The 200mm Micro-Nikkor AI-S 1:4 IF is a telephoto lens capable of focusing as close as 2⅓ feet (61cm) and achieving a 1:2 image reproduction on film or a full-frame sensor. It was a birthday present from my brother, who also included a couple of extension tubes to allow for even closer focusing, which was very considerate of him! In this review, I will detail the purpose of this lens, its history, and its modern equivalent. Look forward to numerous examples, a thorough account of the shooting experience, and whether you should consider acquiring one as well. This review includes: What is this lens? Specifications. Ergonomics and build quality. Image quality in macro photography. Using the 200mm Micro-Nikkor with extension tubes. Image quality for telephoto use. Where to purchase the Micro-Nikkor AI-S 200mm 𝒇4 lens. Support this blog and access premium features with GOLD memberships! The following photo was captured using the 200mm Micro-Nikkor AI-S 1:4, set near its closest focusing distance, without extension tubes, on a Nikon F2 with Cinema Shorts 500T.
What is this lens? The 200mm Micro-Nikkor AI-S 1:4 IF is Nikon's final manual-focus telephoto + macro lens, produced until 2005. It was succeeded by the 200mm Micro-Nikkor AF-D IF ED, an autofocus lens that achieves up to 1:1 macro magnification. This lens serves dual purposes, also functioning as a conventional telephoto. Unfortunately, Nikon has discontinued both the manual focus and autofocus versions of this type of lens. When these lenses were first released, they were highly praised for their versatility, construction, and image quality. The series includes the 200mm 1:4 Nikkor-Q (1961-1976), the 200mm 1:4 Nikkor AI (1977-1981), the 200mm 1:4 Nikkor AI-S (1981-1996), the 200mm 1:4 Micro-Nikkor AI-S (1978-2005, the lens I am reviewing here), and finally, the 200mm Micro-Nikkor AF-D (1993~2014).
Specifications. The 200mm Micro-Nikkor AI-S 1:4 IF consists of 9 elements arranged in 6 groups and features Internal Focusing (IF). This internal focusing mechanism ensures the lens maintains its length and does not rotate the filter ring while focusing. The lens benefits from multi-coating through Nikon Integrated Coating (NIC). It has 9 aperture blades, allowing a minimum aperture of 𝒇32 with full-stop clicks.
Focus and macro capabilities. The lens achieves a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2 at a working distance of 21”/500mm (measured from the front of the lens when the hood is retracted). It has a closest focus distance of 2.34’/0.71m. A red dot on the distance scale indicates focusing shift when using infrared film.
Size and dimensions. The lens accommodates a 52mm filter thread and measures 66mm/2.6” in width, protrudes 172mm/6.8” from the mount, and is 180mm/7” in length. It weighs 824g/29oz with the tripod collar and 635g/22oz without it.
From the original Nikon instruction manual for the 200mm Micro-Nikkor AI-S 1:4 IF lens.
Ergonomics and build quality. Considering its focal length and macro features, this lens is remarkably compact; however, it is not particularly light due to its predominantly metal and glass construction (the tripod collar can be removed, reducing weight by approximately 200g/7oz). The front element does not rotate nor does the barrel extend during focusing, allowing for the use of graduated filters and enhancing convenience for macro photography (as adjusting focus won’t inadvertently cause the front of the lens to get too close to any objects). This was a significant advancement at the time of the lens's release.
The focusing ring is easy to handle and offers a focus throw of around 320°, requiring considerable rotation to go from the closest focus distance to infinity—this trade-off of speed for precision is necessary given the shallow depth of field at 𝒇4, making zone focusing impractical at distances considered infinity by most lenses.
The distance scale features values in metres (white), feet (green), and reproduction ratios (orange). The reproduction ratio provides an indication of the size of an object that fills the viewfinder relative to how it will appear on film.
Image quality: macro. There are few complaints regarding image quality with this lens. Observant users may spot some color fr
The 200mm Micro-Nikkor AI-S 1:4 IF is a telephoto lens capable of focusing as close as 2⅓ feet (61cm) and producing a 1:2 image on film or a full-frame sensor. In this review, I will discuss the lens's purpose, its background, and its current equivalent. Anticipate numerous samples, a comprehensive account of the shooting experience, and insights on whether you should consider acquiring one as well.
