What about the new 40mm macro lens from Nikon?

[mishu01]

I've found here that Nikon announced a new micro lens for DX bodies at 40mm focal length. It seems that it is an affordable small lens but I wonder if we really need a macro in 40mm. What do you think?

[ravncat]

It's an equivalent to the current 60mm macro field of view for dx cameras. Probably useful for document work on a copy-stand or coins and other things. A nice option for people with a dx camera - but perhaps a bit bonkers of a lens... It has a very low entry price though - so it could be a hot seller especially to beginners.

I have no doubt it will perform well, the question is perform best for what exactly? All in all, perhaps a good business choice that will probably please many consumers

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by mishu01

What do you think?

Odds are good there will be a bunch of them for sale used in the near future. You would need to be slow close to the subject, that anything alive would fly or crawl away before you could focus. Like it was mentioned above, probably good for things like coins and stamps

[RLucas]

Looking at the sample images on the Nikon site, it looks like it would make a nice portrait lens.

[Shokinen]

I love the close-up with my 35mm f/1.8 (minimal focus distance is 12inches) and this one can be as close as 2 inches from your subject.

But like others said, this is mostly for still objects. Keep in mind this lens is targeting the entry level market so their will be some trade-offs.

[OsmosisStudios]

This came out of NOWHERE. I keep up with this stuff on a daily basis and this is completely random.

That being said: MTF chart shows it being fairly sharp stopped to f/8, but at 40mm youre gonna be right on top of whatever it is youre shooting. I wouldnt bother.