Hi--

>>(Hmmm, most of the Nikkor 50's are really excellent, and some are
>>cheaper than the 55-60mm macros, if macro capability is not the
>>primary concern.) The 60mm, while a superb macro lens, has
>>limitations when used as a normal lens near infinity - its
>>wide-aperture performance is not great at the edges and corners,
>>even at f5.6 (unlike the 55mm f2.8 Nikkor, which is really excellent
>>for general use [though it is not as good near minimum focus as the 60mm]).

>The original poster to whom I was responding had asked specifically about Macro
>lenses. I agree that most Nikkor 50s are excellent. My experience with the
>60/2.8 (many samples, I get them free, don't ask how) has not left me with the
>same thoughts on their performance at or near infinity, but I also have used
>them almost exclusively for macro work, for which, as you said, they are
>remarkable. The 60 is a true flat field lens and this may be contributing to
>the effect that you are observing when focused near infinity. I couldn't say
>for sure.

You are right - and I was adding more information. About the 60mm - I have tried
two, and both had the same characteristics at infinity: poor at f2.8, excellent
over most of the frame at f5.6 (with soft corners and not great edges), and truly fine performance everywhere in the frame by f11. Someone here also claims
I am all wet about the 60 - but the above is clearly evident in his own slides,
also - some people do not seem to see edge/corner performance (but for me, a
lens that is not sharp everywhere in the frame at a particular aperture is not sharp at that aperture). The 60, like all Nikkor macros (except some samples of the 55mm f3.5), is flat-field, as are most other Nikkors.

David Ruether