There's something about Nikon equipment, you pick it up and you're instantly aware of the seminal images of our lifetime,captured by this wonderful, cherished equipment. Never is this more apparent than when looking at a Pro level period piece of kit such as this.
A Micro-Nikkor 55mm f2.8 macro lens, one of the most sought after Macro lenses ever offered. This version was produced from 1979-2005, The serial number dates this particular one to circa 1990. Contemporary to the seminal Nikon FM2, F3 and F4 SLR bodies, being AIS means that it will also work with current Nikon DSLRs, I have happily used an identical lens on my recently departed D300 DSLR and had great success with identical lenses mounted on my Panasonic G1 and Canon 40D with adapters.
A legend among Nikon fanatics, and capable of superlative, high resolution results on any Nikon SLR or DSLR. This is that rarest of things, a macro lens with all round ability, offering superb performance close up, while retaining excellent capability from middle distance to infinity. Have a look at the slideshow below to see what this amazing lens is capable of, strap on an extension tube and resolution can be doubled again!
The lens is in very good cosmetic condition, having obviously been very carefully looked after, save for a light bump to the filter ring, it is pretty much unimpeached. The optics are sparkling and clear, reflecting a lovely bluish tint, holding it up to the light, there are just a few tiny motes of dust to betray the years, it frankly makes my own 2.8 look a bit of a mess! Outer cosmetics are very good, with both barrel and grip maintaining perfect finish, while both focus and aperture rings operate as smoothly as you would expect from a Nikkor lens.
Unfortunately, the aperture is at present stuck open, this may not be a complicated fix, but if you require a lens for copying or similar, the lens may be usable as is. Obviously I have taken this into account in the asking price for this otherwise stunning example.
The images this remarkably compact lens produces are staggering, not surprising perhaps, given the unrivalled reputation enjoyed by the whole Micro Nikkor family. I have used my own 55/2.8, on my Micro Four Thirds, Canon and Nikon DSLRs and performance has been consistently staggering whichever body I was using and there is a sideshow of examples below. The images produced by this lens are very close to bellows standard, but with the convenience of a self contained lens, which is just as capable taking street shots. Given half decent light, you can use one of these Micro Nikkors all day without thinking of changing it, its middle and long distance performance being superior to many if not most 50mm lenses you will find!
The lens will be supplied as pictured, with original Nikon caps, ready for you to get to work immediately!
