Nikon 200mm f/4D IF-ED AF Micro-NIKKOR Lens

2022-09-20T12:49:11

Yes, mirrorless is slated to take over the world. Yes, there are some fantastic mirrorless products out there. But, no, there is nothing available, yet, that outshines this lens on a D850. Yes, the lens is heavy. Yes, the focus is slow and mechanical. And if you do your homework and learn how to use the tool, it can produce outstanding photos with those wonderful Nikon colors. The attached photos were taken with this lens on a D850 using an R1-C1 Speedlight.

Paul K.

2021-11-06T17:56:06

After 45 years shooting only macro photography, this lens is a champion of the NIKKOR family. My favorites are orchids' flowers. Compare with FX 105mm this lens is far better, crystal sharp. Recommended.

Khanh K.

Originally posted at

2018-01-28T14:26:35

This 200mm is awesome for giving you the distance for using other lighting and modifiers, is also gives you razor sharp images, works great for small product photography or out in the field taking insect pictures etc.

TIM N.

2017-09-05T11:52:30

This lens is amazing, but here's the thing-no VR so for best sharpest images this thing has to be locked down solid to get the razor sharp results it provides.

KURT W.

2017-02-13T06:39:50

This macro lens blows me away. Fantastic! It requires time to setup and use - tripod/monopod. But you will have a whole new way of seeing....

ROBERT T.

2017-01-04T03:26:23

Flawless. I have not been able to reproduce the images this lens produces on the Nikon 60mm, or even the Zeiss 105mm Macro. This lens is the lens to have for macro work, I don't know of one that's better, on any camera.

AUSTIN S.

2016-12-01T13:46:57

I purchased this Nikkor 200mm f/4 lens to take the place of of my Nikkor 24-85mm, 1:2.8, specifically for the shooting of macro images. I carry other lenses for distance or wide angle shots. To start, the image crispness and clarity of the 200mm is far superior to my 24-85 (or almost any other lens in my bag). Surprisingly and startlingly so. The image quality on the Nikkor 200mm has made me realize how much better I need to be when selecting subjects, composing and shooting. Every detail within the frame now fights for center stage in the picture. Shooting with my 24-85mm, a single thread of spider web could go unnoticed when out of focal point, Now, with the 200mm I clear out anything that will later show with unparalleled clarity as an obstruction to the pictures protagonist. When comparing pictures, my old (but still very good) lens versus my new 200mm lens, I am better able to pinpoint weaknesses in my shooting style. I see that as a positive and it correlates directly (and hopefully) to growth in my photographic skill/ability. Better still, with this Nikkor 200mm lens, I now envision a whole new world of possibilities. Smaller objects such as a drop of water hanging from a pine needle will now include reflections captured within the drop, not just the flare of sunlight. Texture on the skin of Washington's outrageously large Banana slug will now add a dimension of beauty to the subject where before it usually exemplified only a slimy-distaste to many viewers. The only drawback (if this is to be considered a drawback) is that I can no longer shoot macro using a mono-pod or by hand. (I see a tripod in my future). Yes, this lens is heavy as many other reviewers state, but that is the price of doing business with this exceptional lens. I use a harness that allows me to hang a camera on both my left and right sides so the extra weight is supported by either shoulder during hikes. Up to this point my mono-pod has doubled as a walking stick until it's use is necessitated by a mushroom, flower, salamander, spider or such. My hikes are usually based on capturing images as opposed to covering distance so spending 5 - 15 minutes to capture an image or two is normal. I am now looking for a tripod that I can hook/unhook easily on a backpack, invert the center post with relative simplicity, remain stable in unique positions and still allow for access to camera controls. If anyone has a recommendation I would like to hear of it. For the rest of you reading this review, this is a purchase that reaps benefits from the first moment you attach it to you camera, and as long as you don't abuse your equipment, it will continue to help you push the beauty of your images long past the life of your current DSLR, as well as the next two or three.

Michael B.

2016-01-03T12:07:09

This lens desperately need to be upgraded by Nikon. It lacks VR and the AF mode is noisy, very slow and antiquated.

JAVIER Q.

2015-11-18T14:35:33

This is a heavy, well built, 200mm ƒ4 "flat field" lens, that just happens to be one of the BEST macro lenses on the market! Rated by many as the Sharpest Macro lens Nikon has ever made, it allows for full 1:1 ratio macro shooting. The Auto Focus is SLOW, using the old fashion "screw drive" system from Nikon. It WILL NOT WORK on cheaper Nikon camera's that don't have the "screw driver" built into the body. There's also NO VR, but who cares! This lens should be Manually focused and mounted on a tripod for best results! My only gripe, not enough to reduce to 4 stars, is the Manual Focus ring should require MORE travel to get your focus spot on! Having ƒ 40 is a treat but at 1:1 you're DOF is tiny!

ALAN K.

2015-03-27T21:00:00

I use this in taking nature pictures and copying slides. It is extremely sharp an excellent lens.

RICHARD B.

2014-02-17T19:00:00

I have been looking for a micro lens for a while but this is the one finally stays on my Nikon body. Unlike the newly released NIKKOR lenses, this lens has the buttons on different locations so be sure to look them all before starting using this lens. Quality of glass is excellent! Make sure to turn on the button on the lens if not AF for the entire range. I also like the exterior code of the lens makes the feeling like touched the past. Took sometime to wait for arrival due to out of stock. So far no negative to mention at all. Looking forward to the Spring shooting.

LIYUN Y.

2013-01-03T19:00:00

Sort of sorry I bought this. I already have the 105mm and 60mm lenses made by Nikon. I thought I'd be able to use it without a tripod on field shots. Not so.

Queen B.

2012-09-10T21:00:00

The 200mm focal length keeps you from getting in your own light and allows separation from the subject. It has the same properties as a medium length (85mm and up) lens for portraits ... in this case macro portraits.

DARYL B.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Tack sharp...very nicely built lens

AARON P.

2011-12-29T19:00:00

I already own a 60 macro, and was kind of swayed by a good review of this lens. Don't get me wrong. This is an EXCELLENT lens. It just doesn't seem to warrant having along when a good zoom or a couple of steps closer to the subject will do the trick. On the plus side., if you don't have that long zoom, or a shorter lens gets in the way of you light shooting close. This is the lens to have. If I had it to do again I think I'd look closer at the 105. Another minus is they should have made this a VR lens.

JAMES C.

2011-12-11T19:00:00

I like it to take macro that I do not want to get to close to, like insects.

KIM W.

2011-11-28T19:00:00

The sharpest lens I own. That being said I find it difficult to extract its potential without using a tripod.

Charles

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Happy

HPM

2011-03-22T21:00:00

I am new to macro photography and wanted to get a lens that would suit my needs for a long time. Many photo stores recommended the 105mm lens since I was a beginner. After reading many very positive reviews of this lens, I decided to get it. So far I'm very pleased with my purchase. [...] The key reason for going with the 200mm vs. the 105mm is the extra distance from your subject. I can't wait for spring flowers to bloom and the bugs to come out! This lens is heavy as stated in many reviews but the incremental weight over a 105mm isn't really significant. The built on tripod mount is terrific. Overall, I'm very pleased with my purchase and glad I invested the extra money in this fantastic lens.

Oliver's D.

2011-03-15T21:00:00

I have both the 105mm and the 200. The 105 has a faster 2.8 aperture but the 200 gives you a more comfortable working distance from your subject. Amazing clarity. The slower AF does not bother me. I manually focus all my macro work. The DOF is too shallow not to. If you are after extreme resolution, this is the lens for you.

Charles

2011-03-12T19:00:00

Bought on a recommendation. This is a pretty hefty lens considering you can get excellent results from a 60mm at less the half the size and weight. I'd like to try the 105 micro to see if it were a happy medium. If your out shooting macro stuff, you have a bonus telephoto on your camera. But no VR, and no special features unless you count the tripod mount. I think if I had it to do again,, I'd pass on this lens.

JAMES C.

2010-08-08T21:00:00

While this lens is expensive, it is doubtful you will find a sharper, better built macro lens. The focus is very good (manual and automatic). The quality of the photos is very good on a full frame camera (I am using a D700). Do not buy this lens for bokeh as it is not as strong as you might like. If you like macro photography this is a great lens.

Eric A.

2010-07-25T21:00:00

Heavy on the arm and wallet but you get what you pay for...a heavy duty gem. My images are so sharp that you can get cut just looking at them (maybe a little exaggeration but close). Has been hard to find new U.S.A. versions of this. Adorama not only had one but some added accessories (filters, cleaning kit)[...]. Very pleased.

GWoggie

2010-07-08T21:00:00

I have owned this lens for almost two years and have used it extensively. Primarily for macro but also for landscapes. It excels at small critter photography because the working distance is such that you don't encroach on the subjects space. I have used it hand held but primarily with a tripod and focusing rail.

Shootsalot

2010-03-23T21:00:00

Jist the perfect macro lens. I also own the Sigma 150 which is very nice too but not in the same class as the Nikon 200. Great build quality. Awsome manual focus. Bittingly sharp. Great Bokeh. Nothing better !!!

godfather

2010-03-10T19:00:00

If you're really serious about macro shooting, the longer focal lengths are necessary. Often best used on a tripod with macro focusing rail, but I've seen nothing to match the stunning images this can produce.

THEODORE T.

2009-08-20T21:00:00

An incredible lens, which I purchased right after my 105mm VR and honestly the 105mm VR has not come out of my bag since this purchase. This probably the sharpest lens in my collection of over 25 Nikon lenses, a must have for Macro work!

Randy