Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm F2.8G ED

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm F2.8G ED is a standout lens for those seeking to delve into the world of macro photography while still providing versatility for general use. With its compact design and excellent optical performance, this lens is a fantastic choice for Nikon F (DX) mount users.

Build and Design

The construction of the lens is robust, featuring a sleek black finish that compliments Nikon's camera bodies. It's relatively lightweight, making it convenient for outdoor shoots or extended sessions, where carrying heavy gear can become cumbersome. The 60mm focal length on a DX camera translates to about 90mm equivalent in full-frame terms, which opens up a world of macro possibilities while also doubling as an effective short-telephoto lens.

Optical Performance

One of the most impressive aspects of the Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm is its optical quality. It utilizes ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, which work together to minimize chromatic aberrations, delivering sharp images with excellent color accuracy. The lens produces stunning detail even at close focusing distances, honed to 1:1 magnification, making it perfect for capturing fine textures and intricate details in macro shots.

The lens also exhibits excellent control of distortion and vignetting, ensuring consistent image quality across the frame. Whether capturing small subjects or general portraits, the smooth bokeh produced at f/2.8 allows for a pleasing separation between the subject and background, enhancing overall composition.

Autofocus and Handling

The AF-S (Auto Focus-Silent Wave Motor) feature ensures fast and near-silent autofocus operations, an important aspect for macro photography where quietness can make a significant difference, especially in natural settings. The manual focus override is also a nice touch, providing flexibility when fine-tuning details is necessary.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the lens is primarily designed with macro work in mind, and with its relatively short focal length, it may not be ideal for photographers looking to achieve more candid or distant shots. Additionally, relying on the autofocus in very close proximity can occasionally lead to the system hunting for focus, which may require a bit of patience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact, lightweight design ideal for travel and long shoots.
• Exceptional optical quality with sharp details and minimal aberration.
• Effective 1:1 macro capability allows for outstanding close-up photography.
• Fast and silent autofocus is perfect for nature and wildlife photography.
• Manual focus override for precise control.

Cons

• Autofocus may hunt in very close proximately situations.
• Limited versatility for distant candid photography due to short focal length.

Verdict

The Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm F2.8G ED is an excellent choice for Nikon F (DX) mount users who are eager to explore macro photography while also benefiting from a capable short-telephoto lens. With its combination of build quality, sharp optics, and effective autofocus, this lens stands as a solid investment for both macro enthusiasts and general photographers. Despite some limitations in the autofocus system when working at extremely close distances, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making this lens a valuable addition to any photographer's arsenal.