Nikon recently announced an inexpensive macro lens for DX (APS-C crop sensor) digital SLR shooters. The new AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G lens has an effective focal length of 60mm and a very nice suggested retail price of US $279.95. It has a true macro reproduction ratio of 1:1 and focuses as close as 6.4 inches (162.6mm) for close-up photos of insects, flowers, etc.
Although $279 probably sounds like a lot of money to some readers, the 40mm Micro-Nikkor is a sweet deal compared to other macro Nikon lenses. The closest option for a true macro Nikon lens is the $519 AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D. Fast 50mm prime lenses have long been used as portrait lenses on crop-sensor digital SLRs so the new 40mm f/2.8 lens can also do double duty as a portrait lens on DX cameras. So if you were already in the market for a Nikon 50mm prime, you should take a good look at the new 40mm Micro-Nikkor, too.
The Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G macro lens should be available at your local Nikon dealer and online camera stores in August for $279.95.
Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G Press Release >>
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Normally prefer a longer lens when doing close-ups so that your body won’t be too close to the subject casting a shadow on it. This lens is more like an old 50mm macro. Works well for flower pics but for insects you want to maintain a good distance from the subject.
Very portable that you can carry around in your pocket and leave it on as a normal lens. Probably better to find one with Vibration Reduction but would make the price more expensive.
Thanks for the comment, Hoasjoe. I agree about the length of the lens. I use a 50mm macro lens on an APS-C sensor camera and sometimes I do have problems with shadows and wish I had a longer macro lens. But for the price and portability, this really is a good deal – especially for someone who has neither a 50mm or a macro lens. For those photographers it’s almost like a two-for-one deal