5 best nikon micro lenses

Nikon is a well-known manufacturer of camera equipment, including a range of micro or macro lenses designed for close-up photography. Nikon's micro lenses are highly regarded for their optical quality and performance. Here's some information about Nikon micro lenses:

Nikon Micro-NIKKOR Lens Series: Nikon offers a series of micro lenses under the "Micro-NIKKOR" brand. These lenses are specifically designed for macro and micro photography, allowing photographers to capture highly detailed and magnified images of small subjects like insects, flowers, and other tiny objects.
Focal Lengths: Nikon micro lenses come in various focal lengths, including 40mm, 60mm, 85mm, and 105mm. The choice of focal length depends on the photographer's preferences and the type of subjects they intend to photograph. Shorter focal lengths (e.g., 40mm) are often preferred for general macro photography, while longer focal lengths (e.g., 105mm) provide greater working distance and are popular for capturing insects and delicate subjects.
Aperture and Aperture Blades: Nikon micro lenses typically feature wide apertures, such as f/2.8 or f/3.5, which allow for excellent background blur (bokeh) and low-light performance. Many of these lenses have a circular aperture with multiple aperture blades, which contributes to smooth and pleasing out-of-focus areas in images.
Image Stabilization: Some Nikon micro lenses are equipped with image stabilization technology, known as Vibration Reduction (VR) in Nikon's terminology. VR helps reduce the effects of camera shake, which can be especially beneficial when shooting at high magnifications.
Internal Focusing: Nikon micro lenses often have internal focusing mechanisms, meaning the lens elements move internally to achieve focus. This helps maintain the overall lens length and prevents startling or disturbing small subjects during photography.
ED and Aspherical Elements: Many Nikon micro lenses incorporate Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) and aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions, resulting in sharp and high-contrast images.
Compatibility: Nikon micro lenses are designed to be compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras and the Nikon Z mirrorless camera system. Some older micro lenses may require an adapter for use with Nikon's mirrorless Z cameras.
Accessories: Nikon micro lenses often come with lens hoods and caps to protect the lens and improve image quality by reducing glare and stray light. Some lenses also support filters for additional creative options.

Nikon micro lenses are highly regarded among photographers for their optical quality, durability, and versatility.Whether you are a professional macro photographer or an enthusiast looking to explore the world of close-up photography, Nikon offers a range of micro lenses to suit your needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best nikon micro lenses on the market

Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens

Nikon

Based on 958 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Product description NIKON 105MM F2.8G VR MICRO (2160)patibility: G-type lenses are fully compatible with all current camera models (as of 01/04). The older camera models F4, N90/s, N70, N8008/s, N6000 will only work in Program and Shutter Priority modes. Note: VR feature will only work with Nikon's F6, F5, F100, N80, N75, N65, D100 & D1 and D2-series (or any newer model) cameras. Note: AF-S feature is not supported by certain camera models. Please click here for a list of compatible models. From the Manufacturer: This medium telephoto Micro lens is ideal for extreme close-up and portrait work with greater working distances and AF from infinity to life-size (1:1)The world’s first macro lens featuring Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR) designed for close-up and macro photography; versatile for all photographic situations Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet auto focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject working distance thorough the focus range High-resolution and high optical performance with Nano Crystal Coat and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements enhances overall image quality by further reducing flare and chromatic aberrations, contributing to improved color, contrast and clarityNon-rotating front design is convenient for use with circular polarizing filters and the R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System This medium telephoto Micro lens is ideal for extreme close-up and portrait work with greater working distances and AF from infinity to life-size (1:1)

From the Manufacturer

This medium telephoto Micro lens is ideal for extreme close-up and portrait work with greater working distances and AF from infinity to life-size (1:1)

The world’s first macro lens featuring Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR) designed for close-up and macro photography; versatile for all photographic situations

Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture

Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet auto focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject working distance thorough the focus range

High-resolution and high optical performance with Nano Crystal Coat and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements enhances overall image quality by further reducing flare and chromatic aberrations, contributing to improved color, contrast and clarity

Non-rotating front design is convenient for use with circular polarizing filters and the R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System

Designed for close-up and macro photography; versatile enough for virtually any photographic situation
Maximum Angle of View (FX-format): 23°20'.Features new VR II vibration reduction technology, Focal Length : 105 mm, Minimum Focus Distance : 1.03 ft( 0314 m)
Nano-Crystal coat and ED glass elements that enhance overall image quality by further reducing flare and chromatic aberrations
Includes an internal focus, which provides fast and quiet auto-focusing without changing the length of the lens. Maximum Reproduction Ratio : 1.0x
Weighs 279 ounces, and measures 33 x 45 inches; Made In China ;5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension)
Lens not zoomable

User questions & answers

Question:	when shooting at 1:1 does the built in flash get blocked by the lens
Answer:	If you do not use the lens hood it shouldn't be a problem. If you do,you should use an exterior flash. I use an SB800 but that's personal preference.While the built in flash is handy it makes the photos' seem flat.However at times its better than the alternative
Question:	is this lens make in china or Japan
Answer:	Used to be made in Japan now made in China. Best to get a old one off of eBay if you want a Japanese made one. That is what I did
Question:	Is this lens good for taking portraits? Is there a difference between taking portraits with macro and a dedicated 105mm lens
Answer:	Hi Chandana,I own the 85mm 1.8G and 105mm 2.8G Macro for different purposes. The 105mm 2.8G is a great lens for product photography and for some portraits however for portrait shots, I shy away just because it is too sharp. From my perspective, the image is crisp but it does not look natural in my eyes. It looks somewhat Artificial just because it is optimized for close up macro. Thats why I use the 85mm instead which looks really natural. This will really depend on the person. People have different perspective. hope it helps :)
Question:	Does this maintain it's 2.8 across magnification range
Answer:	Before you read the data spec answers, consider that Macro is not the same as your normal understanding of a 2.8 aperture. The challenge with this lens is actually that the DOF is SO RAZOR THIN that it's hard to get anything in focus...even at F11 (yes, eleven!!). It's totally different than what you think of a standard lens at F/1.4... when you're shooting objects that are just 6 inches away from the front of this lens, the maximum F4.0 aperture is almost impossible to use without getting a blurry photo...it is so thin that you will be frustrated getting focus right just because you can't stop your own heartbeat from slightly moving your body forward/backward, or worse if the wind even barely blows to move something out of the RAZOR THIN DOF. I shoot this lens at F8 when I want to completely blur everything behind the subject and F16 when I want to ensure tricky situations (wind, I'm reach and it's hard to hold myself still) get AT LEAST SOMETHING in focus. It's not the same as a what you're used to with a standard DOF...that's not an insult, it's an education. I personally did not know this and found shooting macro to be VERY challenging to get anything actually IN FOCUS at even F11. Hope that's helpful, now read on as everyone gives you data specs below...

Product features

Your DSLR’s Best Friend

A must-have for standard portraits and everyday use, the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G is a VR (Vibration Reduction) lens that will absolutely surprise you. The 105mm focal length with a fast f/2.8 aperture allows you to capture stunning images with a shallow depth-of-field, letting your subjects stand out from their backgrounds. The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G may soon become your new favorite lens.

Brilliance In Any Light Get Astonishing Low Light Results

This lightweight standard lens is a great travel companion because you never know when a beautiful, sunny day will turn cloudy and rainy. With its fast f/2.8 aperture, the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G will capture even low-light situations with stunning brilliance.

Beautiful Background Blur Achieve More Natural Depth Of Field

Whether you're shooting portraits, food or nature—indoors or outdoors—the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G VR (Vibration Reduction) lens renders a beautiful, natural background blur (Bokeh) at its wider aperture settings. And its 105mm focal length is perfect for creating natural perspective in your photographs.

Capture Every Detail Shoot Tack-Sharp Portraits Every Time

Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare, while the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G's Aspherical Lens Element (AS) virtually eliminates coma and other types of aberrations, even when shooting at the widest available aperture. Pair that with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, accurate and quiet autofocus, and you can be sure all of your portraits will be tack sharp.

Silent Wave Motor

AF-S NIKKOR lenses feature Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This technology converts 'traveling waves' into rotational energy to focus the optics. This enables high-speed autofocusing that's extremely accurate and super quiet.

M/A

Select NIKKOR lenses have a focusing mode which allows switching from automatic to manual focusing with virtually no lag time by simply turning the focusing ring on the lens. This makes it possible to seamlessly switch to fine manual focusing while looking through the viewfinder.

Aspherical Lens

A lens with a curved, non-spherical surface. Used to reduce aberrations and enable a more compact lens size. Aspherical lenses minimize coma and other types of lens aberrations, even when used at the widest aperture. They are particularly useful in correcting distortion in wide-angle lenses and help contribute to a lighter, more compact design by reducing the number of standard (spherical) elements necessary. Aspherical lens elements correct these distortions by continuously changing the refractive index from the center of the lens.

Super Integrated Coating

Nikon Super Integrated Coating is Nikon's term for its multilayer coating of the optical elements in NIKKOR lenses.