Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
Last updated (12 July’10):
- Review by Photozone
The Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR features 85mm at focal length with maximum aperture of f/3.5. The lens construction has 14 elements in 10 groups and has diagonal angle of view at 18 degrees. Closest focusing distance at 0.286 m/0.9 ft and has a filter size of 52mm. The Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR lens weighs 355 g/12.5 oz and it measures 2.9 inches in diameter and 2.9 inches long.
Overall Rating:
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Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Reviews
Kenrockwell reviews the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR and writes;
“As for sharpness, every Nikon Micro lens has been spectacular, and the claimed MTF of this lens, as well as its complex construction, suggests that this 85mm lens should be ridiculously sharp, limited only by your abilities, not the lens.”
rating: N/A
Photozone.de reviews the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR and writes;
“It’s rather light-weight and compact, delivers very sharp images wide open, which can be considered distortion free (at least for typical macro subjects) and show only minimal traces of CAs. The bokeh is nice and smooth, just a tad underdeveloped for normal tele use because of the lack of speed. “
Rating:
Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR User Reviews
Great macro performer at affordable price. | Rating:
“I was concerned about purchasing this lens given it’s slightly smaller maximum aperture than much of the competition. I have not been disappointed! The 85 mm focal length is generous on a DSLR: you can fill the frame without having to get right on top of the subject and it leaves room to get a flash in when necessary. The VR is quite effective at stablizing the lens and I can shoot at slower shutter speeds than I had expected, thus getting greater depth-of-field when necessary. Image quality is typical Nikon: quite sharp. “ – by Ronald F. Reynolds
Exciting Capabilities | Rating:
“This macro lens is usable hand-held in many situations. My Nikon, a D90, is capable of shooting at ASA 800 and above without serious noise. This means I have a few f-stops in hand from the VR and from the ASA. I have spent some time “practicing” in my backyard learning the ins and outs of this fine lens. Prints are 13″x19″ so it is rather easy to see and appreciate what this 85mm is doing. The price is right if you are using a DX camera (one with a less than 35mm sensor).” – by B. Barnett
Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Sample Photos
- Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Sample Photos @ Photozone.de
- Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Sample Photos @ Mylensdb.com
- Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Sample Photos @ Flickr.com
Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR User Manual
- Download Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR User Manual (PDF – 4.7Mb)
Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Specifications
DX-format medium telephoto Micro NIKKOR lens is ideal for extreme close-up and general photography / Autofocus / Uses 52mm Filters Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) – For fast, accurate and quiet autofocus. Internal Focus (IF) – Provides fast and quiet autofocusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject working distance throughout the focus range. Rounded 9-blade diaphragm – Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements. May come with 52mm Snap-on front lens cap (LC-52); Rear lens cap (LF-1); Bayonet hood (HB-37); Flexible lens pouch (CL-1018)
Key Features
* Medium-telephoto 85mm Micro lens (picture angle is equivalent to a focal length of 127.5mm in FX/35mm format)
* Closest focusing distance of 0.286 m/0.9 ft. (1:1 life size)
* The optical system featuring an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element is optimized for DX-format digital SLRs
* Vibration Reduction (VR II) enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible
* Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, quiet AF operation
* Two focus modes available – M/A and M
* IF (Internal Focusing) enables focusing without changing the length of lens barrel
* The nine-blade rounded diaphragm opening gives out-of-focus elements a more natural appearance
Popularity: 1%
See also: Lens Reviews | Nikon Lenses
I have owned this lens for almost a year and have been very happy with my purchase. The lens is very sharp and produce excellent photos. The Vibration reduction works really well, I have taken dozen of shots of bees hand held and the detail is exceptional. Using the VR and higher ISO settings i don’t need a tripod to get good sharp macro pictures. On my D90 the autofocus is generally quick and accurate, although it does “hunt” at times. I have compared pictures taken with this lens, the 18 -105 kit lens and the Nikon 50 mm F1.8. The pictures taken with the 85 mm macro lens always seem better; sharper with better color saturation.
Just got this lens and shot a dozen of photos, both macro and portrait. I own a D90 and I needed a couple of weeks to decide between 85 micro or 105 micro.I can confirm 85 Micro VR is really very sharp, light and practical to use. Macro minimum distance is very handy and comfortable. It’s easy to shoot macro hand held in day light.