Get Close -- Real Close

Nikon is famous for countless superlatives in its contribution to the development of 35mm SLR photography. Among them are its legendary macro lenses near the 50mm or "normal" focal length. These lenses, dubbed Micro Nikkors, have been a reason many purchased into the Nikon SLR system in the first place. No other lens maker has more experience and greater reputation than Nikon in the design of macros in this range. The latest 60mm f/2.8D Nikkor is the culmination of a succession of constantly improving macro designs.

While marketing hype has attempted to include lenses capable of focusing as close as a 1:4 (reproduction ratio) as "macro," true macro lenses must reproduce at 1:1. Arguably, a real macro lens is a "prime" lens meaning it is of a fixed focal length. Adding zoom into the optical formula always compromises the performance of any lens. Any lens can be one or at most two but never three of the following: 1) highly performing in a macro capability, 2) highly performing in zoom capability, and 3) cheap. A lens that zooms and has macro capability is prohibitively unaffordable or suffers optically. Users seeking the best performing true macro lenses almost always choose a prime. Wise Nikon users would do well to select the 60mm Micro-Nikkor.

This superbly corrected lens focuses from 1:1 to infinity without the use of extension tubes as was the case in some earlier Nikon designs. At its closest focus the subject is less than nine inches away from the film plane which means the user can focus to less than three inches from the front of the lens.

The "D" version of this lens allows it to work in conjunction with Nikon's proprietary exposure system that takes into account the distance of the primary subject. The lens optics is identical to the non-D version that was introduced in 1989. This lens is characterized by its radical design difference from Nikon's venerated macros in the 55mm focal length. The new design yielded a superior lens optically as well as more convenient mechanical features. By shifting lens groups within the lens itself during focusing, the length, nominally at three inches, changes no more than an inch between infinity and 1:1. Nikon's "Close-Range Correction System" allows optic performance without compromise at all focus distances.

After using several manual and auto-focus Nikkors, the 60mm has proven to be the sharpest in my quiver of lenses. Resolution is outstanding at all apertures from f/2.8 to f32. Its performance around f/8 is unbelievable. This is a lens that will test the resolving power of your highest resolution film including Velvia or, for black and white applications, Ektapan or Plus X.

As with all macro photography you MUST use a camera stand or professional quality tripod or expect less than ideal results. The 60 produces the most natural looking perspectives as compared to those of longer focal lengths when shooting hobby miniatures such as auto and train models. Close up photographs of flowers, architectural and landscape details complement my "long view" shots during presentations. They add a refreshing variety to my travel slide shows. Science and forensic applications are obvious with this lens as well as documenting objects d'art. Since the lens exhibits a fairly flat field, two-dimensional art and document copy can be done without elaborate lighting to compensate for stopping down the aperture. My macro subjects tend to be stationary and careful focusing is needed to produce sharp pictures and to protect the front of the lens. The lens' deeply recessed front element provides security in this manner as well.

The 60 also serves as my normal prime and produces sharp and contrasty images. Its relatively high speed allows for hand held shots with Velvia in bright to moderate light. However, as a sharpness freak, I feel sacrilegious whenever I use this lens without my heavy Bogen tripod beneath.

In the field, this lens handles very well. It is larger than the old 55mm micros but feels lighter. Its plastic barrel construction accounts for the weight savings over the metal lenses of yore. An on lens switch allows the user to select from manual to automatic focusing. Another switch limits the range of focus to prevent the auto-focusing system from having to "hunt" the entire range of focus. I find these features having limited benefits and nearly always focus manually anyway. Markings on the lens allow the user to select a reproduction ratio. The user, then, simply moves the camera forward or back to achieve focus at the selected ratio. At extreme close ups, careful positioning is critical given the limited depth of field. Again, I suggest the use of a tripod. The filter size is the common 62mm screw on which means the user does not have to buy filters outside Nikon's usual 52mm, 62mm, 72mm filter suite.

Its size, weight, and affordability makes this lens ideal for travel and as a utility macro lens. At less than $300 through sources on the web and considerably cheaper in the used market, this definitely will be one of your best lens bargains as a Nikon owner. It just may be your best lens period.