Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 200mm 1:4 D Review

A 200mm macro lens provides the same depth of field (DOF) as a 60mm macro – reproduction ratio, aperture, and sensor/film size being constant. So while a 200mm lens is bigger and more expensive, it does not sacrifice DOF at all, but its narrower perspective helps to blur the background nicely. This and a comparatively long working distance of 26cm at 1:1 make the 200/4D my macro photography workhorse on my F5 and my D200.

As the 55/60/90/100/105mm lenses seem to be meant for hand-held shooting (no tripod mount, extend a lot, low weight, short working distance), their longer 200mm cousin may be built exclusively for use with a sturdy (!) tripod. In fact, the rotating tripod mount is solid and exemplary, contributing greatly to the superior handling of this lens. The Arca-style MPR-73 plate from Really Right Stuff matches the 200/4D beautifully.

White Trillium, Sheffield, MA, April 2006
Nikon D200, AF200/4D, 1/160s, f/6.7, ISO 160, G2227, Camera Raw

Construction is mostly metal with a few polycarbonate parts (aperture ring, A/M collar) thrown in, adding up to about 1200g of weight. The A/M collar is reported to develop hairline cracks near the screws, but I have fortunately not observed this on my sample (yet!). I use this lens in manual mode all the time anyway and really like the big and very precise focussing ring. Engraved numerals on the body would have added further appeal to this lens. A multi-coated UV filter stays constantly on my lens as does the optional metal screw-on HN-30 lens shade which adds quite some bulk.

Unfortunately, the long working distance limits the use of a ringflash for two reasons: 1. Photos taken with such a flash look better the closer the flash is positioned to the subject. 2. The power of ringflashes is usually insufficient when used with high speeds, narrow apertures, and moderate distances. That is why I eventually sold my SB-29 on the bay. Plus, flash reflections on my subjects looked unnatural.

The 200/4 D sports 13 elements in 8 groups, two of the 13 lenses being special ED elements to limit spherical aberrations. Like in the superteles, this ED glass is in the front group where it counts. The 200/4D is somewhat unique in the Nikkor AF lineup in that it employs both close-range correction (CRC) and internal focussing (IF). Like the exotic 28/2 AI Nikkor, this tele macro uses the front group for CRC. IF is more than welcome, so the lens does not extend when focussing closely and does not suck dust in. IF may lead to color fringing in out-of-focus areas, but this is a rather theoretical concern. The effective focal length is reduced significantly at 1:1.

The nine aperture blades are not rounded, but give a much nicer look to the out-of-focus elements as compared to the 105/2.8 D, though the 200mm perspective may contribute to that impression. Optical quality is very good: Macro images from f/4-f/16 are sharp and contrasty with high resolution. Be aware, however, that this expensive specialized lens is only good for macro and an occasional landscape. I highly recommend this lens to anyone really committed to macro photography.

© J.C.Krause, 2002-2007, last changed: 01/12/07 – FAQ – Visitors since 11/22/05: