored stripes, each color has its own aperture value (DOF is indicated for F / 32 - orange, F / 22 - blue and F / 11 - yellow). There is also a red dot that serves as a marker for focusing in the IR spectrum. The diaphragm has seven blades.

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 on ZK

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 on ZK

Since this is a good old manual lens, he very well assembled, the case bears the inscription 'Made in Japan'.

On cropped cameras, the lens will give an angle of view equivalent to the lens in 82.5mm in 35mm equivalent. This falls within the range of portrait focal lengths.

Example photo on Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 (AI-S)

Example photo on Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 (AI-S)

The lens, due to its specification, is very sharp, even at F / 2.8 very sharp portraits are obtained, on which each eyelash is drawn. Personally, I am not afraid of sharpness in portraits, and sometimes it is even necessary. Contrast picturesaturated. The lens is afraid of backlight, side light - much less (due to the deep fit of the lenses). I do not observe distortion. Bokeh is a bit rough, but there will never be a clear opinion on such a delicate issue.

I really liked the lens, I would use it instead of the classic 'fifty dollars'. It’s not worth bothering that it’s 55mm, not 50mm, and that the maximum aperture of 2.8 is not worth it. For example, on my Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8D (MK III) more than 90% of pictures are taken at aperture of 2.8-4.0 and higher. The lens is lightweight so you can store it in your camera bag and get it out when you need to take a super-duper-sharp shot. The only thing that confuses me is that it turned out to be quite difficult to get into sharpness at a fully open aperture.

Here link to the archive with the originals - 359 MB, 27 photos in .NEF format (RAW) from the camera Nikon D700 (FX)

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 with extension ring 'M Nikon F Japan'


Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Conclusions

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 (AI-S) Is an excellent manual lens with killer sharpness and good macro photography.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: KalekseyG

 

 

Comments: 60, on the topic: Review Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1: 2.8 (AI-S)

  • Eugene

    I have, satisfied, recommend.

    • Dmitriy

      for work-subject shooting the most that)) bought it in exchange for sigma 150 2,8
      which was more expensive than nikora - a time of 3)) for my task 55 ka came up more)

  • Catherine

    What can you say about the Nikon Nikkor Ai-s 135 / 3.5 lens, will it fit the Nikon d 3100?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The lens is worth it! On the D3100 will do.

  • Catherine

    Andrey tell me, and if you choose between Nikon Nikkor Ai-s 135 / 3.5 Jupiter 37A Tair 11a Jupiter 9 Jupiter 11a how would you prioritize, I want a telephoto for shooting portraits mainly. Will there be infinity on the Nikon Nikkor Ai-s 135 / 3.5?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      All lenses are good. For crop I advise Yu-9. Personally, my opinion is descending: Jupiter-9, Nikkor 135 / 3,5, Tair-11a, Jupiter-37A. But at the same time, of all these lenses, I still use the Yu-37A.

  • Catherine

    Oh, sorry Arkady, called you Alexei)))

    • Dima

      Actually Andrey))

  • Catherine

    I’m completely dizzy from the choice, help me decide !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Catherine

    And if without a dandelion, as I understand it, U9 will not have infinity, and the rest will be with infinity?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, the Yu-9 without a lens on Nikon will be without infinity.

  • ALEX

    What is the AF-S DX 55-30 f / 4,5-5,6 G ED VR?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      There is no such AF-S DX 55-30 f / 4,5-5,6 G ED VR lens, there is only the Nikon 55-300mm f / 4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR, which is pretty good.

  • ALEX

    THANKS.

  • Ivan

    Cool lens

  • aidyn

    Arkady, what can you say about AF-S 60 / 2.8 Makro Nikkor
    does the word “MACRO” mean some kind of restriction? That is, can it be used not only as a macro object?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      An excellent lens, the word Macro means the possibility of Macro Photography as an additional lens option.

  • aidyn

    Unfortunately I did not have time to buy this lens, the price was attractive, $ 200 (((

  • Anatoly

    bought two years ago, great glass! True, due to age, the grease has thickened - it is slowly focused, especially in winter.

  • Michael

    To whom this glass is interesting, write, I will sell.

    • Dasha

      What is the price and is it suitable for d3200?

  • Michael

    Contact Email: major-zed@mail.ru

  • Sergei

    I really want a review of Micro Nikkor 40mm f / 2.8, when I buy it, I will send it for review, only it will be in Minsk

  • Glory

    good afternoon
    What is the glass Nikon AF 55 / 2.8 MICRO NIKKOR

    • Arkady Shapoval

      autofocus model of the same lens from the review

  • Anatoly

    It is better to buy 60 2.8 macro. And a scale of 1: 1 out of the box and autofocus for non-macro modes of use is convenient. And the price is not much higher on boo.

    • Vitaliy U

      "And the price is not much higher for a bu." :))) Approximately 2 !!! times the price of 60 2.8 is higher than 55 ... The rich have their own quirks.

  • riba4ok

    Thanks for your review. Today I took a D80 for myself and ordered this glass - I can't wait now (maybe I will even dream :)). Can you please tell me - as I understand it, without this notorious adapter (which you can find here), I won't be able to remove the stamps on the jewelry? And is this glass suitable for shooting coins without an adapter? Thanks.

    • Vitaliy U

      Suitable for shooting EVERYTHING small with a bang! The only thing is, for jewelry / numismatics, consider the issue of lighting. For maximum magnification, you need to approach, practically, close to each other (mdf 25mm !!!) With a normal flash, the lens casts a shadow ... Arkady, here at Radozhiv, has an overview of an inexpensive Chinese macro flash, normal light output IMHO.

  • jack_ua

    And this is a Nikon PK-13 ring, can it be replaced with ordinary Chinese macro rings?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, you can.

      • jack_ua

        Thank you.

  • Jury

    Interesting review, thanks.
    Cool lens. Bought in the summer with RK-13. D7000 Camera Test lens with and without RC-13: https://fotki.yandex.ru/users/ez5iod/album/450486/

  • Jury

    Now on Slando it is sold for 2500 UAH. Take it away quickly, otherwise what happened to Kalainar-5N will happen to them. I bought last year for 350, though under the M42. The adapter itself is attached. Then I wanted to buy another one, they were 400-450 each, now I can't reach my elbows.

  • Vitaliy U

    That's how portraiture

  • Vitaliy U

    and more

  • bob

    will auto focus on d90 ??

    • Alexander Malyaev

      How will autofocus be if it's a manual? Have you even read the full article?

Add a comment

Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer in Kiev Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2023

English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2011/11/obzor-nikon-55mm-f2-8-ai-s-micro-nikkor/comment-page-1/?replytocom=118656

Version en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2011/11/obzor-nikon-55mm-f2-8-ai-s-micro-nikkor/comment-page-1/?replytocom=118656