Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor Lens

At its asking price, the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G ED is one of the great value lenses for APS-C Nikon shooters.

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  Very sharp. 1:1 magnification. Focus limiter switch. Compact. Inexpensive.

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  Lacks stabilization. Not a full-frame lens.

The Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G is an impressive macro lens which offers genuine 1:1 macro capability

In both capability and cost, this close-up lens is a gift to DX-format (APS-C-sensor) Nikon shooters. A full-frame equivalent of 60mm, it delivers a lot for its meager $280 street price: 1:1 macro shooting, a fast f/2.8 aperture, metal lensmount, and great optics.

The Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8 G offers excellent resolution in the image center straight from the maximum aperture. The borders and corners struggle a bit at large aperture settings, but stopped down reach very good resolution.

When it comes to this lens I have mixed feelings. To tell you the truth I don’t know who to recommend it to. When you want to have a standard lens, the Nikkor 2.8/40 on DX sensor gives a bit too narrow angle of view and from that perspective it would be better if you got interested in the cheaper...

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  very good image quality in the frame centre,, good image quality on the edge,, decently corrected chromatic aberration,, practically zero distortion,, splendidly corrected coma,, silent and accurate autofocus.

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  the build quality could have been at least a tad better,, noticeable astigmatism,, slow autofocus,, huge vignetting at the maximum relative aperture,, too weak work against bright light.

What is there not to like about this 40mm macro optic from Nikon? It's lightweight, compact and delivers images with excellent sharpness and contrast with low distortion, falloff and chromatic aberrations.

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  Excellent sharpness, Good build quality, Great value, Light weight and compact

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  Focusing can be slow

The Micro-Nikkor AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8 G is a very nice addition to Nikon's line-up of dedicated DX lenses. Image sharpness is excellent in the image center wide open already, the borders and corners show very good resolution, too, when slightly stopped down.

The size of this macro lens was the big draw for me, I have the 60mm and 105mm macro lenses for the full size seor but since I mostly use the DX sensor this lens fix better with my travel gear. So far it's sharp,even at 2.8 so I know it will be even better at 8 or higher.

I do a lot of macro photography, not bugs or snowflakes, but what the old folk would call "copy work". I am documenting family memorabilia which includes medals, trinkets and many many photographs and documents. I need to be mobile and I need a lens that fits on a Dx D7200 body.

In the short time we have owned this we are just beginning in to see what it can do. Of course it is limited since we are figuring out our camera also. But we are please and can't wait til flowers start blooming.

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  Small

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  After awhile I'll spend more money and buy an even better one.

The only thing I have found that is a bit on the neg side is the sun shade doesn't fit as tight as I would like,but it isn't something to cause me to not buy this lense,That's for sure.

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  Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Lightweight, Rugged

The depth of field is a fundamental property of the lens and f-stop. The manufacturer has little control over this, but prospective buyers should not be surprised to see some blurry images. In some circumstances it is necessary to use manual focus because the autofocus may select the wrong plane.

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  Flawless autofocus, Manual focus very easy, Lightweight, Short overall length

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  Narrow depth of field

A real little gem of a lens. Dirt cheap to buy. Excellent, sharp, punchy pictures. Really surprising for a lens this inexpensive. It is light, compact and could easily be used as your all around standard lens.

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  -Sharp, Sharp, Sharp., -Inexpensive, -1:1 macro

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  What weaknesses?

Do yourself a favor and find an older AF-D in the 100-200mm range if you want a true macro lens.

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  Its Nikon glass so it is quality and it will AF on all camera's including the lower end models like the D40. Small, lightweight and portable. Good for someone who want's a normal lens comparable to the 35mm for regular shooting, and may have the need to shoot a quick flower or product like jewelery...

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  Its focal length is its greatest weakness. No macro hobbyist would ever use anything under 100mm. Lenses like this force you to get really close which: A: Puts you in your own shadow. B: Scares insects away. C: Forces you to use a ring flash or off shoe.

It allows for closeups that are clear and easily enlarged