Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8 Lens Review

Nikon Micro 40mm f/2.8 Handling and Features

Weighing only 235g, this lens is amongst the lightest and most compact true macro optics currently available for the Nikon system, which will make it perfect for stowing in a the bottom of a camera bag, ready for when it is needed. As a result it balances very well on the Nikon D300 body used for testing. High quality plastics have been used for much of the construction and the lens mount is made from metal, creating a quality feel. Although this optic makes no claims to be weather resistant, a rubber gasket has been included around the lens mount, to help prevent the ingress of dust and moisture into the camera.

Main view	Focus range

Manual focusing is performed via the narrow rubberised ring, which has just the right amount of resistance and travel to make fine adjustments straightforward. A minimum focus distance of 16.3cm provides life size magnification, but with little working distance. Care will need to be taken not to shade your subject when working this close, and the supplied lens hood may need to be removed. The hood is a relatively deep, circular affair which clips onto the bayonet fitting around the 52mm filter thread.

Side switches	Rear

Although this lens sports a silent wave focusing motor, focus speeds are quite slow, even when compared to other macro lenses in Nikon's line up. A focus limiter switch is a welcome addition, to help speed focusing by preventing the lens from tracking back and forth through the entire focus range when it is difficult to obtain a lock onto a subject. The lens extends during focusing, however the front filter thread doesn't rotate, which makes this lens perfect for use with polarising and graduated filters.

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