Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR review - Image resolution

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Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR

9 February 2011

Arkadiusz Olech

4. Image resolution

The resolution test of the lens was based on RAW files from the Nikon D200. The results reached in the frame centre and on its edge are presented in the form of a graph below. The measurement errors ranged from 0.2 to 1.1 lpmm.

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 85 mm f/3.5G ED VR - Image resolution

As we haven’t published a test based on files from the D200 camera for quite a long time it would be good to remind here that the decency level in its case is positioned near 30-31 lpmm and the best fixed focal lenses can reach as high values as 47-48 lpmm.

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Let’s start with the performance in the frame centre. Already at the maximum relative aperture the lens’s performance can be assessed positively because the resolution amounts to almost 38 lpmm there, allowing us to enjoy fully sharp photos. On further stopping down we see even better results. The lens reaches the peak of its possibilities by f/5.6 where it exceeds 44 lpmm. What’s interesting the lens doesn’t break any records, as it often happens in the case of macro lenses. It’s enough to mention splendid performance of the Tamron 2.8/90, the Canon EF-S 2.8/60 or the 2.8/100L model. Even without any records, though, you can’t complain about the level over 40 lpmm as it makes possible to get images of very high quality.

The performance on the edge of the frame deserves our praise too. Near the maximum relative aperture the frame edge is more or less as good as its centre. What’s more, the quality can be considered fully satisfying even for a demanding user. On stopping down you notice a slight increase of the achievements so the lens behaves in perfect accordance with our expectations.

To sum up the tested lens won’t give us record-breaking values but every amateur photographer will be satisfied with its very good performance both in the centre and on the edge.