Saturday, November 8, 2008

nikon micro-nikkor AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED-IF NANO


Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G ED IF Nano (2008 Release)

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. It is compatible with D40, D40x and D60.
Aperture: f/2.8 . Nine-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/32
Optics: 12 elements in 9 groups. That includes one ED glass element (shown in yellow) and two aspherical elements shown in blue.

Closest Focus: 18.5 cm(0r 7.2 inches)
Macro Ratio: 1:1 (real Micro lens)
Filter size: 62mm
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Barrel-shaped HB-42 Bayonet Lens Hood Supplied
Dimensions: 73 mm(2.9") diameter. Extension from lens flange (length excluding rear mount extension) is 89 mm (3.5").
Weight: 425 grams (15 oz)

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G Nano is extereme sharp and silent lens. Build quality is excellent. Lens glass quality is very high and together with Extra-low Dispertion coating and Nano coating, all flares ang ghosts are successfully eleminated. According to IMATEST results, barrel distortion level is only 0,06% ,could be called as "DISTORTION FREE". Vignetting is seen moderately ay f/2.8, but after that, it is not field relevant. MTF Resolution results are very good, even excellent starting from widest aperture up to f/11. The results seen at f/22 and f/32 are quite soft, which is not a surprise. Chromatic Aberrations are higher than expected, could be called as a shame for a brand new lens in the market with Crystal Nano coating. CA's are 1.6 pixel down to 1 pixel respectively with aperturesettings starting from f/2.8 (1 pixel is limit)


It is a relatively cheap lens and not so heavy that can be also used for candid photography.
But, if you are shooting products not smaller than 20-30 cms, this lens is an excellent macro for you. I have faced some problems to shoot mugs with my 105mm VR as i need to move back to fit the mug in the frame.



PAY ATTENTION :
- This lens' weakest point is Chromatic Aberrations (blue/purple color shadows at harsh contrast transitions) which are around 1,4-1,0 pixel .

VERDICT : Very high sharpness (i was expecting better results, but it does not mean bad ofcourse) and macro abilities with very fast focusing makes this lens a desirable high budget fast macro lens in the market. But over limit CA's (could be deleted by new softwares and Nikon's built in processors) does not fit this prime lens. Recommended (8/10)

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