Astro-Berlin Gauss-Tachar 60mm f/2

Classic Macro Lens I prefer this version of the 60mm Nikon Micro to the newer, redesigned lens. It has a closer focusing distance and since I always manually focus with this type of photography the added expense of the updated model does not add any value. Depending on what you anticipate doing with a macro lens, the 105mm is likely the most versatile focal length. I do a lot of product photography, and being able to switch between focal lengths to adjust field of view without altering my flash setup is the main reason I have the 60mm. The images are extremely clean and sharp from this lens, and AF-D products have always been built like tanks. This may be the most versatile product photography lens I own, because sometimes the 180mm or 105mm are too tight for larger items.

Good macro photography optics, in a cost-effective if slightly difficult to use lens. Good lens for specific use cases: (+) Lens is sharp from corner to corner. (+) Works seamlessly with the Nikon ES-2 Film Digitization kit - the main reason I bought it. I use it with the Nikon Z6 and the FTZ adapter. It resolves detail down to the grain on most films except those with the finest grain structure, and I'm confident that a D850 or Z7 would be able to get even that detail down. (+) The lens magnifies a little past 1:1. At 60mm you will need to be close to your subject - if working distance is something you want to maintain, you should go for the more expensive longer focal distance Nikkors. (/) Regarding autofocus: the lens has a screw drive system - which means your body must have the AF motor built in. Cheaper DSLRs and the mirrorless Nikons (through the FTZ adapter) do not have this, but the lens works fine in MF mode with my cameras (Nikon Z6 + FTZ adapter and Nikon D5100). There are newer micros with AF out there - but you will pay for that privilege. (-) Funky Ergonomics: There's a lock on board that keeps the AF from going all the way down to close magnification, which I suppose would come in handy if you're trying to use it as a regular lens (but why would you be doing that?). The MF/AF switch is also onboard - in my opinion, it's wholly unnecessary, as most cameras with the AF motor onboard have a switch on the camera. More oddly, when it's in AF, the focus ring on the lens disengages entirely - meaning you will not be able to make any fine corrections to AF - it's all or nothing on with this lens. Overall: great optics in a specialized form factor. If you need a close-focusing 60mm (particularly for digitizing film) this is solid choice. Read full review

This was a great buy at an excellent price !!!!! Although I have yet to take any photos I mounted this lens on my Nikon D750 and it is amazing! The weight of the lens is quite substantial and also the build quality is amazing versus the quality of lenses that are now coming out of China. This older lens was made in Japan and I am very pleased with all Japanese made Nikkor lenses. I have ordered another Nikkor Series D lens and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival. This lens was rated excellent (++++) and has met or rather exceded all my expectations.