Nikon Nikkor AI 55mm f/3.5 Micro
The Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro is a 55mm f/3.5 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $69.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AI 55mm f/3.5 Micro
Used Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro
Key Features — Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro
55mm Macro Prime: Fixed 55mm focal length provides a natural perspective well suited to close-up and detail photography without optical compromises from zoom mechanics.
1:2 Macro Reproduction: Achieves half life-size (1:2) magnification natively, allowing detailed close-up work of small subjects such as insects, flowers, and product details.
Nikon AI Manual Aperture: Features Nikon's AI (Automatic Indexing) aperture coupling, compatible with a wide range of Nikon F mount bodies including modern DSLRs and mirrorless adapters.
Manual Focus Only: Smooth manual focus ring gives photographers precise, tactile control over focus placement — especially valuable when shooting at close macro distances.
Full Frame Coverage: Designed to cover the full 35mm frame with no vignetting on full frame Nikon bodies.
Lightweight at 220g: Compact and easy to handle during extended macro sessions, whether handheld or mounted on a tripod for precision work.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Product, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 55mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro
The Nikon Nikkor AI 55mm f/3.5 Micro is a prime lens built for the Nikon F mount, designed for full frame coverage and categorized as a macro type. With a fixed 55mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/3.5, it delivers a standard perspective well suited to close-up detail work. Focus is manual only, placing full control in the photographer's hands — an approach that is particularly well regarded for macro applications where fine adjustment is essential.
The lens accepts 52mm filters, a practical and widely available thread size for attaching a variety of optical accessories. At just 220g, it is a lightweight companion for full frame shooting, whether handheld or tripod-mounted. There is no image stabilization, consistent with its classical manual focus character.
The Nikon F mount ensures compatibility across a wide range of camera bodies within the Nikon ecosystem.
Pros — Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro
- ✓Lightweight at just 220g, making it easy to handle during close-up and macro shooting sessions
- ✓Full frame coverage with a 55mm focal length prime design — no optical compromises from zoom mechanics
- ✓52mm filter thread is a compact, widely supported size with broad filter accessory availability
Cons — Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/3.5 is relatively modest, limiting light-gathering capability in low-light macro scenarios
- ✗No image stabilization, which can be a challenge when shooting handheld at close focusing distances
- ✗Manual focus only — photographers requiring autofocus capability will need to look elsewhere
Videos — Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro
The Nikon 55mm f2.8 Is One Of The Greatest Macro Lenses Ever — Matthew Ruderman