Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4.0D IF-ED

Courtesy of B&H Photo, I have the Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF in hand. I plan on a lens review for it soon in DAP.

Initial impressions:

• Very sharp image rendition, even wide open at f/4.
• Moderately large, but reasonable weight;
• Veiling flare not as well controlled as modern coatings.
• Clunky screw-drive autofocus is slow and hunts a lot. However, it proved quite accurate.
• Very useful working distance is much more convenient than with 100mm macro lenses, as well as narrowing the angle of view.
• Very sturdy tripod collar, among Nikon’s very best.

My initial impressions are favorable enough, and this lens unique enough in its capabilities that I think it would be a useful addition to anyone who like shooting close-up, and it can also double as a compact 200mm lens for other purposes. At about $1650, it’s costly enough that it needs to be thought out in context of one’s other lenses, but I have little doubt that the working distance is well worth it for macro shooters.

This frog is a visual trick. Is it inverted or raised? Strictly as-shot, nothing manipulated.