Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Many forum threads have pondered whether to choose the 40mm micro of the 35mm 1.8. I have owned both, used them extensively and can safely conclude that the 40mm micro/macro is the better all-around lens. It can do most the 35 can do, but offers the added bonus of macro and superior sharpness and resistance to chromatic aberration.Here are the pros of the 35mm 1.8- affordable prime lens- fast 1.8 aperture makes it potentially wonderful for indoor and low-light shots when flash is not available or permitted- extremely sharp if you get a good copy (I've owned two copies. One was tack sharp all the way down to f/1.8. The other had a lot of chromatic aberration and purple fringing wide open).- great starter lens for a photo classHere are the cons of the 35mm 1.8- purple fringing wide open- blurry wide open (what's the point of 1.8 if you can't use it?)- lens hood is way too small- build quality is plasticky (but this applies to 40mm micro as well)Here are the pros of the 40mm micro- A great lens for amateur food photography (at the actual restaurant/kitchen with actual food)- Nikon's most affordable macro lens- f/2.8 aperture is still very good for general photography- Macro feature works like a charm- Lens is lightweight enough that you can get away with handheld shots- 40mm focal length (60mm on full-frame) makes it good for product photography of larger objects- has focus limiter switch to disable macro and speed up autofocus- great manual focus feelHere are the cons of the 40mm micro- autofocus hunts more than a regular af-s lens- you're way too close to subject if you want 1:1 magnification (where 24mm wide object fills length of frame)- Max aperture is f/4.4 at 1:1, but that's normal for all macro lensesBecause both lenses produce the equivalent of 52/60mm on a film camera, neither is appropriate for head & shoulder portraits, unless you shoot in landscape orientation. Both are great for full body or waist-up portraits. I like shooting up close, so I think you can fit a maximum of two or three people in the shot with these lenses. I would go wider for group photos.Overall, though, I would choose the 40mm macro lens. It's sharper overall, focus is pretty fast (even when it hunts), and has the added value of close-focus/macro ability. Great for food & product photos.

I'm an all around photographer whose interest is in photographing whatever captures my eye. It could be portraits, landscapes, florals, art, and wildlife. For the last year or so, I've been interested in getting a macro lens for my Nikon D7000. I've read many reviews on the Nikkor 40mm Micro and decided to give it a try. The price was within my budget.I ordered this lens two weeks ago and have been using it non-stop with wonderful results. I've set aside my 18-200mm, 35mm, and 50mm lens. That's how good this 40mm lens is.I received this micro lens in time to capture the early Spring flowers. This 40mm micro lens does a great job capturing close-ups of flowers and plants. My pictures are coming out sharp and clear. Do you hear a "wow" from me?I have taken a close-up picture of my Citizen watch with no flash. Another wow! I've included a picture in the gallery.This lens also does a great job in capturing non-macro shots. I've used this lens indoors with no flash and have captured some amazing low-light pictures. Yep, another wow!There is no VR on this lens. Not necessary to have as this lens is lightweight and with much practice, hand held shots are easy to take. For low-light photography, I do recommend using a monopod or tripod with this lens. Reality check: you can only hand hold a camera for so long before you get some camera shake and resulting blurred pictures. As I get older, I've come to the realization that I can no longer hold the camera perfectly still.For macro shots, I primarily shoot in Aperture mode. I've found my sweet spot to be around f/4 and f/8. For normal shots, I tend to switch between Program and Aperture modes.I use the included lens hood 100% of the time. Within the first few hours of using this lens, I accidently bumped the front lens against the door. Good thing I had my hood on. Lesson well learned.Need proof? I have posted two floral pictures (Pink dogwood and helleborous) along with the photo of my watch in the photo gallery. Seeing is believing.This is a great fixed lens that does double duty for macro and normal shots. I'm glad I trusted the reviews and my instinct and purchased this incredible lens.** Update 06/16/12 **This lens has been on my D7k for last several weeks. I've added another picture of a spider on a yellow daylily. It should be on page 6 in the gallery. For this picture I used my compact SB-400 flash as the picture was taken during the late evening hours. I'm enjoying this lens!