Nikon 55mm f/2.8 Micro AI-s : Specifications and Opinions

Nikon 55mm f/2.8 Micro AI-s

The Nikon 55mm f/2.8 Micro AI-s is a macro lens for FF and APS-C, manufactured from 1979 (discontinued). The focus is done by Manual Focus, it does not have image stabilization. The average price was 300 €;

32 users have given it an average vote of 9.6 out of 10.

Specifications
Focal lenght	55 mm
Angle of view	43°
Format	FF, APS-C
Max. aperture	f/2.8
Aperture blades	7
Lenses/Groups	6 elements in 5 groups
Min. focus distance	0.22 meters
Reproduction ratio	0.5x
Features
Stabilization	No
Focus	Manual Focus
Internal Focus	No
Built and notes
Tripod ring	No
Extenders	No
Filters	52 mm
Lens hood	Yes (not supplied)
Weather sealing	No
Weight	290 g
Dimensions	63.5 x 70mm mm
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Reviews

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Johnmwright

sent on 19 Luglio 2025

Pros: Very sharp, smooth focus, small, light, deeply recessed front element so no hood is needed.

Cons: Needs extension to reach lifesize magnification

Opinion: This classic lens still holds it's own adapted on a Sony 50 megapixel body in 2025. It is sharp corner-to-corner. It renders backgrounds nicely up close, and it achieves 1/2 life-size without extension tubes. It works well as a landscape lens. If you don't mind manual focus and using an adapter, it is a great lens to use. Highly recommended.

Airy

sent on 27 Dicembre 2023

Pros: Sharpness, low aberrations, pleasant bokeh

Cons: does not work well against the light

Opinion: A very good lens, allround. In the eighties, it was regarded as a valid alternative to the conventional fifties, and considered sharper than most. Nowadays, many fifties can compete, or simply outclass it, e.g. the Zeiss 50/2 (Milvus version). Still, it is a good match for high resolution sensors, up to D800 (36 Mpixel). Unlike some (not all) previous Micro Nikkors, the resolution remains high at long distances. As a walk-around lens, it is quite useful despite the rather dark viewfinder image, though preferrable to entry level zooms. The recessed front lens makes a hood superfluous in most cases. The only significant drawback is, it does not work well against bright light, as the contrast drops; on the other hand, this lens is not prone to ghosting. While not APO, shooting shiny objects at short distance delivers acceptable results, with little fringing. On the whole, a very good buy but before buying, check the aperture blades - some owners complain about oil smear. I never encountered that problem.

The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Sonomoha

sent on 28 Luglio 2024

Pros: quality of construction.

Cons: Half Macro Ratio

Opinion: A great lens. Light, precise and sharp. Like its predecessor 55mm f/3.5 AI, it only lacks the 1:2 reproduction ratio which requires the use of an additional ring to have a 1:1 reproduction. Both are also great from the widest aperture for photographing human subjects. For macro, they're great at f8 without the ring. Above f/8, it takes more effort to create a background with soft blur.

Dinofer

sent on 27 Dicembre 2023

Pros: Very simple, it's probably the best optics ever built.

Cons: Nothing.

Opinion: Optical of superlative quality even if dated and out of production for a long time. Manual focus may be an inconvenience for some, but it's worth owning in the kit. I used it for about 20 years with excellent results then, switching to digital, I abandoned it, always regretting it. Very manoeuvrable and light, it remains a milestone in its field.

Gian Carlo F

sent on 21 Ottobre 2023

Pros: Sharpness, neutral colours, good contrast, lightness and compactness

Cons: Danger of gluing diaphragm blades

Opinion: Currently I have two macros, this one and the 105mm/4 AI, they are both excellent and ideal for my needs. These Nikkor AI/AIS are beautiful and, in my humble opinion, have an exceptional level of build and optical quality. This 55mm can be used in full range, even for infinite shooting, for those who want an even more specialized 55mm for macro I also recommend the f3.5 version. A piece of advice for those who have it: the example I bought in the 80s gave me twice the problem of oil in the blades of the diaphragm, it is advisable to put it at rest with the front lens facing downwards, this does not give me problems.

There are 4 more reviews. Show all »

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Nikon 55mm f/2.8 Micro AI-s : Specifications and Opinions

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Photos taken with Nikon 55mm f/2.8 Micro AI-s