Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8g ED Micro

£569/$597 Just how close do you want to get?

Designed for full-frame cameras, this lens is equivalent to the ‘effective’ focal length of the Nikon DX 40mm Micro for APS-C format bodies. It therefore works well as a fairly standard prime, as well as a 1x macro optic. Due to the longer ‘actual’ focal length than in the DX lens, the shortest focus distance is greater, at 19cm instead of 16cm.

However, the FX lens is physically longer as well, and while it has an internal focusing system, the working distance from the front of the lens to the subject in full macro photography is only 1.5cm longer than with the DX 40mm, at 5cm. That’s fine if you like getting in really close to whatever you’re shooting, however, most of us tend to prefer a little more elbow room to work with.

Performance

There’s no image stabilization, but the high-grade optical path includes an ED element. Autofocus speed is pretty nippy and image quality is good overall. Ultimately, however, a longer focal length is generally preferable when it comes to macro shooting.

N-photo verdict

This FX lens works well for general shooting, but comes up a bit short for serious macro photography.