Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR is another excellent macro lens from Nikon thanks to exceptional sharpness and 1:1 magnification.

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  Very sharp. 1:1 magnification. Compact. Optical stabilization system.

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  Lacks focus limiter switch. Short working distance for 1:1 photography. Not a full-frame lens. Some barrel distortion.

;This is Nikon's first 1:1 Micro Nikkor in the DX (APS-C) format. With a street price of $500, it offers D3000, D500, D300, and D90 shooters true close-ups--with Vibration Reduction II--at a much lower cost than Nikon's other VR macro, the $890, full-frame, 105mm f/2.8G.

This telephoto macro lens for DX format Nikon cameras costs around £400 and sports Vibration reduction technology, a modest maximum aperture of f/3.5, an internal focusing design and a silent wave focusing motor.

Nikon's latest Micro Nikkor optic strikes a good compromise. It is a lens packed with the latest technology and features, but at a price that is really quite reasonable. Although the performance of this lens may not be up with the best of Nikon's macro optics, it is certainly good enough to satisfy...

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  Good sharpness at optimum apertures, Lightweight, Vibration Reduction, Internal focusing

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  No focus limiter switch (although autofocus is fairly swift without it), Although good, clarity isn't as impressive as some other Micro Nikkors

The Micro Nikkor AF-S DX 85/3.5 VR is an attractive option for DX shooters looking for a dedicated macro lens. It's rather light-weight and compact, delivers very sharp images wide open already, which can be considered distortion free (at least for typical macro subjects) and show only minimal...

If you compare the number of pros and cons and realize it is one of the cheaper macro lenses with the focal lengths ranging from 60 to 105 mm, the Nikkor 3.5/85 VR can be a very interesting option for potential customers.

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  solid, compact and sealed barrel at the same time,, very good image quality in the frame centre,, good image quality on the edge of the frame,, appropriate correction of the chromatic aberration,, slight distortion,, low coma,, well-corrected astigmatism,, decent work against bright light,, silent...

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  significant vignetting at the maximum relative aperture,, lack of focus limiter, which would speed up the autofocus.

The Micro Nikkor AF-S DX 85/3.5 VR is an attractive new option for DX shooters looking for a dedicated macro lens. It's rather light-weight and compact, delivers very sharp images wide open, which can be considered distortion free (at least for typical macro subjects) and show only minimal traces of...

I am a long time photo hobbyist and have owned a lot of great gear. I got one of these in the two lens special deal, the other being the great 35mm F/1.8DX. At first I was a little uncertain about this lens as I had seen some reviews that were not the best.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting too much, for this price. But I was shocked at how amazingly sharp it is.Comparing it to Nikon's top 105mm f/2.8 macro it's virtually half the price, with one less f/ stop (which doesn't really affect the photo in terms of depth of field, it being a macro and all,...

Looks really well if you supplement with a flash, preferable diffused.. (my sb-700 has those).. Didnt' look so well with led ring-light, but that was more the light I used... I may continue to keep , though I now wish for the 105mm f/2.8. It's a great price for beginning...

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  Sharp, fast focus, accurate, auto-focus works well with macro of butterflies that are not moving, light, rugged. good color. f3.5 is adequate for many situations involving sun light

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  not a FX lens for full frame, will vignette and not a good match with D800 if FX mode (which I should have payed attention to prior to ordering that bundle)

Was this review helpful?

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  -Able to take pictures of wildlife such as rabbits without frightening them away, meaning, able to stand pretty far back and get a good shot. -Takes pretty sharp images for the most part. Still learning how to use this lens so hopefully that will improve. -Photos are nice and contrasty!

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  -Camera shake is still present with handheld shots even with VR function

Lens has great auto focus, clear sharp pictures and nice colors. The VR is helpful for slower shutter speeds. I use this lens to take pictures of birds, chipmunks and insects.

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  Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Lightweight, Nice Bokeh

Just got the lens today and shot a few dozen macro shots and about 15 or 20 portraits. I love the optics! The body is pretty cheaply made, but the glass is excellent. Good weight as well.

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  Great picture quality, Lightweight

Really good for what I needed.I use this for jewelry photography for my website and Instagram page and I really like it.Also great when taking photos of my nephew;) really does wonders to portraits