Nikon 55
The lens on a Nikon D850
This is with the optional extender that increases the reproduction ratio from 1:2 to 1:1.
And this is the same subject without the extender tube at a reproduction ratio of 1:2
This is an almost antique lens, which is manual control only. It is actually a joy to use it, as the focus ring is very precise and at 235g it is a very light lens. It also comes bundled with an extender tube, that allows you to go from 1:2 to 1:1 reproduction ratio. In this extended mode, the lens will only focus between 50cm and 20cm, so it is only useful for more serious macro work.
Now, very few people actually need a macro, so it is really debatable why you should prefer this lens over a more standard Nikon 50. Well you shouldn't. If the bit of minimum distance difference (40cm or 20cm) is what bothers you, I think you are better off buying a Nikon 35 instead.
The problem with macro lenses that have shorter focal lengths (basically less than 80-100mm) is that you need to come quite close to the subject where the camera/lens will start blocking most of the light. Without the extender, this lens is actually quite OK in that regard (but the reproduction ratio is only 1:2).
Ironically other weaknesses of the lens like its slower speed (f/3.5) and lack of autofocus, are not really issues when you are using macro modes. The depth of field at wider apertures becomes smaller when you come so small, so unless you are taking pictures of a sheet of paper head on (quite useful when you photograph post stamps) you will need to use smaller apertures anyway. Since at these distances keeping the focus in check is difficult, you will need to stabilize the camera (and the subject) so manual focus will not bother you.
In short, if you come across one, and for some reason you do not have a 50mm prime, why not. Otherwise, trust me when I say you do not need a macro
Versions
There are a number of similar macro lenses, the one I have is one of the older f/3.5 versions
- There is a faster still manual focus f/2.8 AiS version, which is still listed on the Nikon www sites (as of 2021).
- There exists an old autofocus version of the f/3.5, however it weighs already 400g.
- Then Nikon moved to 60mm for this shorter focal length macro range. There is the autofocus 2.8 AF-D, and the more up to date 2.8 AF-S versions. Both are above 400g.
- The APS-C specific 40mm f/2.8 is probably the best modern alternative for DSLR cameras. It weighs about the same, costs little and on an APS-C covers about the same range as this 55mm on a full frame camera.
- Finally for mirrorless cameras (Z mount), a brand new and light 50mm f/2.8 version was introduced.
| Price | Cheap |
|---|---|
| Weight | Very light, 235g |
| Good for | Close ups and general purpose |
| New or used | About 100 used, not available new |
This is meant for a full frame camera, and as a general purpose lens, 55mm is a very practical focal length. The much shorter minimum focus distance can sometimes come handy when you see a small flower or some small detail, but in general this lens will not help you that much for macro work.
I still enjoy this lens, especially since it is a very light (235g) lens (compared to 750g of the Nikon 105).
For macro lenses the thing you care about is the reproduction ratio. An APS-C camera effectively multiplies this ratio by 1.5x, as the sensor is smaller. So all of a sudden the issue that without an extender this lens only has 1:2 reproduction ratio is less of an issue as you use an APS-C sensor.
But for walking around, you now have a 80mm lens, which is slightly long for everyday use. It works well for details and portraits, but for those the macro capabilities are completely useless, and having a regular Nikon 50 would be much more practical (faster and lighter as well as autofocus). Just saying.
Gallery
The little (7cm) reindeer at the minimum focus distance of the lens without the extender tube.
A third variation, this time at the minimum focus distance of the superb Nikon 50. You only need a macro if you really really need to come closer than this.
Late autumn leaves, shows off why we would want to use a slight macro to have the leaf more in the foreground. A standard 50mm would have a wider shot. Of course a long zoom would probably be able to achieve a similar shot. But if you have a lens like this one, you do not need to carry a heavy zoom with you.
This time a regular shot. Although this lens is very old, it takes very good pictures. While this one is scaled, even at full resolution the edge to edge sharpness is pretty good. Note that there is quite a bit of fog where I took this picture.
These pages are for Amateur Photographers and not really for seasoned photographers and professionals. I have no affiliation or commercial interest with any brand/make. I write from my own experience. I ended up using mainly Nikon, so I am more familiar with this brand than others. See price for notes on pricing as well as photography related links.