Nikon 55m Micro-Nikkor f2.8 vs f3.5 Ai-s

[asterinex]

Hello Folks,

I currently have the stunning Nikon 55m Micro-Nikkor f3.5 (pre Ai-s) version in mint condition.
Now I have the opportunity to by the f2.8 version for 'only' 100 euros.

I'm thinking of buying the f2.8 and selling the f3.5.

Doese anybody knows if something about the f2.8 version. Is it a lot better ?

Thx,
Gert

[parabellumfoto]

[parabellumfoto]

[Oldhand]

Sounds like a great deal.
A couple of things to keep in mind.
The lens that you have is very good.
It is rare to shoot micro/macro images wide open. So the extra 2/3 stop will not be of much use to you.
FWIW, if it was me, I would keep the lens that you have and look for a 100/105mm micro/macro.
There are so many times when a close focus/micro/macro lens needs more working distance to the subject, and if you have been using your lens you will recognise them.
The 100/105 meets this need very well.
Just a thought for you to consider.
OH

[sichko]

The 55 mm f/2.8 Ais version has Close-Range-Correction (Floating Elements). It also has a reputation for sticky aperture blades.

[aoleg]

[flaviomaia]

As someone said, if macro / close focusing is your main usage of the lens than the advantage of the f2.8 version is null.
As all-round lens I think it is a good compromise - it is relatively fast and very sharp, but it has a very short focusing path between infinity and ~1 meter...

Mine is quite beaten up but until now I don't have any of the reported issues, but I suspect the pre-AI versions of the f3.5 have a better build quality and feel.

[kopi234]

I'm the opposite of you. I'm looking for an older version micro 55mm F3.5 compensating type.
The most I want is a micro 5.5 cm f3.5 preset, It can achieve 1:1 magnification without extention tube. see this http://www.matthewlin.com/mynikon/55Micro/55cm-Micro.htm
The problem is finding one and if any certainly expensive.

[inombrable]

I think the f/2.8 lens is great, It has bad reputation about the oil on the blades (I got mine like that for half of what you have been offered) but I must say it was very very easy to clean. One of the easiest lens I've cleaned so far.

Hope you get it, I think you can have both and compare the results and at the end of the day keep the one you like the most (or both maybe!!!)

Here are some samples I took with mine.

http://forum.mflenses.com/micro-nikkor-55mm-f-2-8-t59080,highlight,%2Bmicro+%2Bnikkor.html

[Andrew G.]

[cooltouch]

I own a 55mm f/3.5 Pre-AI Micro-Nikkor and years ago owned a 55/2.8. I'm perfectly happy with mine. In fact, I love it. I own five macro lenses, and it and my Tamron 90mm f/2.5 macro are my two sharpest. These two are neck-and-neck with each other as far as resolution goes.

I think the biggest difference between the two lenses, apart from the 1/2-stop difference in max apertures, is the coatings. The 55/3.5 most likely has a single-coating, whereas the 55/2.8 is more likely to have multi-coating. Having said that, though, I don't recall ever having a problem with flare with my 55/3.5, and that's the primary reason for having coatings at all.

I would encourage Gert to stick with what he has. He even admits that his is "stunning." That it is. I also agree that he should spend his money instead on a macro of a longer focal length, whether a 90mm, 100mm, or 105mm.

Kopi234 mentions a couple of things: about the preset 55mm, that was Nikon's first Macro and it is very uncommon. I would say this: if you want 1:1, get an extension tube. Or a set of bellows, which is much more versatile.

Kopi also mentions he would like to find the compensating type 55/3.5. The 55/3.5 with compensating aperture has aperture blades that open slightly as one focuses closer, to counteract the light fall-off effect as the lens is extended. This lens that has the compensating diaphragm supposedly has the -P suffix. (P for Penta, meaning five lens elements) But compensating 55/3.5s exist that do not have the -P suffix, because I own one. No -P suffix on my lens, but when I rack it to its closest setting and watch the aperture iris, it is plainly obvious that it is opening wider.

[martinsmith99]

I picked up a Pre Ai 55/3.5 last week for 9.99gbp at a local charity shop. What a bargain.

[hifisapi]

wouldn't the later F2.8 AIS version have better metering capability on Nikon dslrs as compared to a pre AI F3.5 version?

[parabellumfoto]

You can still buy them brand new they are that good

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=370472100627

[Oldhand]

[parabellumfoto]

[asterinex]

Damn , 400 euros new...

That's a reason to buy this second hand copy for 100 dollars

[inombrable]

[SonicScot]

[cooltouch]

[Andrew G.]

[invisible]

[stevemark]

As mentioned above, the Micro Nikkor AiS 2.8/55mm - which is a most beautiful macro lens - often suffers either from oily aperture blades or an extremely stiff focusing.

I have published the repair procedures for both here on mflenses:
https://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic,p,1586675.html#1586675

Even though the lens - due to its double helix PLUS a third helix for the CRC mechanism - is said to be troublesome to repair, I somehow disagree. There are a few tricks though, but if you read and follow my instructions carefully, you should be able to successfully clean your AiS 2.8/55mm.

Have fun

S

[martinsmith99]

I have the 55mm F3.5 Micro Nikkor now. One of my sharpest lenses.