Very good macro- and near-Normalobjekiv with small weaknesses

-----
ASSESSMENT:
-----
Optics: ****
mechanical quality: ***
AF function: ***
Price-Performance: *****
-----
Overall rating: ****
-----

-----
GENERAL:
-----

The AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm / 2.8G is a macro lens for Nikon DSLR with DX sensor. An FX DSLR may not be used, because the illuminated image circle is too small and it (comes vignetting) significant vignetting. Although some FX cameras can automatically detect DX lenses and switch in accordance with the sensor, but then is only a very greatly reduced sensor resolution available, which is associated with corresponding loss in image quality.

-----
POSITIVE:
-----

Impressive is the high imaging quality of this relatively cheap lens. Even on full hidden is the 40mm / 2.8 in the middle and at the edges knackscharf from perfectly acceptable. The photos are a dimmed to two steps up to the sharp edges of the image and of very high quality. At aperture 2.8 the bokeh effect (= the way, like the blurred area is displayed) a little uneasy, but from Aperture 5.6 it is just creamy and beautifully.

Distortions are not visible to the naked eye and vignetting so minimal that you can safely ignore them.

There is practically no susceptibility to flare in direct backlighting or strong sidelight recognizable. Nevertheless, the use of the lens hood is strongly recommended, and not least because this piece of plastic representing a degree of protection against mechanical damage of the front lens. Chromatic aberrations have proved completely unproblematic.

The autofocus is very neat because it is quiet, but not exactly swift as an arrow, but excels at D7000 and D7100 precisely his goal. In addition, the AF can at any time by manual intervention (FTM = full-time manual focus) correct.

The focal length of 40mm and maximum aperture of 2.8 can be Nikon's smallest macro lens as still quite useful substitute for a so-called. Appear normal lens, typically having at DX cameras 35 mm focal length, however, should be somewhat brighter than 2.8, so rather 1.8 or even 1.4.

The lens is small and light and therefore fits necessary in the pocket or in almost any photo bag. In addition, the lens has a protection against splash water and dust, like all modern Nikkor with metal bayonet.

-----
NEUTRAL:
-----

The build quality is certainly no cause for celebration, but very tidy and reasonable price quite reasonable.

The light intensity is too small for a macro lens in order for a standard lens on the other hand at least one aperture. Since the light intensity but explicitly specified and the lens is specifically designated as a macro lens, not as a normal lens, this is not a negative criticism, but merely an indication of other interested parties.

Since you need very close due to the relatively short focal length to the macro motif, is probably clear that the 40mm / 2.8 is not necessarily predestined to scan shy insects or other small animals up close.

As I was told by the Nikon service representative in Dusseldorf, it is perfectly normal for (pertaining to all, regardless of manufacturer, Focal Length, Aperture or camera system) changed the maximum luminous intensity as a function of the set distance for macro lenses; is focused closer, the smaller the maximum luminous intensity. This can be done very easily test yourself: camera on aperture priority set, focus the lens to "infinity", set the aperture to the maximum aperture (= smallest number) and then focus manually on the least possible distance. Here you will be a loss of 2 exposure values ​​upon reaching the magnification 1: 1 can find. For more information you have to strive even a search engine of your trust and feed them with the term "effective aperture" because Amazon deletes everything even remotely looks like an external link. I can strongly recommend the side of the Swiss photographer Andreas Hurni, there the details are explained very understandable.

-----
NEGATIVE:
-----

So true negative only two things struck me about this lens actually.
1. The focus ring has m. E. too much play and makes a somewhat sloppy processed or fitted "Made-in-China" impression, but it was actually already.
2. The lens has no internal focusing, ie, the inner tube moves when focusing back and visualize what precisely caused during macro shooting on shortest distances unnecessary movements with which insects / small animals can be frightened. Fortunately, the inner tube while least not rotate, so that you easily can use a circular polarizing filter z. B..

That it with this lens is no built-in anti-blur, I do not see as a disadvantage, because otherwise the lens would also become much larger and heavier not only much more expensive but.

-----
CONCLUSION:
-----

The AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm / 2.8G is a prime macro lens that can also serve as a standard lens with restrictions. Due to the excellent imaging quality, the small size and low weight makes it an ideal companion for lightweight and compact photo Luggage and has its four stars earned more than honest. Would it be something handled better auto focus inward focused a little faster and also the lens, it would become even five stars. A clear buy recommendation I speak for this lens but from in any case.