Nikon has brought the macro lens goodness (btw: Nikon calls macro, Micro) for DX-format shooters with the new, portable Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G ($279) . For less than $300, this lens is a steal and a must-have for anyone within the Nikon D40 to D7000 range.

In both capability and cost, this close-up lens is a gift to DX-format (APS-C-sensor) Nikon shooters. A full-frame equivalent of 60mm, it delivers a lot for its meager $280 street price: 1:1 macro shooting, a fast f/2.8 aperture, metal lensmount, and great optics.

high value for little money: compact, light-weight, my normal prime on a DX camera with the additional marco feature

very sharp in the image center; borders and corners show very good resolution and no relevant vignetting when slightly stopped down

wide open some vignetting and in the corners not as sharp as in the center

First, the 50mm 1.8 D had replaced my 18-105 on my Nikon D90. I was very pleased with it, being fast, sharp, and providing me with better image quality than my 18-105. Then I had tried the 35mm G and this. I was amazed with both of them.

Great sharpness even from wide open; virtually unlimited range of focus

It gets really close for 1:1 macro; but that's o.k

The AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G is the most affordable macro lens for Nikon's range of DX format DSLRs, and as an AF-S model, it'll autofocus on any Nikon body. Yes you read this right: it's even cheaper than any lens capable of 1:1 magnification from Sigma or Tamron.

Wether you're shooting portraits, food or nature-indoors or outdoors-the AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G's rounded 7-blade diaphragm renders a beautiful, natural background blur (Bokeh) at its wider aperture settings. Selective focus helps to isolate the subject, creating out of focus backgrounds.

Bought this one second-hand some years ago and it has proved itself to be an extremely useful lens - doubling as a 'standard 60mm (equiv)' and a fast macro. Sharpness is excellent but bokeh can be rather 'busy' in some lighting - especially dappled woodland sunlight.

Very sharp! On full frame cameras; you can get useful results if you stop down to F/8 or more

7-blade iris makes for 'busy' bokeh; Auto-focus not the quickest

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Small, economical and excellent performance - there's a lot to like here. Nikon markets this lens as an introduction to macro photography, and I think they've done very well here to make that happen.

Hannah Stryker / Review Geek The iPhone 14 is the latest iteration of Apple’s flagship device. Since its launch, the iPhone has set the standard of what a smartphone is, what it does, and how it looks. Fifteen years later, it’s still doing that.

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