Lens · macro
Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AI-S
Nikon · 1979-2020
Discontinued35mm
Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AI-S: 6 elements in 5 groups, 7 aperture blades, 0.25m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 290g.
- Focal length
- 55mm
- Max aperture
- f/2.8
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 5
Known for
- Macro photography
- Product photography
- Copy work
- Portraits
- General use
Considerations
- Front element extends during focusing
- Manual focus and aperture (Ai/Ai-S F-mount)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)5, level 5 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast5, level 5 of 5
Flare resistance5, level 5 of 5
CA control5, level 5 of 5
Vignetting control4, level 4 of 5
Distortion control5, level 5 of 5
Bokeh: Pleasant, neutral
Rendering: Clinical sharpness, flat field
Colour: Neutral, accurate
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
AI-S
1979-2020
AI-S markings, CRC
Only version; introduced Dec 1979
Introduced in December 1979 as an AI-S lens, with no earlier AI version. It reaches 1:2 on its own and 1:1 with the PK-13 tube.
Common issues
- Helicoid wear on heavily used copies
- Focus ring smoothness
Buying guide
Check aperture blade operation and focus smoothness, and inspect the glass for haze, fungus or cleaning marks.
Specifications
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Focal Length | 55mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 |
| Min Focus | 0.25m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 290g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Coating | NIC (Nikon) |
| Special | CRC (Close Range Correction) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £200 - £350
- Mint
- ~£450
Indicative, no dated source.