Product Description

Get better pictures from your digital SLR with this Nikon USA: AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens. With its two aspherical lens elements, lens aberrations are rare. And if you need to take a picture fast, the Silent Wave Motor produces high-speed and quiet autofocus operation. And its Nano Crystal Coat eliminates most internal reflections across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image integrity. Faster, smoother autofocusing and eliminates barrel length changes and front element rotation Virtually eliminates internal reflections across a wide range of wavelengths Superior color performance, while substantially reducing ghosting and flare Optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both the Nikon FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) and DX-format image sensors Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements M/A Focus Mode allows fast, smooth transitions, autofocus to manual operation Focal length - 60mm Maximum aperture - f/2.8 Minimum aperture - f/32 Lens construction - 12 elements in 9 groups (with one ED glass lens, two aspherical lenses, one with Nano Crystal Coat) Picture angle - 39 40' (26 30' with Nikon DX format) Closest focus distance - 0.185 m/0.6 ft. (life-size) Maximum reproduction ratio - 1.0x (life-size) Filter/attachment size - 62 mm Diameter x length - Approximately 2.9 x 3.5 inches Weight - Approximately 15 oz. Supplied accessories - LC-62 62mm Snap-on front lens cap, LF-1Rear lens cap, HB-42 Bayonet hood, CL-1018 Flexible lens pouch Optional accessories - 62mm screw-in filters, including circular polarizing filter

Product Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model: B0013A1XDY
• Dimensions: 3.50" h x 2.90" w x 2.90" l, .94 pounds

Features

• Lens Type: AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED
• Designed for use with Nikon FX and DX digital SLR cameras including the D40, D60, D80, D90, and D300
• Focal length: 90mm effective for APS-C sensor cameras
• Ideal for closeup and macro photography
• Minimum focus distance: 8 inches

Amazon.com Product Description
Ideal for close-up shots, copy work, and general photography, the Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both Nikon FX format and DX format image sensors. The lens is equipped with an exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that enables accurate, quiet, high-speed autofocus operation. The lens's pair of aspherical elements, meanwhile, virtually eliminate coma and other types of aberration even at the widest aperture. Add in an extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass element--which effectively minimizes chromatic aberration--and your photos will enjoy superior sharpness and color correction regardless of the subject. Other details include an internal focusing (IF) design that enables the use of polarizers and speed-light systems; a Nano Crystal Coat that virtually eliminates reflections across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image integrity; a Super Integrated Coating (SIC) that substantially reduces ghosting and flare; a rounded nine-blade diaphragm that makes out-of-focus image elements appear more natural; and a M/A focus mode that allows you to quickly transition between autofocus and manual operation.

Specifications

• Focal length: 60mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum aperture: f/32
• Autofocus: Yes
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM): Yes
• Compatible formats: FX, DX, FX in DX crop mode, 35mm film
• Vibration reduction: No
• Distance information: Yes
• ED glass elements: Yes
• Super Integrated Coating: Yes
• Nano Crystal Coat: Yes
• Internal focusing: Yes
• Rear focusing: No
• De-focus control: No
• Close-range correction: No
• Manual/auto focus mode: Yes
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.6 feet
• Angle of view: 39 degrees @ 40 feet
• Lens construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
• ED elements: 1
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 1x
• Filter type: 62mm screw-on
• Mount type: Nikon F-bayonet
• Lens case: CL-1018
• Lens hood: HB-42
• Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches long
• Weight: 15 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

Customer Reviews

All you can say is: WOW!
Who would have thought that Nikon could have improved on the already excellent 60mm micro? How?

1) It no longer extends when focusing.

2) Hood is now included, and is bayonet style, not screw on.

3) AFS. Quiet focusing.

4) 9 nine rounded aperture blades (instead of 7 straight) for very pleasant bokeh.

5) As sharp as the old one.

6) New Nano crystal coatings supposed provide better color and contrast (only time will tell on this one).

Is it worth the upgrade? Check this list and see if these are important to you. If not, you can pick us a used 60mm AF(D) micro or maybe still find a new one for less money. As I was not replacing but buying a short macro for the first time, I got this latest version and am very very happy with it.

Is it worth the higher price? I certainly think so, but others may disagree. Shop around, there are better prices at good stores. Avoid Broadway photo and its related sites.

Super sharp, quick and fast
I bought this lens as my entry into shooting macro and haven't been at all disappointed. I was concerned about the claimed 7.2" minimum focus but apparently, that's only for the auto-focus because focusing manually I can get down to 2 or 3 inches. All images are superbly sharp with good color reproduction. This lens will not disappoint, however, if distance is a concern you may wish to look at the Sigma 150mm Macro or Nikon's own 105mm Micro lens. After being so satisfied with this Nikon 60mm I broke down and bought the Sigma 150mm macro as well and I'm glad I did. Both have their specific uses and sometimes the shorter focal length of this Nikon is exactly what I need for a specific situation. The Sigma is at least as sharp and perhaps a little more versatile as well as being (arguably), one of the best macro lenses currently available.

Unless you need to really keep your distance, this lens will serve your needs and blow you away with the crisp detail and accurately saturated color in the pictures you'll produce. I didn't think I could get close enough to some subjects but working slowly, I've had the end of this lens within 2-inches of wild fence lizards and inside of the minimum possible focal distance with subjects like grasshoppers and bees.

It's almost one of those rare "can't go wrong" situations. Buy it, you'll be glad you did.

Sharp, flat field, fast to use
An excellent lens. AF and MF both work well on my D200 in macro work and general use. AF-S lets the focus be easily controlled manually after AF, without moving switches. It's a good size match for the D200-300 line. It shouldn't overwhelm the smaller Nikon bodies.

The 60mm focal length gives more perspective & depth compared to longer lenses. It's also great for informal portraitsnon DX format, fitting into the short end of the classic 85-105mm range from film. I like all these aspects. They do mean there's a wider background and you're closer to the subject compared to longer alternatives.

Close focus is a hair tighter than 1:1. You have about 7.5" from the sensor-film plane to the subject. This translates to just under 2" from the lens front, or 1/2" from the front of the hood. The hood can be a problem that close. Backing off to 1:1.5 gains about an inch of distance. DX gives 1x1.5" field there to match 1:1 on FX or film. By 1:3 you've got 4+ inches in front of the hood. You get used to adjusting focus and framing with a mix of lens and camera movements. It's easier in practice than some have described, even on a tripod.

The lens is incredibly sharp and contrasty. You stop down from wide-open for DOF, not because you need better sharpness. Papery low contrast detail on flowers is captured well. Out of focus areas are smooth. Some say it's got the best Micro-Nikkor optics ever (see Bjorn Rorslett's site). You have to look hard to see this lens's few optical flaws (like barely visible CA).

Possible drawbacks (debatable):

The 60 mm focal length is short for some people's taste. Longer macro lenses do give greater working distance. Instead the 60 AF-S is smaller & lighter than 90-105mm macro-micro lenses. The price is lower if you're comparing Nikkors.

Manual focus gearing is quite fast. Infinity to close focus is about 180 deg. Finger tip movements take it from infinity to 7 feet. Manual focus gearing works better in the near range. Slower gearing or even variable ratio would help, though.

[Edited to correct focus & working distances]