About the Photographer
For many years, Nikon has never really offered a dedicated “super-macro” zoom option, like Canon has offered the MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo, for Canon shooters, while Minolta has offered the Maxxum Dynax 3x-1x AF Macro Zoom, for Minolta (and now Sony) shooters. The only option Nikon ever threw at its dedicated high-mag macro shooters was to toss some reverse-ring adapters in front of them, so Nikon photogs could shoot Reverse-Lens Macro Photography.
This fact used to bother me about Nikon (in fact, lack of macro options are what held me back from switching to Nikon sooner); however, after really studying the subject of reverse-mount macro photography, I now consider Nikon’s way of handling the “high-mag macro” issue to be an advantage. If you clicked on the above article on the subject, after a lengthy description of what “reverse-lens macro photography” involves, in general, the article ends with a quest for The Ultimate Super-Macro Field Zoom, which is basically the effort to come up with a Nikon macro-zoom equivalent of the Canon MPE and the Minolta Maxxum Dynax. Part of my quest, therefore, was to compare ALL of Nikon’s old AI-S Zoom-NIKKORS against each other in order to see which one emerged on top … so that this entry could be pitted against the finest dedicated options available.
Size comparison of the five (5) top Nikkor AI-S Zoom candidates I will compare against each other in order to establish the premier candidate.
In order to assess these super-macro lenses, and compare them to Nikkor reverse-zooms, to see how they stack up against each other, I decided to create two separate tables featuring all of the potential macro capabilities possible in a field lens. I want you to picture hiking in the wilderness, with ONE lens (that you hope can do anything), to understand the perspective from which I write. Again, this is written with a decided bias for macro shooting, but it is also written with the realization that taking landscape shots on your hike is important, taking photos of your wife (or girlfriend, or dog, or both) is important, etc. In other words, there are a multitude of different requirements that you might want your lens to be able to perform whilst ‘out in the middle of nowhere,’ and the takeaway is the ability to have one lens ‘do everything’ is a preferable model to dragging 10 lenses with you for miles. It’s not just the hassle of the extra weight that many lenses entails, it’s also the hassle involved in repeatedly-changing lenses. With that said, let’s see how these lenses truly stack-up against each other for real-world macro (and other) utility:
LENS SELECTION | INFINITY | WD @ 1:4 | WD @ 1:2 | WD @ 1:1 | WD @ 2:1 | WD @ 3:1 | WD @ 4:1 | WD @ 5:1 | USED PRICE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
36-72 f/3.5 E | Yes | 184mm (reversed only) | 70mm (reversed only) | 114mm | 64mm (1.8 x) | Can't | Can't | Can't | $50 |
35-70 f/3.5 AI-S | Yes | 350mm | 70mm (reversed only) | 139mm | 63mm (2.1 x) | Can't | Can't | Can't | $125 |
28-50 f/3.5 AI-S | Yes | 231mm | Can't | 102mm | 51mm (2.4 x) | Can't | Can't | Can't | $175 |
28-85 f/3.5~4.5 AI-S | Yes | 231mm | 76mm (reversed only) | 95mm | 57mm | 51mm (2.9 x) | Can't | Can't | $110 |
25-50 f/4 AI-S | Yes | Can't | Can't | Can't (1.6x) | 38mm | 29mm (3.4x) | Can't | Can't | $300 |
As you can see, the Nikkor zooms offer advantages none of the other high-mag super-macro lenses offer (except the recent Laowa): and that is the ability to go infinity as well as other needed macro reproduction ratios (namely 1:4 to 1:2 to 1:1). However, while offering the aforementioned advantages, the first 2 Nikkor zooms (36-72mm and 35-70mm) are pretty impotent as ‘super’ macros, only achieving 1.8 and 2.1x magnification, respectively. They can basically do anything the Laowa can do, but they fall pretty far short of the magnification capabilities of the Maxxum Dynax—and especially the MP-E 65mm. These lenses do, however, allow you to take ‘normal’ macro images (less than 1:1), which is important, because many macro subjects (mantids, grasshoppers, butterflies, flowers) are too big for 1:1+ lenses. In addition, the first two Nikon lenses also allow you to get much wider shots than the Laowa (35/36mm), properly-oriented.
However, the last 3 Nikkor zooms, and particularly the last two (the 28-85mm and the 25-50mm), really do begin to get into ‘super-macro’ territory … which I consider to be 3x magnification and beyond. They essentially blow the Laowa out of the water, on every level, and match the Maxxum Dynax as ‘super macro’ lenses, while being infinitely more flexible. I myself very seldom shoot beyond 3x in the field, so this is a good cutoff magnification for me. Even when I had the MP-E, I seldom went passed 3x magnification. (It should be pointed out that the image quality of the MP-E begins to drop passed 3x magnification as well.) Anyway, as important, the last 3 Nikkor zooms also allow you to take respectable wide-angle shots (25 and 28mm), as well as portraits too (50-85mm), in addition to allowing you to achieve the important macro magnifications the Maxxum Dynax and MP-E cannot achieve: namely 1:4, 1:2, and 1:1. These AI-S Zoom-Nikkors offer a level of flexibility than none of the ‘super macros’ can touch. Moving forward, armed with the knowledge of the advantages offered by the Nikkor zooms, let’s directly compare their strengths/weaknesses with each other:
(Properly-Oriented) | EXTR. MACRO RANGE | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nikon 36-72 f/3.5 Series E | 1:18 @ 1.2m (47 in) | 0.1x to 1.8x | 52mm | 380g | BR-2A |
Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 f/3.5 AI-S | 1:4 @ 0.35m | 0.17x to 2.1x | 62mm | 520g | BR-2A + BR-5 |
Zoom-Nikkor 28-50 f/3.5 AI-S | 1:4 @ 0.23m (9.1 in) | 1.2x to 2.4x | 52mm | 395g | BR-2A |
Zoom-Nikkor 28-85 f/3.5-4.5 AI-S | 1:3.4 @ 0.23m (9.1 in) | .029x to 2.9x | 62mm | 510g | BR-2A + BR-5 |
Zoom-Nikkor 25-50 f/4 AI-S | 1:10 @ 0.6m (24 in) | 1.6x to 3.4x | 72mm | 600g | BR-2A + SenseiPRO |
The above table compares Nikon’s useful options against each other. Again, the Zoom-Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5 AI-S kills it, with the overall widest normal-zoom range (28mm to 85mm), and the broadest macro magnification range (0.029x to 2.9x magnification). Properly-oriented, this lens allows the closest proximity 0.23m (9.1 in … tied with the 28-50mm f/3.5 AI-S), and the greatest macro reproduction ratio without being reversed (1:3.4). In the reversed position, as a ‘super macro,’ only the 25-50 achieves a greater reproduction ratio, at 3.4x, but the 25-50 is so limited (no 1:4, 1:2, or 1:1), that it doesn’t have the flexibility to win this contest. It does, however, have the best image quality of any lens in the group. With that said, let’s wrap things up with a hands-on summary.
Nikon Series E 36-72mm f/3.5 Zoom Lens:
Pros: The lightest lens of the group@ 380g. Comparable to the Laowa 60mm in quality and macro range, but more versatile as a portrait/landscape lens, while offering greater working distance as a macro, when reversed. The least expensive lens of the group.
Cons: Construction is light, plasticky, and cheap-feeling. Zero macro usefulness when properly-oriented; lens must be reversed to work as a macro. Requires BR-2A adapter to reverse. Doesn’t quite get to 2:1 magnification (1.8x). Cannot achieve 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1 magnification.
Image Quality Rating: B-
Field Versatility Rating: B-/B
(Find on Ebay)
Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5 AI-S:
Pros: Solid, and more refined build quality than the Laowa 60mm and Series E. More versatile as well. Greater working distance also. Unlike the Series E, the Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 has a 1:4 “Macro Mode,” which allows 1:4 magnification, when properly-oriented, and it exceeds 2:1, when reversed. Similar design to 28-85 AI-S, below.
Cons: Slightly hefty @ 520g. Rather long and cumbersome. Zoom/aperture/focus rings not intuitive when reversed. Lens must be reversed for macro between 1:4 and 2:1. Requires BR-2A adapter, plus additional BR-5, to reverse. Cannot achieve 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1 magnification.
Image Quality Rating: B/B+
Field Versatility Rating: B
(Find on Ebay)
Zoom-Nikkor 28-50mm f/3.5 AI-S:
Pros: Tied for the lightest, most user-friendly option of the group @ 395g. Push-pull zoom function is completely intuitive, whether reversed or properly-oriented. An absolute delight to bring as your only lens. Fits easily into any pouch. Similar design to the 36-72mm Series E lens, above, but far more useful, allowing wider landscapes as well as 1:4 magnification, when properly-oriented, and achieving 2.4x magnification, when reversed. Bests the Laowa, the Series E, and the 35-70 AI-S in virtually every respect. Good AI-S build quality. Good working distances.
Cons: Almost none. Lens must be reversed for macro between 1:4 and 2.4x. Requires BR-2A adapter to reverse. Does have a hole in macro spectrum, between 1:4 and 1:1 (cannot achieve 1:2). Cannot achieve 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1 magnification.
Image Quality Rating: B/B+
Field Versatility Rating: B+
(Find on Ebay)
Zoom-Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 AI-S:
Pros: The most versatile, flexible option of the group. Fits easily into any pouch. Similar design to the 35-70mm AI-S, above, but even more useful, allowing wider landscapes, and closer zooms, when properly-oriented—and achieving 2.9x magnification, when reversed. Only one of two lenses on par with the Minolta Maxxum Dynax, magnification-wise, yet the Zoom-Nikkor 28-85mm is a FAR more versatile tool overall. Good AI-S build quality. Good working distances. Inexpensive.
Cons: Minimal. Slightly hefty @ 510g. A bit long and cumbersome. Zoom/aperture/focus rings not intuitive when reversed. Lens must be reversed for macro between 1:4 and 3:1. Requires BR-2A adapter, plus additional BR-5, to reverse. Cannot achieve beyond 3:1 (2.9x) magnification.
Image Quality Rating: B/B+
Field Versatility Rating: A (*WINNER*: The most versatile, capable option).
(Find on Ebay)
Zoom-Nikkor 25-50mm f/4 AI-S:
Pros: The highest-quality optic of the group. In a class by itself. Allows wider landscapes than any lens, when properly-oriented, and is second only to the MP-E 65mm as a macro lens, achieving 3.4x magnification, when reversed. Fits easily into any pouch. Excellent, professional build quality, superior to every other lens here, save the Maxxum Dynax.
Cons: MULTIPLE. Pretty hefty @ 600g. A bit long and cumbersome. Zoom/aperture/focus rings not intuitive when reversed. Useless for macro when properly-oriented. No way to achieve 1:4, 1:2, or 1:1 macro capability, either properly-oriented or reversed. Lens must be reversed for macro between 1.6x and 3.4x. Requires BR-2A adapter, plus additional SenseiPRO 72 – 52 adapter, to reverse. Less working distances when reversed compared to other Nikkors. Cannot achieve beyond 4:1 (3.4x) magnification.
Image Quality Rating: A (*WINNER*: The best image quality of the group).
Field Versatility Rating: C-/C
(Find on Ebay)