Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AI-s

MacroMount: Nikon F55mmf/2.8 – f/32
Introduced: 1979
Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AI-s
Image: Daft racer — CC BY-SA 3.0

Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AI-S is Nikon's manual-focus macro prime in the AI-S lineup — designed for 1:2 native macro reproduction (1:1 with the PK-13 extension tube). The "Micro" designation in Nikon naming indicates macro capability; the 55mm focal length offers the working distance most macro photographers prefer (closer than 105mm Micro, further than 60mm Micro AF).

Key features

  • 55mm focal length on 35mm full-frame
  • f/2.8 maximum aperture
  • 1:2 native magnification; 1:1 with PK-13 extension tube
  • 52mm filter thread
  • AI-S aperture coupling
  • 5-element + 1-element design — tightly corrected for close-focus performance

Use case + rendering

  • Macro / close-up work for product, scientific, and nature photography
  • Also serves as a sharp standard prime — the close-focus correction extends sharpness across the focal range
  • Sharp wide-open; exceptional sharpness from f/4 to f/16

Compatible bodies

  • All Nikon F-mount manual-focus bodies: F through FM3a and F6

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