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Although this lens is one of Nikon's older designs still in production I would rate it as one of the their sharpest lenses currently available. Even though it is made for a very specific use, and not a lens that everyone might need, they managed to make the design of this lens to a point of near perfection. Since most experienced users manually focus macro lenses, I hope if Nikon ever updates the design to incorporate faster autofocusing that they don't compromise its optical quality. Why attempt to fix something that isn't broken?
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Love macro photography and so decided to invest in this expensive lens. It is very sharp, tack sharp in fact. The autofocus in not only... very noisy as are most screw drives are but the lens hunts a lot even with the switch limit set on. Once zeroed in, it is tack sharp. You would expect this in macro work but even in regular use for me it hunts if there is not high contrast. It is on a D800 body, so don't think that is the issue. Don't mind the F4 slowness of the lens but the background is creamy and soft as it should be given the price. I think this is a great lens for what it is, it is just a shame there is not extra magnification readily available. Yes, you can use bellows or extension tubes but when you consider the weight of this thing, I would be scared of it breaking either the bellows or tubes. Do you need two tripods to do this kind of work? Appears that way to me. Love the 200 mm length and not having to get stung or scare my subject away, with 19 inch being the minimum four distance to be in focus. Overall, a great lens. Expensive and surely for the self indulgent but if it makes you happy, life is short. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Look at Ken Rockwell's review for the specifics. This is an old school macro lens. The design is old because it works...no need to change something that works. Build is nearly all metal and very high quality. The DOWNSIDES are: I do shoot off hand often, and as such I would use and appreciate the addition of VR (vibration reduction). And I would like to see an upgrade to M/A focus without having to move the switch. Again, shooting handheld means auto-focus too. NOT IMPORTANT are: The lack of an internal focus motor. The auto focus with my D800 or D300 is not fast but usually goes right to the subject without "hunting". It is precise. It is unlikely anyone would have need to use this lens with a consumer grade camera without a (in-camera) focus motor. The weight may bother some. It is irrelevant off a tripod and frankly steadies shooting unsupported. IMPORTANT: Sharpness is legendary. Cost is high, but then that is in part because this lens holds its value. It will still be valuable years from now. This is more of a special purpose lens. The f/4 maximum aperture limits other use and the background blur is not what the "Bokeh" aficionados seek. What it does best is allow one to get 1:1 images and not have to get on top of the subject. And that is does very well! As there is no apparent move by Nikon to upgrade (VR, internal focus motor, etc.), this lens is just great as is. And any new offering would probably lead to more plastic and the limitations of a "G" lens. That might not be an upgrade at all.Read full review
It's heavy, does not have a focus motor, auto-focous works only on bodies with focus motor (like D750). Produces great sharp images, but needs a lot of practice to master it. It has a nice focus ring and very easy to focus manually. 200mm macro means you don't have to stick it into subjects ass like you need to do for a 50mm lens.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
If you want distance between yourself and your subject , this is the lens for you. The focus is accurate , and it does not hunt . It is a bit heavy , but that it is solidly built to pro specifications , Focus is not super fast , but it as sure and accurate . I was surprised at the Bokeh ( out of focus back ground ). The main subject was in focus while the background had a creamy blur . This lens is sharp enough to use as a prime lens. It is a bit pricey but I bought mine new because I plan on keeping it a very long time. 62MM filter size is perfect, especially if you plan on going beyond 1:1 macro, as Nikon makes a 6t filter for even stronger macro. The filter is 62MM . I am happy with this lens , and it is the perfect compliment to my 105 vr macro . The only thing I would add to this lens is VR to help steady us older folks. This lens is discontinued so it will become harder to get a good copy.Read full review
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