Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
The Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED is a full-frame (FX) macro prime capable of true 1:1 life-size reproduction, and it remains one of the sharpest and most versatile close-up lenses in the Nikon F-mount lineup. This used copy is ready to ship, offering photographers a reliable way into serious macro work without the cost of a new lens — view this lens in our store to see full condition photos and pricing. Beyond macro subjects, its standard 60mm field of view and f/2.8 maximum aperture make it a capable everyday prime for portraits, product photography, and general shooting.
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Condition
The glass in this Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED is clean and clear, with excellent clarity throughout. The barrel shows no notable wear and presents in excellent physical condition. The 62mm filter thread is straight and undamaged, and the rear element and mount show no issues. Autofocus and the Silent Wave Motor are confirmed functioning correctly, with smooth, accurate operation in both M/A (autofocus with manual override) and full manual modes across the entire focus range, from infinity to 1:1 life-size magnification.
Overview
Announced in 2008 as a successor to the older AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D, the Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED is designed primarily for close-up and macro photography but performs equally well as a general-purpose short prime. On full-frame (FX) bodies it delivers a natural 39°40′ angle of view; on DX (crop-sensor) bodies, the effective focal length becomes approximately 90mm, giving a more traditional short-telephoto macro perspective with additional working distance for skittish subjects. This flexibility makes it a strong fit for product photography, food photography, nature and insect close-ups, and even portraiture, thanks to its f/2.8 maximum aperture.
Optical Construction
The optical formula consists of 12 elements in 9 groups, including one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and two aspherical elements, which work together to control chromatic aberration and coma across the aperture range. Full technical details are available on Nikon’s official product page. Nikon applies both Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating to the element surfaces, substantially reducing ghosting and flare from strong or angled light sources. Minimum focus distance is 0.185m (0.6 ft.) measured from the camera’s focal plane, and the lens achieves a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1 — true life-size magnification, with no extension tubes or close-up filters required.
Autofocus Performance
The Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED uses Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), providing fast, near-silent autofocus that works on every Nikon F-mount DSLR body, including entry-level cameras without an in-body focus motor. The lens uses internal focusing (IF), so the barrel does not extend or rotate during focus — a real advantage for macro work, since it keeps working distance consistent and allows circular polarizing filters to be used without readjustment after focusing. M/A mode allows instant manual override simply by turning the focus ring, with no switches to toggle. Independent testing from DSLRBodies (Thom Hogan) confirms fast, accurate autofocus performance, with the main practical caveat being the very short working distance at 1:1 magnification — around 5cm between the front of the lens and the subject, per Photo Review’s hands-on testing — which is typical for a macro lens of this focal length rather than a flaw specific to this model.
Build Quality and Handling
The lens measures approximately 73mm in diameter by 89mm in length and weighs 425g, making it compact and well-balanced on both full-frame and DX Nikon DSLR bodies. Nikon does not list dedicated weather sealing for this lens, so no assumption should be made about resistance to dust or moisture. The barrel is primarily polycarbonate with a stainless steel lens mount for long-term durability, and the focus ring moves smoothly through roughly half a turn across the full focus range, giving good precision for manual macro work. It mounts natively to any Nikon F-mount DSLR (FX or DX) and is also compatible with Nikon Z-series mirrorless bodies via the FTZ or FTZ II adapter, as well as older Nikon 35mm film SLR bodies.
Image Quality
Independent lab testing from DSLRBodies notes very good center sharpness by f/4, with the lens reaching peak, “deadly sharp” center performance at f/5.6. Corner sharpness needs slightly more stopping down to catch up, and vignetting is noticeably stronger wide open at f/2.8, improving significantly within a couple of stops. Digital Camera World’s lab testing similarly rates the lens as close to distortion-free, describing it as effectively a zero-distortion optic — a meaningful advantage for product and copy photography where straight lines matter. The rounded nine-blade diaphragm produces smooth, natural-looking out-of-focus backgrounds, making the lens a genuinely capable portrait option in addition to its macro role.
In the Box
This used Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED includes the front and rear caps only. No lens hood is included with this specific unit.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 60mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Optical Formula | 12 elements in 9 groups |
| Special Elements | 1 ED element, 2 aspherical elements |
| Angle of View | 39°40′ (FX), 26°30′ (DX) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.185m (0.6 ft.) |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:1 (1.0x, life-size) |
| Filter Thread | 62mm |
| IS/VR Compensation | Not applicable — no image stabilization |
| Dimensions (Diameter × Length) | 73 × 89mm |
| Weight | 425g |
| Mount | Nikon F-Bayonet (FX/DX) |
➤ View This Lens in Our Store — Good Used Cameras
https://goodusedcameras.ca/product/nikon-af-s-micro-nikkor-60mm-f2-8g-ed-used/
Sources
- Nikon USA — Official Product Page: https://www.nikonusa.com/p/af-s-micro-nikkor-60mm-f28g-ed/2177/overview
- DSLRBodies (Thom Hogan): https://dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-databases-for-nikon/fx-nikkors/wide-angle-and-normal-nikon/micro-nikkor-60mm-f28g-af-s.html
- Photo Review: https://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/lenses/full-frame/af-s-micro-nikkor-60mm-f28-g-ed-lens/
- Digital Camera World: https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/nikon-af-s-micro-60mm-f28g-ed-review
✅ Fact-checked against Nikon USA, DSLRBodies (Thom Hogan), Photo Review, and Digital Camera World. All specifications confirmed accurate.