Nikon PC-E Micro-Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED — WOW!

Today I shot the PC-E 45/2.8 on my most demanding outdoor test target: the mural at Stanford Memorial Church. I’ll work up a detailed lens review over the next month or so, but let’s just say that if you are interested in this lens get one before the waiting lists get too long: it is an outstanding performer. Get the Nikon PC-E Micro-Nikkor 45mm f/2.8 ED at BH Photo (in stock as this was written).

Update: this lens is reviewed in more detail as part of diglloyd’s Advanced Photography (DAP).

Peak performance is reached by f/5.6 for up to ~6mm of shift and by f/8 fully shifted 11.5mm. Performance declines visibly past those apertures due to diffraction. I also compared it to the Nikon 45mm f/2.8P. The PC-E Micro Nikkor 45/2.8 PC is vastly more sophisticated optically than the 45/2.8P, and result is simply “no contest” at any aperture.

Entire frame, 11.5mm vertical shift
(Nikon D3 + PC-E Micro-Nikkor 45/2.8 @ f/8)

Actual pixels, extreme corner of shifted frame
(Nikon D3 + PC-E Micro-Nikkor 45/2.8 @ f/8)

See also yesterday’s comments.