Nikon Normal Macro 55mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor AIS Manual Focus Lens USA

Comments about Nikon Macro 55mm f/2.8 Micro AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I'll start with two general considerations:

Firstly, I like prime lenses because they spur me to PRE-VISUALIZE my pictures in terms of the different types of compositions and perspective that the different focal lengths lend themselves better to, instead of giving in to the temptation to just plant myself in some random spot and 'frame by zooming'.

Secondly, I like well-built lenses that exhude quality and fine workmanship, and in this sense the manual-focus AIS Nikkors are second to none (and, alas, much, much better than Nikon's current AF and AF-S offerings, including the top-of-the line f/1.4s and super-teles).

This specific micro-Nikkor AIS 55/2.8 is as good as a lens gets: it is bitingly sharp straight from the maximum aperture (f/2.8) all the way to f/16-22 (where the inevitable diffraction kicks in), remarkably free from chromatic aberration and distortion, and virtually immune to flare. It also gives images a wonderfully 'three-dimensional' look, and has very smooth and pleasing 'bokeh'.

All in all, it is just plain excellent for everything, from landscapes to extreme close-ups. And, all the while, it makes you feel like you're in complete control - like IMHO no modern AF lens can do.

Of course, it is just what it says on the box: a 55mm manual focus macro lens - so you should know exactly what you are looking for, or you might be disapponted. It won't AF (of course!), it isn't particularly well suited for quick snapshots, especially in dim light, and it doesn't offer much working distance at the maximum reproduction ratio (1:2).
Other than these caveats, though... to get such quality today in a brand new lens at such comparatively inexpensive price borders on the insane!

In the end, only you know who you are and what you're looking for... but my personal take on it is: RECOMMENDED!!!

Comments about Nikon Macro 55mm f/2.8 Micro AIS Manual Focus Lens:

This is the sharpest lens I've owned, and probably ever used. Just about every aperture is clear and its good from the front of the lens to landscapes. Bokeh is very good although the 85mm AIS and 105 macro seems better to me. Wonderfully smooth focus and great feel. I am more of a wide angle person so the 20mm AIS gets a lot more use, but for standard length stills its the best I've used.

Comments about Nikon Macro 55mm f/2.8 Micro AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I bought this lens for macro photography and was extremely pleased with the crispness at all f stops. Increasingly I've been using it for general purpose and travel photography and have not been disappointed. It's now my favourite lens.

Comments about Nikon Macro 55mm f/2.8 Micro AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I have many AF Micro-Nikkors, but I still love this manual focus lens (which I believe I bought from B&H around 1981!). It's rock-solid, image quality is excellent, and it's a joy to focus manually. Hopefully they'll never discontinue it.

Comments about Nikon Macro 55mm f/2.8 Micro AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I own three of these lenses and have used them for years, first on a manual FM2 and now on a D200. Optics are very sharp, and great for closeups on flowers, etc, going 1:1. Very good for general lenswork as well. The lens is not too heavy, which makes it easy to handhold at 1/30th, even on the D200, which has no problem recognizing it once you enter info in the manual lens field before you use it. Manual focusing is smooth and fluid. Lens is held deep within the barrel, making a protective filter unnecessary. It does seem a bit too easy to dent the filter rim edge, however, which can make putting on filters difficult; take extra care in storage and protection.

Comments about Nikon Macro 55mm f/2.8 Micro AIS Manual Focus Lens:

I bought this lens used one week ago and I'm already very pleased with my purchase. The lens is super sharp at any aperture. My D200 recognizes the aperture so on camera metering is very easy. This is a stellar portrait lens and would be very good for macro photography as well.