Nikkor 55mm f3.5 Micro Ai

      The light was failing so I grabbed an onion.  The 55mm Micro-Nikkor is known for being tack sharp.  No news here, it is tack sharp.   Bokeh is smooth thru f11.  Contrast is good at all apertures.  Bokeh fringing is well controlled.  In normal shooting the Micro-Nikkor performs as well as Nikon's fast primes.  In my past experience with this lens on 35mm bodies I found it handled high contrast scenes very well.  If you are buying your first Nikon and you want a 50mm do not discount the Micro-Nikkor 55mm because it isn't a fast f1.4.  Bokeh fringing is the last thing you want in a macro lens.  This lens doesn't disappoint.  Fringing is low with a slight color shift wide open.  Contrast in out-of-focus areas is excellent, too.  It is no wonder that this was the lens of choice for most copy stand work.  

     There are several versions of this lens.  The Micro Nikkor 55mm f3.5 P version is the best for general shooting.  It performs well at infinity unlike the other versions.