I wasn’t planning on buying this lens. Now I’m not sure how I could be without my Nikon 60mm f2.8 macro.
Secretly, I’ve always been a bit jealous of some other wedding photographer’s ring and flower shots. They were oh-so close up and always sharp. Well now that I’ve found someone willing to depart with their 60mm f2.8 Macro (for a very good price!) I can now take those super close up shots that I’ve always wanted.
The Nikon 60mm Macro is a pretty lens too!
So how does it work?
Macro lenses specialize in taking picture of close up things. Nikon calls them “Micro” lenses which makes sense (think Micro vs. Macro-Economics). Basically the optics of the lens can move the extra distance required to bend the light in such a way that even very close up objects can be rendered as sharp.
How’s the build quality?
To be short, not nearly as good as my Nikon 135mm f2 DC Lens, but granted this lens costs about a third of the price of that lens. I also appreciate the weight savings of not having a solid metal construction when I’m shooting a 10 hour wedding. It feels solid and it’s still a step up from Nikon’s introductory lenses like the 18-55mm VR.
Is it tough to take these super close up shots?
Yes and No. While the lens will gladly focus on a subject that is only a few inches from the front of the lens, the incredible depth of field can be very difficult to control. I frequently have to use the depth of field preview on my camera (hardly ever have to use it outside of this!) to check and make sure my subject is fully in focus. Speaking of subjects, if your planning on taking pictures of live subjects such as bees, butterflies, or water droplets, you might scare away your subject (or cover your lens in water!). Because rings and flowers don’t get too scared when you get up REALLY close, this lens fits me perfect. Nikon makes a great 105mm macro and 200mm macro where you don’t have to get quite so close!
Enough with the rambling, how do the images look!?
One of the flowers in my backyard, except seriously close up. This flower was less than half an inch around!
Works awesome on those ring shots too!!
Conclusion time
This lens is pretty awesome. Not only does it allow me to get shots I’ve never been able to take before, but it does without killing my whole bank account. There is an updated AF-S version of this lens out, but frankly this lens works fantastic AND focuses faster than the AF-S. I highly recommend the Nikon 60mm f2.8 Macro to all you close up photo people!
