Nikon 55mm Micro Nikkor f2.8 Ai-S Vintage Lens Review

[@cymbaline87]

Yes, the long focus throw makes it slow to focus, but that's just the nature of this lens....that focus throw let's you have really sharp focus while doing macro photography. I really believe this to be one of the best lenses Nikon has ever made. Also...there's no need for a lens hood, that's another +1 in my book lol.

[@davidsaylors]

I agree. I didn’t notice that it didn’t need a lens hood, but now that you mentioned it, I didn’t see any lens flare at all. Thank you!!! 👊😉📸

[@randallbrander8157]

I have the Zeiss 55mm Planar Makro. I have the 105mm f/2.5 looking for the 135mm f/2.8. I got a feeling that the 105mm is your favorite focal length. Cheers!!

[@marsdengriswold4610]

For a lens with 80+ lines per. mm central resolution and 64 lines per mm corner resolution this is the best controlled optical lens Nikon ever made! If you want the best you need one. Leica has lenses as good...

[@davidsaylors]

I couldn’t agree more. All the Micro Nikkor I have had the opportunity to use has been stunningly sharp and for good reason. Thank you for your thoughts. 👍📸

[@snickothemule]

Tremendous review Dave, those portraits turned out so well, very flattering and the colour rendition feels very true to life. I just finished repairing mine I got online, wherw the aperture wasn't changing. Turned out to be a somewhat simple fix, the aperture lever wasn't set from the previous owners cleaning job. Good thing about these vintage lenses is the potential to repair or save them, and having the opportunity to see the insides of this lens and how well it's constructed really makes me appreciate the design. Plus it's so light! Can't wait to get out and use it.

[@davidsaylors]

Thank you, this lens is one of those gems that people over look because they think it is just for taking pictures of bugs... it is so much better than that. Im glad to hear that yours was a simple repair and that we still have one more of these in the world capturing photos! Well done!

[@jimwlouavl]

I just picked up one of these and searched for it on KZbin. Lo and behold, there you were! I’m using it on a very similar camera to your Z6. Lol.

[@davidsaylors]

HAHAH!!! That is funny! I am starting to think that the algorithm is picking up my videos a little, another person told me it served one from 4 years ago to them the other day. That Z6 is a great little camera! It works really well in macro too.

[@PhilThach]

That was a fun day. I love the panning blur with the bicycle and the thumbnail is nice too!

[@davidsaylors]

I think the bike photo could have been the thumbnail...🙄🤷🏻‍♂️ I liked it alot too, but I also liked the one of you getting your photo in the coffee shop. That was a really fun day, thanks for taking me along!!!!!

[@Ton-x4r]

Ordered a secondhand copy for 149 bucks. Can not wait how it will perform on my D850.

[@vangstr]

How are you liking your Z6 so far? I’ve had mine when it first was released and been wondering if it is worthwhile to upgrade to any newer and current models?

[@davidsaylors]

I sold it to a friend about 6 months ago. It was a wonderful camera though and the lowlight performance was great, I move to a Leica SL2 and it just wasn’t getting used anymore after that.

[@hurleygreen927]

SECOND REPLY: You've made a believer of me! :) I have decided to use this 55mm 2.8 as a walkaround lens, to go along with a 24-70mm: THANKS AGAIN!

[@davidsaylors]

Your welcome! Thank you for letting me know that I wa able to help in some small way!!!

[@hurleygreen927]

EXCELLENT INFORMATION AND IMAGES! When I got this used lens on EBAY for my Nikon D750, I thought I could ONLY use it for close-up Macro shots, but I see I can also shoot regular street photography and portrait photography with this, once I got used to manual focusing...THANKS for this!

[@davidsaylors]

Your welcome! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me too!!! It is a phenomenal lens for what you pay for it. It blows my mind that they that cheap. 👍📸

[@geoffluck]

It's a lovely lens, one of Nikon's true classics with great versatility.

[@davidsaylors]

Yeah, it is a winner, like the 28mm f2.8 Ai-s, you cant go wrong with it.

[@randallbrander8157]

Watching this video I see Phil and fHeather and was wondering if they gotr married. I saw the video when he proposed to her and you were there? Love the Macro and focal length. On a DX camera 75mm. Cheers!

[@TL-vt8uk]

Just wondering, do you shoot any DSLRs anymore? Just realized I only see you with the Z6 or the XT3. I have rediscovered my DSLR's and really enjoy the optical viewfinder again... anyway, just curious.

[@davidsaylors]

Not really. I still have a D40x that gets some use for product photos and a D810 that I have pretty much turned into a streaming camera. For me, the EVF sells the mirrorless to me. The adapted lenses is a perk, but I like the native Nikkor glass good enough that it is not a requirement. The EVF brings so much to the table for me that I just use them now. It allows me to see the scene as it will be captured...or very near what it will look like and I can also see what the captured image looks like in the EVF as well, without needing my glasses. It just makes shooting so much easier for me. I do take the D810 out occasionally for landscape and such from time to time though. 👍📸

[@bradl2636]

So of the 55-60mm micro Nikkors which have you tried and which one do you like best primarily for walk around/portrait and secondary macro? I just scored a mint 55 2.8 AI-S out of Japan but also looking at the 60 2.8D. I hear the G version is good but the gelded lenses won’t adapt so probably will pass on it.

[@davidsaylors]

I have owned both and kept the 60mm for just the reason you mentioned. The 60mm autofocuses s as well for as added bonus. I would recommend that one of you want macro as a secondary. Although the 60mm is just fine in this regard too 👍📸

[@bradl2636]

@@davidsaylors The 55 just got delivered so will give it a twirl. The 60 is 1:1 so i might have a use case for the AF-D version. Not buying more G glass for same reason you elude to.

[@mikemitchem4846]

All the shots were great, but really like the blurred fire truck

[@davidsaylors]

Yeah, that one caught my attention too, it wasnt in focus, but it was and the blur lines run both ways... oddly interesting.

[@84nomas]

This is probably one of nikkors sharpest. But from what ive read, this lens is notorious in having aperture stuck, due to lubricant creeping into the blades. Can you confirm this?

[@davidsaylors]

It is an incredible little lens. Mine works perfectly, I have not seen any problems with the aperture on mine thus far. I will be honest though, if you are a person that gets stressed when the corners are not razor sharp (some people do) then maybe vintage glass is not for you. This lens has very few defects in image quality that I can find, but modern glass is just plain better. The improvements are quantifiable and very real. But if you like playing with vintage lenses, get one in good shape and have fun. 👍📸

[@IIIM-or1bq]

Hi David. What adapter you use for the Z mount?

[@davidsaylors]

I have two right now, the FTZ from Nikon and a simple (dumb) mount that is a machined aluminum spacer ring only that doesn’t have any electronics in it. Both can be found on amazon really easily. Hope this helps!

[@IIIM-or1bq]

@@davidsaylors thanks a lot. How this dumb/machined adapter is called?

[@jacobjurg3746]

Great pics! I have the 3.5 myself (very sharp!), did you prefer the 2.8 over that one?

[@davidsaylors]

They are practically identical when it comes to clarity, the 2.8 version gives you more light is all I can see as to be the differences... 👍📸

[@jacobjurg3746]

@@davidsaylors thanks, a money saving answer :-) I like the 55/58mm focal length - very good for portraits indeed.

[@davidsaylors]

Especially on my XT3, runs it up to about 80mm field of view. Really nice little lens, to be honest about it. 👍📸

[@advr2293]

@@davidsaylors but what about if you stopped the 2.8 to 3 5 ? Maybe it does worth ?

[@davidsaylors]

Then you will have the f3.5 version but heavier and slightly longer.

[@Superbustr]

As a general purpose walk around lens a 35mm f2 AIS is superior. The 55mm is too tight for wide shots but gives the added benefit of being able to shoot super close up shots which could be of benefit for certain subjects like flowers.

[@barrycohen311]

Vintage Nikkors are the shit. They were pretty much standard for the best photographers in the world, from the 1960s thru the 1980s. Along with Leica, for the rangefinder crowd.

[@davidsaylors]

I agree completely. People have been sold an autofocus myth and that they cant do anything for themselves anymore for some reason. It is kinda good in a way though as it keeps the prices down for us that do know about these old girls... 😜👍📸

[@Robert.Dickson]

David Saylors I’m looking for a 55mm micro and I’m torn between the 2.8 and the 3.5. The price difference is quite a bit and I suppose the wider aperture isn’t going to make a huge difference as I’m going to use it for macro and using a tripod. Any thoughts on image quality between the two, given the fact I really don’t need the extra aperture? Thanks and best wishes from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@davidsaylors]

The 3.5 is the one to get if your atopping down and shooting tripoded anyway. Smaller, lighter, cheaper, razor sharp... whats not to love?🤷🏻‍♂️ I have the 3.5 and plan on keeping it for flower photos in the spring time.

[@Robert.Dickson]

David Saylors thanks David.

[@Robert.Dickson]

David Saylors I’ve now ordered a 3.5, just waiting on it making its way to Scotland from Japan. Thanks for your advice.

[@AselaArt]

Hi David, I've been really enjoying your videos and appreciate the time and effort you put into reviewing these vintage gems. I'm looking at getting this lens to use with my Sony a6400 to scan 35mm film negatives. Do you think it would be a good choice for the task?

[@davidsaylors]

Absolutely. As long as the sensor is good and clean, it would be awesome for that. 👍 Also, Thank you for taking the time to let me know about my videos, I really appreciate it. 👊😉📸

[@AselaArt]

@@davidsaylors Thank you so much for the reply. I'm in Melbourne, Australia, which is currently under lockdown due the covid, so your videos are a great way to pass the time and stay motivated to take photos!

[@davidsaylors]

Sorry to hear about the lockdown. I didn’t know that the virus was that big of a problem there. 😞 They keep talking about it hear, but I still dont know a single person who has actually had it yet. The locals are about 50/50 on safety at this point so if it is going to make a resurgence, it will probably be soon. Glad I can help ease the boredom! There is something I was actually able to do!!! 👍😬📸

[@techassyst]

You truly are "The king of panning"

[@davidsaylors]

😂🤷🏻‍♂️📸 They dont have a panning blur emoji. I took A BUNCH of photos to get the ones I shared...a bunch. Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate it. 👊😉📸

[@advr2293]

Yeah, it's really hard to make a good panning

[@davidsaylors]

Yeah. I had one I wanted to get today but didnt have time to set it up so I didnt get to capture it... 😞

[@danausec166]

good vid David..I have a similar lens..on the recommendation of Ken Wheeler (Angry Photographer) I picked up the 60mm 2.8D for my D7100..wow..love the older metal lenses..it's a jack of all trades and the bonus is the true 1:1 macro

[@davidsaylors]

Yep, I have it too and love it. Great multipurpose lens! 👍📸 This one is a close second since it is manual focus, but it is nice.

[@Blue_Newt_01]

Wonderful images! Love the panning and the mural of that rooster. Got the nikkor 55mm f1.2 ais version. Don’t think it’s as sharp but I love the funky bokeh out of it wide open. Didn’t realize that’s a macro lens... might have to look into it. ....as IF I need another lens.

[@davidsaylors]

I bet that lens is a beast to handle! It would be enormous to have an aperture that big AND be a macro lens! Wow! I need to lay hands on one just so I can review it... Thanks!!!

[@Blue_Newt_01]

David Saylors Oh sorry.. it’s NOT a macro. I meant your lens... the macro I’d like to try. This lens is really not much bigger than the one you’re using here... might even be the same size., as far as I can see. And it also has a long focus throw. Makes me work hard when photographing my dogs. 😆

[@davidsaylors]

Oh!!! Ok. You had me there for a minute! 😂🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks!👍📸

[@kevinking217]

Hi David, it's an amazing video about this beautiful lens, I just wonder, is Nikkor still making it? Thank you.

[@davidsaylors]

I dont know if they are still in production today or not. That is a good question. It is an amazing lens and for a lot of photographers, would be the last macro they ever needed. Good point.

[@kevinking217]

@@davidsaylors Thank you David👌👍

[@JB-ou6fl]

It is still being made today by Nikon based on my understanding. B&H currently has it in stock if you live in the US.

[@kevinking217]

@@JB-ou6fl Thank you my friend, I am in UK, I bought a new one last week on Ebay from Malaysia, price +shipping about the same with B&H , I didn't expect 100 bucks more for import duty, total $560 , I saw a new one in Hong Kong 2017, it was about $420 US dollars, but this beautiful lens is worth it👍

[@JB-ou6fl]

@@kevinking217 you are welcome. I am glad that you found one. I heard many great things about that lens. I am planning to buy one too.

[@advr2293]

Interesting lens, but for me, personally, I think is a little bit tight, based on what I like to shoot I wouldn't call it a general purpose lens (for me) great pictures btw. My favourite was at 6:57 nice and even light. Good job 👍🏼👍🏼

[@davidsaylors]

Thanks. Lots of street shooters like the 35mm because of that very reason. I seem to gravitate to that focal length for some reason and like using it. There are times when I run into problems though... 👍📸😬

[@willapanews9761]

I have the 55 3.5 supposed to be just a hair sharper than the 2.8.

[@davidsaylors]

You would need test charts to even tell, they are so close, it boggles my mind how these lenses can be so good. 👍📸

[@willapanews9761]

Yeah it has become my new favorite lens because it is so versatile with its close focusing distance for micro or regular focusing distance for bigger subjects.

[@davidsaylors]

That is what I am learning is the limitation of about every “normal” lens is close focus... 👍📸

[@efreutel]

Great review. Many thanks!

[@alejoniux]

Great lens indeed! I’ve one, the f3.5 version! Great lens!

[@thedietstory4658]

Is it good for macro photography?

[@davidsaylors]

Yes and no. It depends on what kind of macro you want to shoot. If it is bugs, then not really. Close up product photos and nice detail shots, then yes. It is not a true 1:1 macro lens so it can’t sort those epic insect photos, but it will render fairly well details.

[@thedietstory4658]

@@davidsaylors i want it to scan 35mm film

[@davidsaylors]

By photographing the negative with a macro lens? This lens would be great for that task. 👍

[@oneeye7581]

wonderful!

[@davidsaylors]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!!! 👍📸

[@frankluo230]

Ai 55f1.2 ais55f2.8 af60d afs60g all good lenses.

[@davidsaylors]

Thanks! I will go look for these and see what I can come up with.

[@jb-xc4oh]

You can't go wrong with this lens, its extremly sharp and the price is a joke for the image quality it produces.

[@davidsaylors]

So true, I can’t belive that more poeple dont know about these lenses at this point. i love mine and wont be selling it anytiime soon…

[@sherkhan-up2vc]

Very nice 👍

[@davidsaylors]

Thank you!

[@vinnylt2408]

Those action shots are pretty sweet my guy.

[@davidsaylors]

Thank you! I really appreciate that!👍📸

[@bassangler73]

Nice shots!

[@davidsaylors]

Thanks old man, I appreciate it! 😉👍📸 Hope your fishing is going well!!!

[@bassangler73]

@@davidsaylors 👊

[@edwardbedrosian2272]

no macro shots?

[@davidsaylors]

No sir, this video is about the lens for general photography as there are already a bunch of macro videos...and I forgot to do that until you mentioned it just now...😳🤷🏻‍♂️ It never occurred to me to do that for the video. I dont know why to be honest. Sorry about that. 👍📸

[@edwardbedrosian2272]

@@davidsaylors all good my friend. i suppose you were mainly showing that it works for sstreet photography 👍

[@davidsaylors]

Yes, but I could have done a FEW detail shots too sore off the lenses macro functionality. I appreciate your feedback, because without it I wouldnt have thought to add it to future videos. Thank you!

[@marsdengriswold4610]

I own one for my D810

[@jamesdesignlp9768]

I can't focus with this lens 😭😭😭

[@davidsaylors]

What is preventing you from being able to get focus? Is the lens broken?

[@thomas_fodor]

It's ZED not ZEE! I don't understand why Americans have to do everything arse about.

[@davidsaylors]

Because we say it like that here. that is all.