Additional Information on MF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s IF lens |
Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s IF
Originally introduced as an Ai native Nikkor lens back in August, 1978 while the lens was updated with an Ai-S lens spec in May, 1982, thus, it is safe to quote there was no Non-Ai version of this lens available that may confuse anyone here. The 200mm Micro-Nikkor lens was the first optic in the Micro-Nikkor series that incorporated with an Internal Focus (IF) system. This design has contributed greatly to its overall compact dimension and also enabling the lens has a lighter weight. In fact, except it has a slightly longer length and heavier in weight (due to a more complex 9 elements in 6 groups used), the Micro-Nikkor lens easily beats the prime counter part Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s prime telephoto lens hands down in every aspect in term of specification. Doubting what I have said here ? Fine. Let us take the Nikkor prime 200mm f/4.0 lens as a basis of comparison.
Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s IF lens Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s telephoto lens Focal Length 200mm 200mm Aperture Range f/4.0 ~ f/32 4.0 ~ f/32 Optical Construction 9 elements in 6 groups 5 elements in 5 groups Closest focusing distance 0.71m (2.34 ft.) 2m (6 ft.) Max. Reproduction Ratio 1:10 to 1:2 1:7.44 Others Internal Focus (IF) design, no lens extension during focusing,
Removable Tripod Collar suppliedStandard Helicoid Dimension 66mm dia. x 180mm long 65mm dia. x 124mm long Weight 880g 510g
Needless to mention, the strength of the Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s IF lens is still at its close focusing capability. The lens goes down to reproduction ratio of 1:2 physically but such value can reach to an astonishing magnification ratio of 1:1 life size if a Nikon 2X Teleconverter TC-201s(TC-301s) (Or an Ai Teleconverter TC-200 (TC-300) is used in combination with the lens. Further, it doubles its focal length to 400mm with the advantage of maintaining the same minimum focusing distance. However, in such a combination, the 2X Teleconverter will "eat up" 2 f-stop in its lens speed to become a long reaching Micro-Nikkor 400mm f/8.0 !
Credit: Image of this Ai-S Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0 IF lens courtesy of "Dr. Jyoti Sengupta" <jnsengupta@hotmail.com> Copyright 2002. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the photographer.
Another great feature of this lens is the use of an Internal Focus system where there is no physical extension in its entire focusing range from its closest focusing distance which stands at 0.71m (2.34 ft.) all the way to infinity (OO). The 2.34 ft with 1:2 reproduction ratio is simply great with its Xtra range of working distance to shoot subjects that require minimal disturbances and/or subject with 'unfriendly" behavior Besides, such comfortable working range is easier for photographers to facilitate or setup macro-flash photography. On top of that, the front section of the lens is non-rotable and such design will not affect the use of specialized filter such as polarizer or graduated filters. Besides, since there is no physical extension, you can make use of the front to subject distance to calculate exposure manually, should such needs arise in flash or a meterless Nikon SLR camera is used. Well, as the long focal length of 200mm's narrow angle of view of 12° 20' does provides a more natural perspective for distortion-free close-up pictures than comparing Micro-Nikkor lenses at shorter focal length, this is another good element for you to think of its numerous advantages the lens offers.
Credit: All images of the Ai-S Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0 IF lens presented here at this page courtesy of "Dr. Jyoti Sengupta" <jnsengupta@hotmail.com> Copyright 2002. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the photographer.
Well, another great feature of the lens is, Nikon has designed with a removable tripod collar which can be easily removed, rotates or lock in any angle so you can swift from vertical to horizontal format or vice versa in the best convenient way. In many ways,other than lacking the use of rare earth glass to correct possible chromatic aberrations which Nikon eventually did with their next upgrade in the AF-D Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s ED-IF lens in a very late stage 1993. Throughout the period from its inception to discontinuation, the 200mm IF non-ED lens has remained by far as the best option to handling macro-photography in the Micro-Nikkor series of lenses.
Bee at work ....
Credit: Image courtesy of ""John & Linda Montayne" <buttons49@papadocs.com>" Copyright 2002. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the photographer.Actually, I was lured in by Michael Liu with his personal good remarks over the lens where I acquired one for myself as I couldn't agree with him more with its impressive basic lens specification - as during that time, there wasn't a better alternative until the AF version arrived. Whatever it is, as compared to the more "luxurious" but worthy upgrade in the AF cum ED-IF version that followed, where it weighs a MASSIVE 1.2kg, this compact MF Micro-Nikkor lens merely weighs 880g (740g for older version) - which makes it such a comfortable lens to use and carry around especially for those who often engage in outdoor photography. Lastly, despite all the good and practical features it possess within, the lens still has a standard 52mm filter attachment which allows it shares many standard lens accessories within the Nikon photographic system. Overall, this all round Tele-Macro lens can be a good substitute for a prime telephoto to handle normal photography.
Draw backs ? yeah... It only goes down to 1:2 (half life size) and require either a teleconverter to enable it to go 1:1 life size, it adds cost to invest into another accessory and it is messy to carry around with another optical device although such possible combination adds its focal length up as a 400mm close focus tele-lens but it needs compensating lens speed of two f-stops - other problems such as slow shutter speeds,
Technical Highlights:
* Telephoto picture coverage of 12° 20'. * Nikon's Internal Focusing (IF) design keeps the size of the lens unchanged as you focus with just a slight turn of the focusing ring necessary to change focus.
Credit: Image of this Ai-S Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0 IF lens courtesy of "Dr. Jyoti Sengupta" <jnsengupta@hotmail.com> Copyright 2002. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the photographer.
* Continuous operation from infinity to a reproduction ratio of 1:2 and, with the TC-300 Teleconverter, from infinity down to 1:1 life-size is possible. * Maintains natural perspective while providing extra working distance for shooting inaccessible subjects or ones requiring supplementary illumination. * High sharpness and extremely well corrected flatness of field due to its optical design, with Nikon Integrated Coating to ensure uniform color rendition. * Stops down to f/32 to permit maximum depth of field - particularly necessary in close-up and macrophotography. • Built-in telescopic lens hood. * 360° rotatable tripod socket collar provided; removable for hand-holding the lens. * Takes popular 52mm filters. * Besides close-ups and macrophotography, this lens is great for head-and-shoulder portraits, sports, and general creative photography.Technical Specifications of Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s IF:
Focal length/Aperture: 200mm f/4.0 IF
Lens construction: 9 elements in 6 groups
Picture angle: 12° 20'; Diaphragm: Automatic Aperture scale: f/4.0 - f/32 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout scales
Exposure measurement: Via full aperture method with Ai cameras; via stop-down method with non-Ai Nikon SLR cameras.
Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet from 0.71m (2.34 ft.) to infinity (OO);
Reproduction ratios: Scale provided; 1:10 to 1:2 for lens only; Weight: 880g
Dimensions: 66mm dia. x 180mm long (overall); 172mm extension from lens flange
Filters: 52mm front screw-in; Front lens cap: Snap-on
Lens hood: Built-in telescopic type with click-stops; Lens case: CL-36 hard leatherette
Usable teleconverter: TC-200*, TC-300** or TC-14A; * Usable, but there is occasional vignetting. **TC-300 may not be compatible with selective Nikon SLRs that offers addtional exposure modes. Both TC-300 and TC-301s act as a life size (1:1) converter while doubling the focal length to 400mm while maintaining its closest focusing distance at 0.71m unchanged. Note: Serial number for this Ai-S version of the Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0 IF lens may have been started from 200001| Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0 IF | Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s IF | AF-D Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s ED-IF | Relative: Other Nikkor prime 200mm Telephoto, Medical-Nikkor 200mm f/5.6 auto
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Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20ERecommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.htmlRecommended Reading Reference on Nikon cameras and Nikkor lenses | about this photographic web site
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Credit: MCLau®, who has helped to rewrite some of the content appeared this site. Chuck Hester® who has been helping me all along with the development of all these Nikon websites; Lars Holst Hansen, 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion I have; Ms Rissa, Sales manager from Nikon Corporation Malaysia for granting permission to use some of the official content; Ted Wengelaar, Holland who has helped to provide many useful input relating to older Nikkor lenses; Some of the references on production serial numbers used in this site were extracted from Roland Vink's website; Hiura Shinsaku from Nikomat Club Japan. Lastly, to all the good people who has contributed their own expeience, resources or kind enough granted permission to use their images of their respective optic in this site. It is also a site to remember a long lost friend on the Net. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets & brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification. "Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple IMac.