Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G

Nikon · NIKKOR

AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G

Released August 2011

A compact Nikon DX macro prime with life-size reproduction, a 0.163 m minimum focus distance and ultrasonic autofocus.

Mount
Nikon F mount
Focal length
40 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
235 g

What reviewers say

Both praise the compact size, sharp images and very low distortion, but find autofocus slow and the short macro working distance restrictive. They agree that corners improve when stopped down. ePHOTOzine finds the manual focus ring easy to adjust; Digital Camera World finds it imprecise for extreme close-ups. Both consider it useful for general shooting as well as macro, with care needed to avoid shading close subjects.

From digitalcameraworld.com and ephotozine.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
40 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Macro lens
Yes
Optical construction
Nine elements in seven groups
Aperture detail
f/2.8 maximum aperture at infinity; Nikon notes the effective aperture becomes smaller at close focus, with camera exposure and displayed aperture automatically compensated
Diaphragm
Seven rounded blades
Angle of view
DX 38°50′; angle of view equivalent to 60 mm on FX

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Nikon F mount
Image circle
APS-C
Compatibility
Nikon F-mount G-type CPU lens designed for DX

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.163 m
Maximum magnification
1×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Ultrasonic motor with manual focusing available; both reviews identify Silent Wave Motor and manual override
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 0.163 m from the focal plane at life-size reproduction. Digital Camera World reports a 3.5 cm working distance from the lens front at maximum magnification; the barrel extends when focusing closer
Magnification detail
Maximum 1× life-size reproduction
Stabilisation detail
No optical VR, confirmed by both reviews

Design

Filter diameter
52 mm
Maximum diameter
68.5 mm
Length
64.5 mm
Weight
235 g
Controls
Focus ring and distance window; focus limiter selects the full infinity–0.163 m range or infinity–0.2 m
Filter detail
52 mm screw-in filters; ePHOTOzine reports the thread does not rotate during focusing
Weather resistance
ePHOTOzine identifies a mount gasket but explicitly notes no weather-resistance claim; no general rating is assigned
Dimensions detail
Approximately 68.5 mm maximum diameter × 64.5 mm from the mount
In the box
LC-52 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-61 bayonet hood and CL-0915 flexible pouch
Release detail
Nikon Japan records 25 August 2011 availability

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Life-size 1× maximum reproduction
  • Approximately 235 g
  • Focus-range limiter

Cons

  • No optical vibration reduction
  • DX coverage rather than full-frame coverage

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Nikon F mount35 mmf/1.8No200 gMar 2009
Nikon F mount50 mmf/1.8No185 gJun 2011
Nikon F mount35 mmf/1.8No305 gFeb 2014

Sources

  1. nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/lenses/dslr/af-s-dx-micro-nikkor-40mm-f2.8g
  2. nij.nikon.com/products/lineup/nikkor/fmount/af-s_dx_micro_nikkor_40mm_f28g/spec…
  3. nij.nikon.com/products/lineup/nikkor/fmount/af-s_dx_micro_nikkor_40mm_f28g
  4. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/nikon-af-s-dx-micro-40mm-f28g-review
  5. ephotozine.com/article/nikon-af-s-dx-micro-nikkor-40mm-lens-review-17331

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

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