Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

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I use this lens at my Nikon D-5000. Bought it to take pictures of the praying mantis that lives in the plants in our backyard. Auto-focus is amazingly fast and silent, and the vibration reduction gives me 3 to 4 f-stops leverage. Photographing the mantis, I dont apply the auto-focus most of the time; instead, I focus manually to the closest distance, and then leaning forward (using a mono-pod to eliminate vertical and lateral movement) until the subject becomes sharp. Works like a charm, but requires some practice. This lens has a very shallow depth of field at f3.5 - it measures in fractions of centimeters. The pictures this camera-lens combination generates are brilliant, with true colors and (provided the focus is correct) very sharp. The lens is somewhat lightweight, using predominantly plastic materials. No cheap feeling on it, though, everything is well built and works flawlessly. I like also the M/A functionality, where you can adjust/override the focus provided by the AF module manually without having to switch to the manual focus mode first; the lens has an AF/M switch, so you can operate it completely in manual mode. The minimal focusing distance is very useful and much shorter than the most critters would allow you to use anyway. One nice feature is a scale that tells you the reproduction rate for the distance you focus at. One small concern I had was the 3.5 f-stop instead of the more common 2.8. But in practical use, that difference is negligible, and would come into play only at some very limited occasions, like with portraits of people. Which, by the way, this lens also does an exceptional job at. All in all, with over 35 years of photographic experience under my belt, I have to say that this is one of the best lenses I ever had. It beats some of my $1000+ lenses, that I had with the old film SLRs. If you are in the market for a macro lens for your Nikon DX-format DSLR, look no further.

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Seems to be a good lens for table top closeup and product photography. Also would probably make a good portrait lens. Its good at small apertures, but wide open its much to be desired. But hey, its a macro lens. I tested this lens at 1:1 with my antique 60mm and 105mm Nikkor lenses and my new Tokina 100mm lens. I used flash with, ISO 100, 1/200th, f22. I observed little or no difference in the quality of any of the images. Guess its a keeper, but I prefer the Tokina.

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This is a great little lens and I use it on my Nikon camera now as my primary lens. I also have a short Nikon telephoto lens that goes from 30 to 120 mm, but this micro lens out performs the other lens when I can use it. It takes exceptionally sharp pictures (when I hold the camera steady) and I love it. Its also a very nice lens for taking portraits. The only problem is in tight shooting situations it doesnt cover enough of ground. Highly recommended. Best, Terra T.

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I am not going to attempt to add to the technical matters which have been thoroughly, and, I believe, accurately provided by other reviews. I am amazed at the versatility of this lens. It almost qualifies as "The Lens For All Occasions." My main photographic interest is what most would call Nature Photography. I like to take walks where I hope to find subjects ranging from tiny insects to large plants and animals. Yes, I have a Micro lens that permits me to get a bit closer, and sometimes I lug my D7000 with a 300mm that makes a six pound stone on my chest, but for just taking a walk without anything in particular in mind, this Nikon 85mm f/3,5 AF-S lens is the comfortable alternative I find to be quite suitable for about anything I encounter.

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Let me start off by saying that I have owned several Nikon DX bodies (d60,d200,d90 currently) and have also owned and used many macro/micro lenses. I am an advanced amateur that occasionally (non-commercially) gets compensated for my work, and macro/close-focus lenses, happen to be a favorite niche for me. I have owned and used extensively; the Tokina 100mm 2.8 af-d, Nikon 55mm 3.5, Nikon 105mm 4, Nikon 28-105mm 3.5-4.5 (1:2), Vivitar series 1 90mm 2.5, Vivitar 55mm 2.8, and currently the nikon 85mm 3.5 VR. I used all of these lenses with and without a number of tele-converters (Vivitar mc-7 2x)and extension tubes of various lengths. While I am not here to say that the 85mm vr is the best lens in the world I am saying that overall this lens is very, very good and makes it so easy to get stunning images! First off, the lens is super light and compact. I photograph anything that moves and sometimes things that do not. For me portability and maneuverability are high on my list. Some lenses may be smaller and/or lighter but none offer the working distance that this lens does, which is about 5.5 inches from front of the lens. Because of this generous working distance the built-in flash does not cast a shadow (tested on d200/d90 only) at 1:1 life-size distances. Naysayers will scoff at the use of a built-in flash but I primarily use it as a quick and easy fill flash and would rather have the option and not need it, than need it and not have it. The max aperture of 3.5 has never slowed me down and in fact I often stop down and use the flash to light my way into perfect depth of field. When focusing in close to life-size details, depth of field becomes very important. I often stop the lens way down beyond diffraction, ignoring physics and using the flash to give great detail and depth to my images! Because this lens allows instant manual focus override I can usually guide the AF system close to the point of focus and it locks in from there, or I can easily alter or set the magnification anytime without jerking the camera out of frame like on the Tokina af/mf clutch. It is because of this seamless ability using the lens that it has remained and all other have gone. It really is very easy to use with practice and mounted on my d90 never feels too heavy or out of balance. Ive used this lens for portraits but this is not my primary target for this lens. I believe though, that in competent hands the max aperture of 3.5 is not really going to be a big difference compared to 2.8 anyway. At higher magnification and the nine-rounded blade aperture easily allow this lens to wash backgrounds smoothly and easily away. If you really want portrait depths 2.8 isnt all that great anyway. Thats what they make (and I have) fast 1.4 primes for! The bokeh of this lens is very pleasing. I have Voightlanders, a Nikon 180mm 2.8, as well as the venerable Vivitar series 1 90mm and the Nikon 85mm vr does not disappoint. Wide-open there can be a cats eye effect on oof highlights at or near the edge of the frame. It used to be that only really exotic lenses offered this and was considered a signature, so this effect is kind of a subjective matter. One stop down from max gets rid of this and oof highlights are smooth, round and creamy! Wide open there is somewhat noticeable vignetting but again I often will only shoot wide open for this effect if it suits the composition so again, its not bad and easily correctable or avoidable. Overall this has been the most pleasurable and easy to use macro lens I have used so far. The Nikon 105mm 2.8 option looks nice but it is very spend y, and very heavy! If I had one minor complaint of this lens it would be the manual focus. Overall, it is on of the best MF feels for an AF lens, but the travel is a little short from 1:1, to infinity, so it sometime limits quick accuracy by hand because you will pass from the front of the plane of focus to behind before you expect, if you are used to MF lenses. Anyway, it does not matter to me if you buy this lens or not, I think it is an overlooked item and there seems to be a lack of quality user information on the internet. For me it is better than all of the lenses above and handles as good as anything out there! If you cannot get sharp images with this lens then maybe you should try focusing on what you see in the mirror! All joking aside, I wrote this review because a macro lens is a fun purchase and there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing one. Such as, size, price, magnification, working-distance, bokeh, max/min. aperture, sharpness, contrast, focus mechanism, lens extension. Taking into consideration the above, the Nikon 85mm vr is a solid choice at a bargain on the used market right now. The lens is not much bigger (if it even is) than the 55-200mm vr. So if you plan to stay with Nikon DX ,the professional amateurs choice format (due to size/cost benefit ratio) then you really cant go wrong with this lens, otherwise I would not waste my time writing this review! Edit Just wanted to add that Ive recently compared this lens to two different sigma 70mm 2.8 maco(known to be the sharpest)lenses and the differences were so small that I felt little need to keep the awkwardly handling sigma. Also, the sigma over exposes on Nikon dx bodies and flares easily. It is sharp wide open but the dof differences are not that great because of greater focal length of 85mm. My experience shows that an 85mm 3.5 lens can have about the same depth of field as a 70mm at 2.8, making aperture differences pointless. Also, the Nikon macro stops down way further (needed for macro) and remains very sharp even at f/45, especially using the built in flash to enhance detail. All in all the 85mm macro remains a tough lens to beat. Dont let the naysayers dissuade you because of the 3.5 aperture, this is really only a feather in peoples cap so that their profile tags will look cool in discussion forums because there lenses all say f/2.8.

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I have been completely pleased with this purchase. The lens takes some adjusting to, but that is normal and the quality of the photos produced have more than met my expectations. I have been using this lens now for just a little more than 3 months on and off. Mostly for micro shots thought it is my understanding that I can also use it for good portrait shots. I have not tired that yet. I have found it easy to use, and of good quality. I would recommend it to someone like myself who is just beginning to take more micro shots and does not wish to spend a great deal of money but still wants a quality lens for use. One caution would be, if you are not familiar with micro lenses, then give yourself plenty of practice time with this lens as with all new equipment it does take time to adjust to and optimize the quality of the photos you are going to shoot with it.

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I am now on my third Nikon DX format DSLR and decided after 30+ years as a mostly amateur (I shot weddings for years with medium format) to try macro photography. First in case you dont know this lens is for the DX format only which is a slightly smaller sensor than the FX format. (and they all say Duh!) I know many will choose to go with the more popular (and heavier and much more expensive) 105mm or 60mm since they are f2.8 lenses but remember in macro photography you dont shoot wide open. Depth of field is incredibly short when shooting 1:1 so youll be at f8 & f11 all the time and it focuses fine at f3.5. So I shoot DX format because I like the slightly smaller size, weight, price and the fact that all lenses have a 1.5x magnification factor but Im getting off track here. I mention that because the biggest factor when choosing this made-for-DX lens beside its lower cost is the size & weight which is huge when shooting macro. DX vs FX can be argued all day but if youre looking at this lens you must be a DX shooter like me. I also purchased the Nikon R1C1 kit and it along with this lens mate nicely with my Nikon D90 and attached battery grip. This lens can also be used as a portrait lens. Last but not least the images are very pleasing. Take a look here at my first attempts with this lens: [...]

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Ive had this lens for quite a few years now and it is consistently a favorite of mine. My photography centers around flowers and closeups and I have found this lens to be my best friend in these adventures. I originally used it with a d3000 and it gave me some pretty great photos. When I upgraded to a d7100, it delivered even better photos. The colors and crispness are excellent and it has helped me elevate my skills. Its an great lens if youre looking to create focused photos with bokeh backgrounds or are trying to get into macro photography.

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This is quite clearly a great lens. I bought it to be used with my D7100. The combination is perfect. The lens is sharp and focuses really quickly. I have not used it a lot since its a new acquisition, but I have made some images that convinced me this lens is really good. Its not as bright as the 105mm 2.8, but its also much cheaper. So for the price I was willing to compromise on the stop of light difference. The focal length is very good, so its not necessary to be too close to the subject. Image quality coming out of this lens is fantastic. I am really happy with this product.

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This lens is just amazing. I was unsure if I would love it since I wanted it mainly for macro type photos but was not up to spending more to get a 105 mom. But this lens takes gorgeous pictures. Plus i have done close-up work and landscapes, so it is versatile. I am very happy with this purchase.

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