Never forget to set that A/M switch on the lens correctly. If you set the camera to A and forget the lens is in M mode you may burn your camera's AF motor.
I have heard this from other sources too. What I need is a donor camera that has something like a sensor with a dead corner or a dead hot shoe and something so we can test autofocus myths about nikons. I will be looking at this further today to see what makes this happen. Thank you for taking the time to let me know as well, I appreciate it.
David Saylors I heared by setting the lens to A the helicoid (focussing mechanim) is unlocked from the stiff focussing ring and the screw drive could work.. On M, the focussing ring is coupled, and the screw drive would work against it, if (setting to A on the camera side) the camera AF tried to operate. (Yes, if changing the lens mode you have to turn the focussing ring a little bit to search the point it locks in)
Oh!!!! That makes sense now! I was messing with the 60mm a little trying to figure it out and noticed the external focus ring does “freewheel” when the selector is in “A” mode. That had me puzzled. Thank you!!!!
Hey man! I just ordered the 60mm 2.8 micro and I'm worried about what you wrote - burning the camera's AF motor. Could you please, technically, explain what I need to make sure before I install the lens on my camera, so nothing shitty will happen? I'm interested in using Autofocus with this lens [not Manual], on my F100 body.
The “D” version feeds distance data to the camera. It mainly has to do with flash exposure information so the camera can calculate how much fill flash to add. It has a couple of other things it is used for too, but this was the original reason for making D lenses. The non “D” lenses are identical mechanically so if you dont use fill flash, you can save a few bucks here.
If you are looking for a general purpose lens which has a macro focus range, the predecessor to the 60mm 2.8 is preferable, being the 55mm 2.8 Micro-Nikkor. The 60mm is a bit too long for most people to use as a general purpose lens. The 55mm 2.8 is designed to give better optical performance at "normal" focus distances, whereas the 60mm 2.8 is relatively inferior compared to the 55mm and other non-macro Nikon lenses in the 50mm range. The macro performance of the 55mm is good, but the 60mm is significantly better. Both lenses are generally considered too short for true macro work, as the focus distances force the lens to crowd the subject, cutting off subject lighting particularly. As noted in the video, most macro work is done with manual focus. For general usage, all 60mm lenses are auto-focus. The vast majority of 55mm 2.8 lenses are manual focus, so may be less attractive for some users as an all-purpose optic, however a very small number of 55mm lenses were installed in auto-focus mounts during the time NIkon was phasing out the 55mm and introducing the 60mm. Probably difficult to find an auto-focus 55mm these days. The 55mm (manual focus) is built like a traditional Nikkor, being fairly compact, all metal, and a bit hefty. The 60mm dates from Nikon's first plunge into auto-focus, which means solid, but a lot of plastic incorporated into the construction. At least the 60mm is not part of the butt-ugly family of first generation AF 50mm lenses. Addendum: The 60mm in basic form focuses down to 1:1, meaning that the focus mount at closest will yield an image on film or sensor which is the same size as the subject. The 55mm focuses down to 1:2, imaging half life size, but extends further down to 1:1 if a dedicated extension tube is added between lens and camera. (Technically, since neither lens focuses closer than 1:1, neither are true macro lenses, but almost every "macro" lens on the market in the last 60 years does not either, so the "macro" naming usage has become a universal abuse.)
This 60mm AF-D is build like a tank. I drop it a couple of times and it stayed with me all this time. The details are extremely sharp. It's one of my work horse lens (24-70mm AF-S being the other). It's goes well with portraiture shoots too! Every Nikonian should own this lens!
I completely agree! I used mine to do a senior portrait session and the results were phenomenal. It is a true multipurpose lens as well, that is another reason I love it. Thank you!!!
David Saylors oh no. Not the DC. I have the 60 and 105 Macro lens. The DC which I have is the 135mm f2. Now that’s a gorgeous baby to own. I use that mainly for outdoor portraiture.
I've bought and sold this lens 3 times and will probably buy it again. I always justify selling it because i have a couple of 50mm lenses that I use for general and portraits and I have 100 and 180mm macro lenses for macro and portraits. I really like the 60mm but it always just sit in my cabinet. After a while I start wanting another. I just saw this video and will probably start looking for a deal on another :(
Now that is funny. I almost used it the other day as I was about to grab a camera to walk around with and ended up using something other than dslr... it is too versitilefor me to let it go. That is why I like it. 👍👍📸
Hi, I have a Nikon d500 & 85mm f1.8 lens. I am looking to buy a macro lens for my crop sensor. Should I buy 60mm f2.8 or 85mm f3.5? please suggest which one should I buy?
I would base it on what you plan to capture. If it is flat objects like stamps or coins, then the longer the focal length, the better. If it is bugs and abstract stuff, the 60mm will be fine in the sun. The 105mm works well for me because you can still light your subject. The 40mm and the 60mm make you get VERY close, this makes lighting your subject difficult at best. Ring lights are a favorite here... did that answer your question?
I just purchased the 60mm f2.8d from eBay based on the many recommendations here on TH-cam. Looking forward to it's arrival tomorrow and using it. Everyone says it's a great all-around lens. Other than the 50mm f1.8d, this will be my 2nd prime lens... Next on my list is the Tokina 100mm f2.8. Thanks for the review David. I'll be checking back on your other reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to let me know! I really do like the 60mm, the more I use it the better I like it. Just do t forget that the consumer grade Nikon bodies wont focus it as they have no focus motor in them. (3000 and 5000 series and the smaller ones like the d40 and such). I still need to get the Tokina 100mm myself! Thanks!!!
I keep going back and forth about picking one of these up. I could see myself starting to shoot macro. My biggest concern is that, at such a short focal length, it would seem like you'd often be blocking your own light (as opposed to shooting macro with something longer like a 105mm).
Yeah, I rarely use it for macro photos, but what I do like is that it has a really close focus distance and it also works great for general photography. It is just really versatile. I agree with you on macro, it is really to short of a focal length to be practical to me. I have a 105mm and a 200mm for really close photos. 👍📸
It's weird: I've thought for years I should have this lens (in screw-drive version) but somehow, whilst buying other stuff, I never got round to the 60 micro AF-D. That is until yesterday when I saw a bargain just too good to ignore and I ordered it. With my new D810, I knew for sure I would have a good one when the used prices hit my target. That finally happened recently & I am happy with it. A D850 will take probably take another 18 months - 2 yrs, but I'll get there in the end. For now, I will enjoy testing out my £159 bargain 60mm Micro on my bargain £849 D810. It will be more of a mid range lens for those super sharp iris, facial hair and skin detail style portraits of weather-beaten old guys (like David) LOL. ps. I already have an old screw-drive Sigma 70mm f2.8 macro so the 60mm & 70mm will fight it out and the looser will get sold.
You got your D810 for a full 1/3 of what I paid for mine 😳 You are doing it right, not buying gear to just make your fellow photogs jealous, but rather to get a great piece of gear at a great price so as to get you good photos
I have this lens, I was wondering if yours worked in a mode such as Q/QC/Self Timer when using the P and S modes? My lens works perfectly using S (Single shot) mode and A/M when using a setting such as QC but it doesn't work with P/S - it gives me a FEE error.
I have no idea to be honest. I only used mine in aperture priority mode while I had it. Back then that was the mode I used almost exclusively. Speculating though, I would think that it should bot throw errors in these modes and shutter settings. These are standard operations for a Nikon DSLR so I find it odd for a native lens to throw an error code. Do you have access to another camera to try the lens on? That is where I would start.
Update: I placed the AF-D lens onto my d3300 and everything worked as it should, but I placed my old lens onto the D810 and now the FEE error is gone and it works correctly. There must be some kind of issue with the AF-D lens and the P/S modes when working in conjunction with a mode such as Q/QC/Self timer, but I can't work out what it is! If I should ever work it out I'll update this just in case anyone else ever finds them in a similiar situation. Perhaps it's a feature rather than a bug 🤔 but I'd think it would be very widely known by now if it was
David Saylors I understand, I just cant get used to the small body's, my 200-500mm lens weighs over 5 pounds and i need something to hang on too.....but shoot with whatever makes you happy is the most important thing
Unfortunately, I have sold this lens as I no longer have a screw drive focus camera and I also have the 200mm macro as well. I needed the space… I watched the video and it is remarkably devoid of images. I don’t know what I was thinking with that. 😂🤷🏻♂️
For a multipurpose, macro capable lens, you are absolutely right. I really love it for a general walk about lens since it can do macro focus as well. 👍📸
The Angry Photographer man , said that anyone that doesn't get this lens is an IDIOT ! Said its the best value Nikon lens you can buy because of all the purposes it serves , It can be had in very good used condition on Amazon for around $250 ! So since im wanting to have a micro lens and I really like the D series lens , I think im gonna get this one !
So I purchased one off these in October and didn’t have time to use it. Seller said auto focus didn’t work, cleaned the contacts today set camera and lens to auto and works perfectly, got it really cheap too. That’s the best part.
Sweet!!!! I literally carried mine and a 28mm and left the rest in the house for a whole street session. People need to pay better attention to their gear sometimes. Nice save on a great lens.
Yup. It’s either they didn’t know about the manual to auto switch. Or the camera body was not compatible with the d series lens so they thought it wasn’t working. Finally got to use it. Takes some great portraits too.
Yeah, that second part could be the reason. A lot of people don’t know that the D3000 and D5000 series cameras don’t have built in screw drive focus motors... That might have been it right there!
![โอ้เธอช่าง... - บี้เดอะสกา ft. ต๋อง เทวัญ (Prod. by ป๋าเพชร) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zbWhiLFmVL0/mqdefault.jpg)
Got one mainly for copying 35mm negatives and it works really well for that - super sharp! Seems good for portraits too.
I use mine for a while as my general photography lens, it was super versatile in this role since it could focus so close. 👍📸
Dann! I did not know what this marker on the body is. Now I do. Thanks ;)
Thank you for watching!!! 👊😉📸
Never forget to set that A/M switch on the lens correctly. If you set the camera to A and forget the lens is in M mode you may burn your camera's AF motor.
I have heard this from other sources too. What I need is a donor camera that has something like a sensor with a dead corner or a dead hot shoe and something so we can test autofocus myths about nikons. I will be looking at this further today to see what makes this happen. Thank you for taking the time to let me know as well, I appreciate it.
David Saylors I heared by setting the lens to A the helicoid (focussing mechanim) is unlocked from the stiff focussing ring and the screw drive could work.. On M, the focussing ring is coupled, and the screw drive would work against it, if (setting to A on the camera side) the camera AF tried to operate. (Yes, if changing the lens mode you have to turn the focussing ring a little bit to search the point it locks in)
Oh!!!! That makes sense now! I was messing with the 60mm a little trying to figure it out and noticed the external focus ring does “freewheel” when the selector is in “A” mode. That had me puzzled. Thank you!!!!
Hey man!
I just ordered the 60mm 2.8 micro and I'm worried about what you wrote - burning the camera's AF motor.
Could you please, technically, explain what I need to make sure before I install the lens on my camera, so nothing shitty will happen?
I'm interested in using Autofocus with this lens [not Manual], on my F100 body.
This is an awesome lens, its the do it all and ALL, If you need two cameras and one lens, this is the lens.
Yes!!! That says it all, right there!
What is the difference (if any) between this lens and the identical version which has a "D" suffix?
The “D” version feeds distance data to the camera. It mainly has to do with flash exposure information so the camera can calculate how much fill flash to add. It has a couple of other things it is used for too, but this was the original reason for making D lenses. The non “D” lenses are identical mechanically so if you dont use fill flash, you can save a few bucks here.
If you are looking for a general purpose lens which has a macro focus range, the predecessor to the 60mm 2.8 is preferable, being the 55mm 2.8 Micro-Nikkor. The 60mm is a bit too long for most people to use as a general purpose lens. The 55mm 2.8 is designed to give better optical performance at "normal" focus distances, whereas the 60mm 2.8 is relatively inferior compared to the 55mm and other non-macro Nikon lenses in the 50mm range. The macro performance of the 55mm is good, but the 60mm is significantly better. Both lenses are generally considered too short for true macro work, as the focus distances force the lens to crowd the subject, cutting off subject lighting particularly. As noted in the video, most macro work is done with manual focus. For general usage, all 60mm lenses are auto-focus. The vast majority of 55mm 2.8 lenses are manual focus, so may be less attractive for some users as an all-purpose optic, however a very small number of 55mm lenses were installed in auto-focus mounts during the time NIkon was phasing out the 55mm and introducing the 60mm. Probably difficult to find an auto-focus 55mm these days. The 55mm (manual focus) is built like a traditional Nikkor, being fairly compact, all metal, and a bit hefty. The 60mm dates from Nikon's first plunge into auto-focus, which means solid, but a lot of plastic incorporated into the construction. At least the 60mm is not part of the butt-ugly family of first generation AF 50mm lenses.
Addendum: The 60mm in basic form focuses down to 1:1, meaning that the focus mount at closest will yield an image on film or sensor which is the same size as the subject. The 55mm focuses down to 1:2, imaging half life size, but extends further down to 1:1 if a dedicated extension tube is added between lens and camera. (Technically, since neither lens focuses closer than 1:1, neither are true macro lenses, but almost every "macro" lens on the market in the last 60 years does not either, so the "macro" naming usage has become a universal abuse.)
Thank you for taking the time to write this up. There is a lot of very good information here. 👍📸
This 60mm AF-D is build like a tank. I drop it a couple of times and it stayed with me all this time. The details are extremely sharp. It's one of my work horse lens (24-70mm AF-S being the other). It's goes well with portraiture shoots too! Every Nikonian should own this lens!
I completely agree! I used mine to do a senior portrait session and the results were phenomenal. It is a true multipurpose lens as well, that is another reason I love it. Thank you!!!
David Saylors I have been using it for my food photography for the last 15 years. I have the 105mm as well but 60mm is still my preferred lens.
That 105mm f2 DC is an amazing lens! I love mine!!!
David Saylors oh no. Not the DC. I have the 60 and 105 Macro lens. The DC which I have is the 135mm f2. Now that’s a gorgeous baby to own. I use that mainly for outdoor portraiture.
That was the reason for getting the 105 DC for me, environmental portraits. Gorgeous reproduction. 👍 I still dont have the 135... 😕
I've bought and sold this lens 3 times and will probably buy it again. I always justify selling it because i have a couple of 50mm lenses that I use for general and portraits and I have 100 and 180mm macro lenses for macro and portraits. I really like the 60mm but it always just sit in my cabinet. After a while I start wanting another. I just saw this video and will probably start looking for a deal on another :(
Now that is funny. I almost used it the other day as I was about to grab a camera to walk around with and ended up using something other than dslr... it is too versitilefor me to let it go. That is why I like it. 👍👍📸
Hi, I have a Nikon d500 & 85mm f1.8 lens. I am looking to buy a macro lens for my crop sensor. Should I buy 60mm f2.8 or 85mm f3.5? please suggest which one should I buy?
I would base it on what you plan to capture. If it is flat objects like stamps or coins, then the longer the focal length, the better. If it is bugs and abstract stuff, the 60mm will be fine in the sun. The 105mm works well for me because you can still light your subject. The 40mm and the 60mm make you get VERY close, this makes lighting your subject difficult at best. Ring lights are a favorite here... did that answer your question?
I just purchased the 60mm f2.8d from eBay based on the many recommendations here on TH-cam. Looking forward to it's arrival tomorrow and using it. Everyone says it's a great all-around lens. Other than the 50mm f1.8d, this will be my 2nd prime lens... Next on my list is the Tokina 100mm f2.8. Thanks for the review David. I'll be checking back on your other reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to let me know! I really do like the 60mm, the more I use it the better I like it. Just do t forget that the consumer grade Nikon bodies wont focus it as they have no focus motor in them. (3000 and 5000 series and the smaller ones like the d40 and such). I still need to get the Tokina 100mm myself! Thanks!!!
Hi! can I use this lens for mirrorless camera? Fujifilm?
Yes, as long as you get an adapter, it will work fine on a Fujifilm camera. 👍
I keep going back and forth about picking one of these up. I could see myself starting to shoot macro. My biggest concern is that, at such a short focal length, it would seem like you'd often be blocking your own light (as opposed to shooting macro with something longer like a 105mm).
Yeah, I rarely use it for macro photos, but what I do like is that it has a really close focus distance and it also works great for general photography. It is just really versatile. I agree with you on macro, it is really to short of a focal length to be practical to me. I have a 105mm and a 200mm for really close photos. 👍📸
Tengo este lente, pero el enfoque manual es demasiado duro, es esto normal?
The grease in the lens is hardened and the lens needs to be serviced. It is not normal. Hope you get it fixed soon.
Great video thanks, I love this lens!! One of my favourites...
Thank you!!! It is my goto general purpose lense for my D810 and for good reason. 👍📸
It's weird: I've thought for years I should have this lens (in screw-drive version) but somehow, whilst buying other stuff, I never got round to the 60 micro AF-D. That is until yesterday when I saw a bargain just too good to ignore and I ordered it. With my new D810, I knew for sure I would have a good one when the used prices hit my target. That finally happened recently & I am happy with it. A D850 will take probably take another 18 months - 2 yrs, but I'll get there in the end. For now, I will enjoy testing out my £159 bargain 60mm Micro on my bargain £849 D810. It will be more of a mid range lens for those super sharp iris, facial hair and skin detail style portraits of weather-beaten old guys (like David) LOL. ps. I already have an old screw-drive Sigma 70mm f2.8 macro so the 60mm & 70mm will fight it out and the looser will get sold.
You got your D810 for a full 1/3 of what I paid for mine 😳 You are doing it right, not buying gear to just make your fellow photogs jealous, but rather to get a great piece of gear at a great price so as to get you good photos
I have this lens, I was wondering if yours worked in a mode such as Q/QC/Self Timer when using the P and S modes? My lens works perfectly using S (Single shot) mode and A/M when using a setting such as QC but it doesn't work with P/S - it gives me a FEE error.
I have no idea to be honest. I only used mine in aperture priority mode while I had it. Back then that was the mode I used almost exclusively. Speculating though, I would think that it should bot throw errors in these modes and shutter settings. These are standard operations for a Nikon DSLR so I find it odd for a native lens to throw an error code. Do you have access to another camera to try the lens on? That is where I would start.
@@davidsaylors Thanks for the reply! I have a d3300, so I'll use the lens on that and play around to see what happens.
Update: I placed the AF-D lens onto my d3300 and everything worked as it should, but I placed my old lens onto the D810 and now the FEE error is gone and it works correctly. There must be some kind of issue with the AF-D lens and the P/S modes when working in conjunction with a mode such as Q/QC/Self timer, but I can't work out what it is! If I should ever work it out I'll update this just in case anyone else ever finds them in a similiar situation. Perhaps it's a feature rather than a bug 🤔 but I'd think it would be very widely known by now if it was
I like the "D" series lenses myself, dont leave Nikon bro, your shooting the best :)
I know, I know... The Sony makes it so easy to get the shot, I still rely on the D810 a lot though. That dynamic range is incredible!
David Saylors I understand, I just cant get used to the small body's, my 200-500mm lens weighs over 5 pounds and i need something to hang on too.....but shoot with whatever makes you happy is the most important thing
Haha! I have the same lens and feel the exact same way about it!!! 😜 That thing is a beast...I wonder what it would look like on the sony...hmmm...
David Saylors that would be something to see :)
How about some test photos?
Unfortunately, I have sold this lens as I no longer have a screw drive focus camera and I also have the 200mm macro as well. I needed the space… I watched the video and it is remarkably devoid of images. I don’t know what I was thinking with that. 😂🤷🏻♂️
@@davidsaylors It was still a good video. It showed the viewers that you liked the lens. I found one for $109.00 on the internet used.
Best nikon macro !!!
For a multipurpose, macro capable lens, you are absolutely right. I really love it for a general walk about lens since it can do macro focus as well. 👍📸
Great lens!!!
It is a wonderful piece of kit for sure. I love the fact that it works for a general purpose lens too
Good review. Really helped a lot. I have subscribed..
Thank you!!! I really appreciate it! 👍📸 Glad I could help!
The Angry Photographer man , said that anyone that doesn't get this lens is an IDIOT ! Said its the best value Nikon lens you can buy because of all the purposes it serves , It can be had in very good used condition on Amazon for around $250 ! So since im wanting to have a micro lens and I really like the D series lens , I think im gonna get this one !
It is that good. I got mine off of eBay and it is incredible. You will love it for a general walk around lens. 👍
thanks ..... keep doing what you do lol
You got it!
Great review!
Thank you! I am actually using this lens RIGHT NOW literally! Great lens for the money.
So I purchased one off these in October and didn’t have time to use it. Seller said auto focus didn’t work, cleaned the contacts today set camera and lens to auto and works perfectly, got it really cheap too. That’s the best part.
Sweet!!!! I literally carried mine and a 28mm and left the rest in the house for a whole street session. People need to pay better attention to their gear sometimes. Nice save on a great lens.
Yup. It’s either they didn’t know about the manual to auto switch. Or the camera body was not compatible with the d series lens so they thought it wasn’t working. Finally got to use it. Takes some great portraits too.
Yeah, that second part could be the reason. A lot of people don’t know that the D3000 and D5000 series cameras don’t have built in screw drive focus motors... That might have been it right there!
David Saylors yup. Lol nice score for me.