Nikon AF Micro 200mm f/4D IF-ED

Get in (not quite so) close with this long ‘Micro’ lens

Released (year): 1993 Price new: £1200/$1800 Price used: £175/$250

We’re covering all of Nikon’s latest macro lenses in this month’s Big Test (see page 110). They all feature AF-S ring-type ultrasonic autofocus systems, and two of them include VR (vibration reduction). However, the focal length of these lenses is somewhat limited. The older 200mm Micro lens lacks any mod cons like AF-S and VR, autofocus drive being required from the host camera body. It can’t autofocus on bodies like the D5000, but can on a D7200 or any FX (full-frame) body.

The 200mm focal length gives a greater working distance to the subject, ideal for shooting bugs. It’s physically longer than the 105mm lens, so the distance between the front of both lenses and the subject is about the same at their closest focus distances. However, with your eye to the viewfinder, the 200mm lens gives you a working distance of 50cm, instead of 31cm.

Specs

Elements/groups: 13/8 (2 ED) Aperture range: f/4 to f/32 Autofocus type: Camera-driven Minimum focus distance: 50cm Maximum magnification: 1.0x Filter thread: 62mm Dimensions: 76x193 mm Weight: 1190g