Lens: Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f3.5G ED VR Review

Take close-up images of small things with the versatile Nikon Micro Nikkor 85mm macro lens.

The AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR lens from Nikon is a compact macro lens that is perfect for those itching to try their hands at macro photography.

I was really impressed at just how compact and lightweight the lens was when I first got a hold of it. The lens doesn’t add much bulk or weight to the camera when attached.

Weighing just 355g, the Nikkor 85mm felt really light compared to our Nikkor 105mm macro lens which now feels as heavy as a tank.

Also, the length of the lens is relatively short as it’s no longer than a Nikkor 60mm lens. Because of this the lens easily fits nicely in any camera bag without adding significant weight.

Being lightweight does come at a cost though as it’s mostly constructed using plastic. It definitely doesn’t feel cheap but still lacks the solid feel of other macro lenses.

When mounted on a Nikon D90, the Nikkor 85mm felt comfortable to use. The extra large focus rings turns very smoothly and gives the feeling that you are in complete control of your focusing.

This in turn helps give you the extra precision needed to focus while in manual mode.

On the left side of the lens there is a handy switch for toggling autofocus and manual override.

As it’s an internal focus lens, the lens itself doesn’t extend or rotate while focusing. Also, Nikon’s Silent Wave motor technology makes focusing smooth and noiseless.

The lens has a Vibration Reduction feature to reduce camera shake, which photographers will find useful when shooting without a tripod.

Admittedly, VR means little on a macro lens considering that you’ll be using a tripod for most macro shots but it is still a nice addition to have.

To be clear, the Nikkor 85mm is a DX specific lens that works well with DX format cameras such as the Nikon D90 and D5000.

The downside to this is that when the lens is used with a FX format full-frame cameras, like the recently reviewed Nikon DX3, images will get cropped.

Still, the good news is that the lens is versatile and autofocus works on even entry-level DSLR cameras such as the D40, D3000 and D5000.

SHORTER: The Nikkor 85mm lens is slightly shorter
than the Nikkor 105mm and is much lighter.

Also, the length of the lens is relatively short as it’s no longer than a Nikkor 60mm lens. Because of this the lens easily fits nicely in any camera bag without adding significant weight.

Being lightweight does come at a cost though as it’s mostly constructed using plastic. It definitely doesn’t feel cheap but still lacks the solid feel of other macro lenses.

When mounted on a Nikon D90, the Nikkor 85mm felt comfortable to use. The extra large focus rings turns very smoothly and gives the feeling that you are in complete control of your focusing.

This in turn helps give you the extra precision needed to focus while in manual mode.

On the left side of the lens there is a handy switch for toggling autofocus and manual override.

As it’s an internal focus lens, the lens itself doesn’t extend or rotate while focusing. Also, Nikon’s Silent Wave motor technology makes focusing smooth and noiseless.

The lens has a Vibration Reduction feature to reduce camera shake, which photographers will find useful when shooting without a tripod.

Admittedly, VR means little on a macro lens considering that you’ll be using a tripod for most macro shots but it is still a nice addition to have.

To be clear, the Nikkor 85mm is a DX specific lens that works well with DX format cameras such as the Nikon D90 and D5000.

The downside to this is that when the lens is used with a FX format full-frame cameras, like the recently reviewed Nikon DX3, images will get cropped.

Still, the good news is that the lens is versatile and autofocus works on even entry-level DSLR cameras such as the D40, D3000 and D5000.

Performance

Like all macro lenses, it focuses up to 1:1 life size for extreme close ups of objects and manages to capture lots of fine details and textures you would normally miss. When it comes to performance, the lens’ autofocus speed is generally fast and snappy.

It doesn’t quite match the autofocus speed of a Nikkor 105mm, but I am still happy with its relative quick focus speed.

Though the lens has a long focus-ring travel distance, it still manages to fix focus very quickly though it takes a little longer when switching from a nearby subject to another that’s farther away.

Of course, when it comes to sharpness, there are very few lenses that can match a macro lens let alone a prime lens.

If you are looking for ultra sharp images, you won’t be disappointed with the Nikkor 85mm.

I found both image quality and sharpness of the Nikkor 85mm to be exceptionally good — pictures were razor sharp with lots of detail.

Our only complaint is that it only has a maximum aperture of f3.5. So it doesn’t do as good a job as other macro lenses when it comes to isolating subjects. Both the Nikkor 60mm and 105mm have a maximum aperture of f2.8.

On the plus side though even with the smaller f3.5 aperture I still could get decent close up shots and the bokeh (blurred out background) effect is still quite nice.

I observed a good deal of vignetting when capturing at f3.5, though if you find this distracting just dial up to f8.

Conclusion

All in all, Nikon’s Micro Nikkor 85mm is a good buy if you are looking to get into macro photography. With it you’re getting a long range macro lens with VR capabilities, which is great.

And even though it is compact and lightweight, it produces great looking pictures.

Admittedly it may not produce the shallow depth of field needed to isolate subjects as well as a f2.8 lens but given its limitations, it still performs admirably.

Overall, if you wish to dabble in macro photography, the Micro Nikkor 85mm is the lens to get.

Pros: Compact and lightweigh; captures sharp and detailed images; includes VR function

Cons: Maximum aperture of only f3.5

Telephoto zoom lens

Manufacturer: Nikon Corp

Lens construction: 14 elements in 10 groups (1 ED elements)Compatible with: DX Nikon DSLRs

Filter thread: 52mm

Maximum f/stop: f/3.5

Minimum f/stop: f/32

Dimensions: 73 x 98.5mm

Weight: 355kg


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