The last long macro lens with manual focus from Nikon.

The 200mm Micro-Nikkor f/4 IF.

Nikon made three versions of the 200mm Micro-Nikkor – the Ai (1978-82), the Ai-S (1982-2005) and the AF-D (1993-2020). The first two are optically identical (9 elements in 6 groups) while the last was reformulated (13 elements in 8 groups) with autofocus added. The manual focus versions focused down to half life size while the autofocus optic went all the way down to life size, albeit at a substantial weight penalty. At 800g/28.2ozs the Ai-S weighs 390g/13.8oz less than the AF-D version. All feature Internal Focusing, meaning the lens does not change in length as it is focused and allows the manual focus versions to sport the smoothest and lightest focus movement.

For the sort of contemplative, studio-based macro work I favor, autofocus is the very last thing you want or need. With focus stacking software manual focus is the order of the day.

At 200mm the lens affords a long lens-to-subject distance making for ease of lighting. Mine was made in 1999, one of 20,004 manufactured and arrived in mint condition from Japan. It came with the detachable tripod collar, a must-have for proper balance on a tripod. The collar is easily removed for handheld use and allows the rig to be rotated through 90 degrees on a tripod.

The lens has a reputation for being sharp at normal and close focus distances, and my experience confirms that this is so. Best resolution is at f/8, with little change through f/16. There is modest loss of resolution at f/22 and f/32, owing to diffraction. The lens is fully usable at f/4 and f/5.6. Mechanically it’s hard to imagine it could be improved upon, with everything machined at the highest quality level. I bought mine for a song, all of $168 with tax, duties and shipping from Japan.

This is what I think of as a ‘lazy man’s macro lens’. Unless extreme close-ups are required no attachments are necessary – no bellows, no extension tubes, and the generous working distance from the subject, even at the closest focus, makes for ease of lighting and use. The short lens hood is of marginal value and, as appears to be the case with all IF Nikkors I have used, flops about and is generally a nuisance.

As a walkabout 200mm, with the tripod collar removed, it’s a dream to use and with the tripod collar fitted it’s very easy to use for extreme close-ups.

Here is the result at f/4 at infinity focus, handheld, SOOC:

Click the image for a larger version.

And here is a close up of a Peony from my garden at the closest-focus distance:

Click the image for a larger version.

Leica SL2-S, Nikon F to Leica L adapter, 200mm Micro-Nikkor at f/11, ISO100, three strobes. 11 images focus stacked in Helicon Focus.

If you want simple, high quality macro gear at a bargain price the 200mm Micro-Nikkor IF is just the ticket.