Nikon photographers have no shortage of options when it comes to macro lenses. The AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR ($529.99) is one of a pair that's designed specifically for the APS-C sensor size used by Nikon DX cameras, and like the AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G ($276.95 at Amazon) , it's extremely sharp. But it costs almost twice as much, which cuts out the value proposition that helped make the Micro-Nikkor 40mm an Editors' Choice winner. If you want a longer macro lens and can afford it, we recommend going with the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED ($649.00 at Amazon) , which adds full-frame compatibility (in case you upgrade cameras in the future), distortion-free optics, and a very useful focus limiter function. If you're entrenched in the DX format, the 85mm is a solid choice for a longer, stabilized lens, but the 40mm is a more appealing budget option.

The Micro-Nikkor 85mm ($466.99 at Amazon)  is fairly compact at 3.9 by 2.9 inches (HD) and 12.5 ounces. It uses 52mm front filters, includes a reversible lens hood, and produces a field of view that's roughly equivalent to a 130mm lens in terms of full-frame equivalency. The barrel is hard composite, with a rubberized manual focus ring and switches to control the optical stabilization system and switch between manual and autofocus. Even when set to autofocus, it's possible to turn the ring to adjust focus manually, which can be helpful if the lens is hunting across its range to lock onto a subject. There isn't a focus limiter switch, which is a downer as it would prevent that behavior.

The distance scale is presented in meters and feet, and also shows the magnification ratio. The lens achieves 1:1 magnfiication—that is, objects are projected onto the image sensor at life size—at its shortest focus distance, about 11.2 inches. That's measured from the image sensor, so in reality you've got about 5 inches between the front element and your subject to hit the maximum magnification factor. That can be an issue when photographing insects, or in light where you may cast a shadow on your subject. If you're after a lens with a longer working distance, consider the Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM ($1,799.00 at Amazon) ; it's very large in comparison, but its working distance is longer by a few inches.

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I used Imatest to check optical performance when paired with the 24-megapixel Nikon D5500 ($334.95 at Amazon) . At f/3.5 it scores 2,304 lines per picture height on a center-weighted sharpness test, with even performance through much of the frame, but a noticeable drop (1,993 lines) at the edges. Even with this drop, the entirety of the frame exceeds the 1,800 lines we like to see in an image.

Stopping down to f/5.6 improves the performance to 2,826 lines, with edges that sharpen up nicely to about 2,500 lines. At f/8 it shows 2,894 lines, and it hits 3,013 lines at f/11. The lens can be stopped down all the way to f/32 if needed. You don't associate narrow apertures with shallow depth of field, but the image of the flower above, captured around the minimum focus distance, was shot at f/11 and still shows a smooth, out-of-focus background.

Distortion is a minor issue. The lens shows about 0.9 percent barrel distortion, which is normally nothing to be concerned about. But the best macro lenses show no distortion, so even that modest amount is something to consider. If you do notice distortion in an image, it's easily corrected in Lightroom ($9.99/Month at Adobe) , but it's not something you'll have to contend with at all if you spend a bit more on the Micro-Nikkor 105mm.

The AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR is another excellent macro lens from Nikon. When it all shakes out, the barrel distortion is a quibble that won't be noticeable in most images, and there's no questioning the detail that it can pick up. The optical stabilization system will help you steady handheld macro shots, and the lens doubles as a short telephoto prime when working with non-macro subjects. At f/3.5 it's possible to create a shallow depth of field, so you can use it for environmental portraits, and it balances well on smaller Nikon SLRs. The lack of a focus limiter switch is a downer, as autofocus can hunt. We don't like it quite as much as our Editors' Choice DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G, which is less expensive, lighter, and includes a limiter function. And if you think you'll upgrade to a full-frame model in the future, you'll be wise to spend a bit more on another Editors' Choice, the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED. But just because the DX Micro-Nikkor 85mm falls slightly short of top honors, it doesn't mean it's not a lens worth your dollar. It's an excellent performer, and may well be the best choice if you're commited to the DX system and in want of a prime lens in this focal range that also offers close focus capability.

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