Pa's reviews

Nikon 85mm f/3.5G ED VR DX AF-S Micro Nikkor

I have owned this lens for about a month and have used it quite a bit. Having previously owned a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro, I prefer this lens. The optical performance is similar, but the handling and autofocus is far better. I especially like the manual focus override feature common to all Nikon AF-S lenses. And the very effective vibration reduction feature is a real plus which the Tamron can't match.

The SLR Gear review was relatively lukewarm, yet if you compare the blur plots of this lens with the legendary Nikkor 200mm f/4 micro, this new 85 is actually better at f/8 and smaller apertures, which is where I use it most.

I also own a Nikkor 200/4 micro, and can tell little difference in image quality between the two lenses. The 200 has the advantage of greater working distance, but the disadvantage of large size and weight.

This new 85 micro is the perfect macro lens for long hikes into the back country in search of wildflowers and small critters.