Why does Nikon call its macro lenses “Micro-Nikkor” instead of “Macro” ?
Asked 8/3/2011
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I’m confused by Nikon’s lens naming. For close-up photography, Nikon often labels lenses as “Micro-Nikkor” rather than “Macro.” Is there any practical difference between a Nikon “Micro” lens and what other brands call a macro lens, or is this just Nikon’s terminology?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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Historically, "macro" has been reserved for lenses that can make 1:1 or larger reproductions - microscope territory.
Nikon makes (or made) lenses for microphotography that they call Macro-Nikkors. Their engineers therefore decided to call the common-or-garden lenses that only go down to 1:1 for "Micro-Nikkors". See the discussion on Nikon's site here, and on Bjørn Rørslett's site here.
Nikon doesn't have an equivalent to Canons 65mm MP-E lens, which can go down to 5:1, but if they did, it would probably be a "Macro-Nikkor" as opposed to a "Micro-Nikkor".
Originally by user3114. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user3114
15y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For normal photography use, there’s essentially no practical difference: Nikon’s “Micro-Nikkor” lenses are what most photographers would call macro lenses.
The distinction is mostly historical and naming-related. Nikon used “Micro” for lenses intended for close-up work around 1:1 reproduction, which is the standard definition most people mean by “macro.” In Nikon’s terminology, “Macro-Nikkor” has been associated with true microphotography or higher magnification applications beyond ordinary macro shooting.
So if you’re shopping for a Nikon close-up lens for flowers, insects, products, etc., a Micro-Nikkor is Nikon’s macro lens.
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