» Nikon 85mm f/2.8 PC Micro Nikkor Manual Focus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Nikon 85mm f/2.8 PC Micro Nikkor Manual Focus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Great lens! - VERY sharp, but comes with learning curve and hefty price
Comment: Nikon 85mm f/2.8 PC Micro Nikkor Manual Focus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

This is a micro tilt-shift lens, essentially intended for small product photography. But I've always wanted to experiment with tilt-shift lenses, and this is one of the only Nikon tilt-shift lenses compatible with my Nikon D200.

I have a LOT of fun playing with it, but there's a bit of a learning curve involved. It's NOT ideal for architecture shots, even if you're shooting with the D3 with the full-frame sensor. 85mm is too confining. However, it's great for macro shots of all kinds - flowers, products, etc., and I especially enjoy using it for landscape photography.

In the latter sense, it gives some very unique effects. I suggest browsing flickr, or other photo-related sites, and look for the types of shots taken with this lens. They're really great!

The build quality is fantastic. Very solid, also heavy. It's best used with a tripod. It is delivered in a very luxurious carrying case, which is very nice.

Learning how to use the lens to its potential is a little tricky. I'm not there yet. But there are a lot of resources on the web that discuss the use of tilt-shift lenses. The manual that ships with it explains how the functions work, but once you get out into the real world and start experimenting on your own, will you really learn how to use it.

Remember: It is a manually focused prime lens. It doesn't zoom or focus on its own. Yet if you set your camera in Aperture Priority or Manual mode, you will be able to meter your camera along with the lens. Apertures must be set via the dial, not the camera.

The focusing ring is large and easy to grip. The aperture ring is further back, but easy to grab. Apertures range from f/2.8 to f/45 in somewhat odd increments. However, once you've focused on your subject and taken the shot, you won't be disappointed in the quality of the image. This is one of the sharpest lenses I own - about as good as my 50mm f/1.4.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the lens. And I would give it 5 stars out of 5 if it were less expensive and easier to use. It's tricky, and it isn't cheap. But it's a great lens.

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