This well-built Nikon lens should stand up to most rigorous handling. Offering a full-frame imaging circle, the lens offers the equivalent of 90mm on Nikon’s DX-format digital cameras.

The lens is constructed from eight elemnets in seven groups and has a deep-set front element set within the barrel to cut flare. Switching from auto to manual focus is achieved with a button on a short travel focus ring just behind the main focus ring, and there’s also a focus limiter switch.Nikon operates the same ethos of backwards compatibility as Pentax, so there’s a traditional aperture ring for older cameras. This needs to be set to f/32 and a small locking switch set for it to work with the body controls on a digital SLR.

I’m not one to overuse superlatives or give myself up to hyperbole, but the charts for the Nikon are something else! The lens maintains the high MTF readings throughout the aperture range – even at maximum aperture it beat some other macro lenses’ best mid-aperture performance. This makes it a fantastic lens for flat copying work where edge-to-edge sharpness is critical. Wide open apertures showed some minor fringing at the corners, but insignificant chromatic aberration in the centre.