Nikon 40mm DX macro for IR?

<p>Anyone know how this lens behaves for IR use?</p>

<p>Any hot spots? I know hot-spots are a body+lens combo, but some lenses are hopeless for IR!</p>

<p><strong>Bjørn Rørslett</strong> at http://nikongear.com/live/index.php?/page/nikon_lenses/micro-nikkor-40mm-2.8-DX: <em>The lens can be used for infrared (IR) photography with severe constraints, as stopping down rapidly results in an ugly hot spot. Up to around f/5.6, however, the results aren't that bad. Do keep these caveats in mind so in general the lens cannot be recommended for IR.</em><br>

<em><br /></em>Here is a list of good and poor IR performers: http://www.kolarivision.com/lenshotspot.html</p>

<p>Thank you Dieter, I hadn't spotted Mr UV/IR had reviewed this one. I'm still on the <strong><em>naturfotograf</em> </strong>website. I must go and register with Nikongear.</p>

<p>The list referred to for IR capable lenses is a mess and at variance with actual experiences. A number of Nikkors on the "Poor performance" list are just fine in IR. One of them being the "dog" 43-86/3.5 which in reality is a really good IR performer. another in the same category is 16-35 Nikkor, which I have used successfully for IR. By contrast, some lens listed as "Good performers" are really bad, for example, 14/2.8 Nikkor.</p>

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<p>I agree with Bjorn, many internet lists are untrustable in their views about good and bad performers in IR photography. I have used several Nikkor lenses and even 'the best known' performer AFS 18-70mm has traces of hot spot in some circumstances. Now I'm after AFS 18-55mm (any of them) because it is 'known' to be the best lens for IR photos. OK, there is self-irony in that last sentence.<br>

I quess, hot spots are like lens flares, some lenses can be more resistantable to them, but they can be seen in all of them, in certain circumstances. Do not judge the lens to be bad or good without proper testing - but who has THE list?</p>

<p>There are so many variables, which body, whether a filter is used or not, what aperture range, side lighting or not, and even slightly different versions of the same lens. For instance my 12-24mm (on the "non-usable" list, and also reported to give a hot spot in Bjørn's review) is one of my most used IR lenses on my D40x IR-720nm. I generally use it without filter as strong side lighting may otherwise cause a ring-type hot spot when IR-reflective lens innards facing forward are reflected back by the filter. However I have also many shots captured with filter which are OK in more favorable lighting conditions. </p>

<p>The only reliable list is the one one makes through own testing, and even then surprises might appear under new conditions.</p>

<p>Although my 18-55mm non-VR version II is usable for IR, it is very awkward to use as there is no manual focus override, and manual focus is very loose with no reference marks. Thus it is very difficult to compensate for the focus shifts. (AF with my 12-24mm is right on with Lifepixel standard calibration).</p>