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Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm f/2.8 G Macro Autofocus APS-C Lens for F-Mount, Black {52}
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$174.00
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G DX Micro: a pocketable 1:1 macro prime
At 9.9 oz and 2.5 inches long, this lens fits in a jacket pocket without complaint. The f/2.8 maximum aperture gives you workable light-gathering for dim conditions, and the 7-blade diaphragm produces rounded out-of-focus backgrounds when you need subject separation at wider settings. On an APS-C body, the 40mm focal length gives a 60mm equivalent field of view, close enough to normal that it doubles as a general-purpose prime.
The macro credentials are genuine. A 6.4-inch minimum focusing distance and 1:1 maximum magnification mean you're working at true life-size reproduction, not an approximation. Nikon's Close Range Correction system adjusts the optical formula as you focus closer, keeping contrast and sharpness consistent across the entire range from infinity down to 16.26cm. The Super Integrated Coating keeps flare in check, which matters when you're shooting subjects under a ring light or near a window. The Silent Wave Motor handles autofocus quickly and quietly, with full-time manual override available without switching modes.
For a lens that covers macro, portraits, and product work without asking you to carry a dedicated kit for each, the 40mm f/2.8G is a strong single-lens answer for APS-C Nikon shooters.
Who It's For
Food and product photographers working in tight studio setups benefit from the 1:1 magnification and close-range correction that keeps images sharp as they move through the focus range. Beginner macro shooters get a forgiving focal length that doesn't require extreme working distances. Travel and documentary photographers carrying DX-format bodies will find the 9.9 oz weight and compact profile easy to justify on a single-lens day. Copy photographers digitizing flat artwork or documents get consistent sharpness across the frame at close focus.
Key Features
- 9 elements in 7 groups with Close Range Correction for consistent sharpness
- 1:1 life-size magnification with 6.4-inch minimum focusing distance
- Silent Wave Motor autofocus with full-time manual override
- 7-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth background separation
- Super Integrated Coating suppresses flare and ghosting
- 52mm filter thread, f/2.8 to f/22 aperture range
- 9.9 oz weight fits standard jacket pocket easily
- Nikon F mount, APS-C format, 60mm equivalent on DX bodies
FAQ
- What's the effective focal length on a DX body?
- 40mm becomes 60mm equivalent on APS-C, which sits between a standard prime and a short telephoto - close enough to normal for general work, tight enough for portraits and close detail.
- Can you use this for serious macro work?
- Yes. The 1:1 maximum magnification is true life-size reproduction, and the 6.4-inch minimum focusing distance gets you there. The Close Range Correction system keeps contrast and sharpness consistent from infinity down to 16.26cm, so macro results don't degrade at the near end.
- How's the autofocus on this lens?
- The Silent Wave Motor is fast and nearly silent, and you get full-time manual override without mode switching - useful when focus breathing matters or when you want to fine-tune macro framing by hand.
- Will this work for video?
- It's compatible with HD D-Movie recording on Nikon DSLRs. The Silent Wave Motor keeps AF quiet during video, and the close-focus range lets you rack focus through macro detail cleanly.
- What about lens coatings and flare control?
- Super Integrated Coating across the optics controls flare and ghosting, which is worth noting if you're shooting subjects under ring lights or near bright windows. The 7-blade diaphragm also produces rounded bokeh when you need subject separation.
- Is this lens small enough to carry casually?
- At 9.9 oz and 2.5 inches long, it fits in a jacket pocket. It's one of the smallest macro primes available and handles general work well enough that you might not need a second lens for everyday shooting.
- What filter size does it take?
- 52mm, which is a common thread size with no shortage of affordable options.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 40mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Lens Format | APS-C |
| Elements | 9 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Diagonal Angle Of View | 38.5° |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 6.4" (16.26cm) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:1 (life-size) |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
| Length | 2.5" (6.35cm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 2.7" (6.86cm) |
| Package Weight | 1.15 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 7.05 x 4.45 x 4.4" |
| Weight | 9.9 oz (281g) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount G Type |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 40mm |
| Min Focal Length | 40mm |