Nikon eventually introduced a new series of AF-Nikkor optics to supplement the early AF bodies of F-501(1986), F-401 (1987) and F-801/Nikon F4 later in 1988 (Although the first batch of AF-Nikkor 80mm f/2.8 and AF-Nikkor 200mm f/3.5 EDIF were intended for Nikon F3 AF of 1983 which incidentally, was the first Autofocus Nikon SLR).
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Both of the F3 AF lenses have a considerate Meter coupling Shoe on the lens. Early AF-Nikkor have a different physical appearance and cosmetic from models introduced in later stages. |
But one big omission from the spec sheet in the newer AF Nikkor was the removal of the meter coupling shoe on the aperture ring - which means the AF-Nikkor lenses will no longer be use with older non-AI Nikon SLR bodies. Strangely, at times, I really don't understand all those decision making fella at Nikon's Head quarters - WHY at that time, the AF-Nikkor has such a poor exterior finishing in its design. The older AF-Nikkor lenses for the F3AF were way much better in built quality and both of the AF lenses exhibit a strong quality feel which was heavily missed in the early AF-Nikkor introduced with the F-501 & F-401 during those days. It took almost three years before Nikon finally revised their design and improved some areas such as the stupidly designed narrow rubberized hand grip for manual focusing.
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<<< --- With a macro lens, everything around your garden can be a good topic..these lenses are very versatile to act both as a dedicated closeup or normal lens. The Micro-Nikkor series lenses have long been known for their superior optical quality. They worth a serious consideration to invest into one. Copyright ©-free Images collection 2000. leofoo ® |
WARNING: Before proceeding to discuss further with other newer series of AF Micro-Nikkor lenses that followed, I think you should really pay some attention here: AF Nikkor lenses may NOT work well at all with Nikon F2 non-AI bodies. If you are still un-sure whether what are the differences between an AI or non-AI Nikon camera, then I would rather suggest you to skip this section of the AF Micro-Nikkor lenses. The best bet if you still have keen interest in getting a Micro-Nikkor lens for your Nikon F2 camera, go for the manual focus version in the used market. For those who has the curiosity and want to find out more about AI and Non-AI - Click Here !
The following content are merely used for reading and cross references:
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The earlier mentioned AF Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 has a 6 elements in 5 group optical design and a close focusing capability to 0.229m. The next version of the upgrade by Nikon was a 60mm focal length lens rather than 55mm used for the manual focus and the first version of the AF Nikkor. It can close focus to life size (1:1) reproduction at its closest distance of 8-3/4" without any physical aid such as an Extension Ring or Macro Tube. |
It has a different optical design which comes in 8 elements in 7 groups. The AF-D Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 also provides distance information input to capable Nikon AF bodies which works with D-type lenses for advance Matrix metering.
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The popular micro-Nikkor at 105mm focal length has also been upgraded to a AF-D Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 which also can focus from infinity to life size reproduction (1:1) at its closest distance of 12 inches. The extended working distance provided also enable various creative use of TTL-flash capabilities which has slowly developed into one of Nikon's strength. |
Among the few upgrades, I think Nikon did a very good and serious effort with the AF-D Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0 ED IF. Primarily because I have used all of these close focus lenses with varying focal length, personally, I would rate this lens easily as one of the modern Nikkor classic and I will not hesitate recommending to anyone of you. This optical marvel has almost all the good, versatile and functional elements to supplement any photographer - It has a big front ED glass block which has greatly improve optical quality in particularly countering chromatic aberrations It can focus down to 19.4" where projecting a 1:1 life size image. The lens speed has been increased from f/4.5 of the old version to f/4.0 which has considerably contribute to its larger size and weight gained. Optically, it has a 13 elements in 8 groups design and comprised of two ED glass elements. The lens is not cheap and very heavy both in its weight and price - weighing almost 42.3oz as compared with 19.6oz of the 105mm version and it retails similarly in that ratio with its price !
 Index Page |
Special
Application lenses: Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm |
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Side by side comparison with the MF version may make the AF Micro-Nikkor looks very bulky and heavy - but the extra size and weight (The tripod collar in the AF version cannot be removed!) projects a quality feel of the lens. Well, on a positive note - you can save the trouble should one day, in the future you decided to go autofocus and you can still make good use of its AF features incorporated within. |
This lens is a lens with distance information encoding which might prove to be useful in the future generation of AF cameras for complex and sophisticated metering system such as all the current top notch AF SLR bodies. Note: Just a cautious warning, the upkeeping cost is high for this lens, recently, I dropped the lens and sent in for repair, the cracked plastic distance window on the lens with the lens mounting ring costs me a WHOPPING RM880-00 ! I am bleeding ... almost cost more than a AF-D Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens ! Either the distributor is slaughtering me OR Nikon has a damn serious problem in maintaining competitiveness...
Nikon has two Micro-Nikkor lenses which incorporate ED glass(es). Other than the AF-D Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0 ED IF featured earlier, the latest inclusion was a surprise entry - because it is a ZOOM lens !
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The AF Zoom-Micro Nikkor 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D ED was also the world's first AF zoom lens designed for macro photography. It is a very versatile lens for its purpose because it comes without the hassle of moving forth and back to crop an image in the viewfinder. |
It can close-focus to approximately 37cm with 3:4 reproduction ratio. Nikon claimed a more rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural. As with the 200mm Micro Nikkor, ED glass element is used for improve and correct chromatic aberrations. However, life-size (1:1) magnification is only possible with a close-up attachment lens No. 6T (at 180mm) focal length. Compared with the AF 200mm Micro Nikkor f4.0 (Constant aperture)'s hefty weight of 1,200g and a bigger in size (dimension 76 x 193mm), the new Zoom Micro Nikkor lens has some advantages as compared with the 200mm counterpart, such as it is more flexible with its zoom range settings, it is more compact and lighter in weight. Anyway, in my macro photography, focusing speed is not a priority but rather, depth of field control, optical quality and a faster permissible shutter speed provide by the lens speed are my priorities. That is why I still settled for the 200mm lens instead
Quick
Reference: Lens construction: 18 elements in 14 groups; Closest focusing:
0.37m/14.4 in Working distance*: 112.4mm; Filter attachment size: 62mm;
Hood: HB-14 {Provided); Dimensions: 75 x 167mm Weight: 990g.
Note: When using Matrix
or Centre-Weighted Metering with this lens attached to F4-series cameras, set the
exposure compensation dial for focusing screens to -1/2.
* Working distance
is the distance between the front of the lens and the subject. It is desirable to
have a longer free working distance far close-up work due to lighting and subject
considerations.
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Reminder: IF you own a Nikon F2, by all means, go for the manual focus micro-Nikkor lenses for better compatibility. That apply to the accessories section as well. The Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.5 shown here at left provides a good balance of optical performance, portability, versatile enough to act both as a macro lens and medium telephoto. The 105mm has two lens speed of f/2.8 and f/4.0 and both are top rated optics; the 55mm has even more versions for you to choose from. the used market is a good source to shop around - only to be careful with conditions and upkeeping of the lens by the previous owner. Always insist on performing physical check rather than viewing through a Jpeg image on the net... |
| Previous | 2/2 The manual focus Micro-Nikkor lenses
| Extension
Rings & Tubes Part
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Part
II,
Part
III
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System
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| History
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| Message Board | for
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| Back | to Main Index Page of Nikon F2 Series SLR models
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The Eyes of Nikon:- |
Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame | Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm15mm18mm20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm28mm35mm |
Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto Lenses - 85mm105mm135mm180mm & 200mm |
Super-Telephoto Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |
Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm
Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm
Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm
MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm |
35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm |
100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm
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-20E
Nikon F
| Nikon F2 |
Nikon
F3
| Nikon F4 |
Nikon
F5
| Nikon F6 |
Nikkormat / Nikomat |
Nikon FM
| Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models
MIR Supports for Photographic Community: Various Message Boards/Community
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Nikon
F-series|
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Others:- Free Trade Zone - Photography| Free Trade Zone - Business Community |Free To Zouk - Photographic Community
Apple's Mac Public Community Message Board | Windows based PC &
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Public Community Trade Exchange Centre
Recommended 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.html
About this photographic site.
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HOME - Photography in Malaysia |
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Copyright © 2000. leofoo ®. MIR Web Development Team.
In
memory of my friend Com.
Augusto Staut,
Brazil, 1971-2000.
Credit: Chuck Hester, US for his patience, encouragement
and help to setup the various content in this site; Robert Johnson for some of his original
images on the F2H-MD appeared in this site; my ex-staff, KiaSu for his superb
3-D logo appeared in this Nikon F2 site; Marc Vorgers from Holland who
generously provide me with some of his images of F2AS; MCLau®, who has so much time with me to
re-edit the content in this site and not to mention buying a Nikon Coolpix 990 just
for this site. Keat Photo,
Kuala Lumpur for providing
their Nikon F2A to take some images for this site; again, Mr Edward Ngoh the
great camera collector who provides us his collection of F2AS with MD-2; hawkeye.photographic.com
for their images on the Speed Magny film backs; Sean Cranor for his image
on Nikon F2 25th Anniversary Model; Ted Wengelaar®, Holland for his continuous
flow of input on some of the early Nikon bodies; CYLeow ® , photo editor of the Star
newspaper, Malaysia for some of his images used in this site. Ms Rissa Chan, Sales manager from
Shriro Malaysia who has helped to provide some of the very useful input. HiuraShinsaku®,
Nikomat ML, Japan for some of his images on various F2 models; my staff, Wati, Maisa, Mai and my nephew, EEWyn®, who volunteered and helping me
did so many of the film scanning works. Contributing photographers or resellers:
Jen Siow, Foo KokKin, Arthur Teng, Mark Fallander, John
Ishii, Ed Hassel, YoonKi Kim, Jean-Louis, M.Dugentas (Dell Corner.com.), Mr "Arsenall" and a few images mailed
in from surfers with no appropriate reference to their origin. Dedicated to KU Yeo, just to express our mutual regrets over the outcome of
a recent corporate event. Made with a PowerMac, broadcast with a Redhat Linux powered server.
