Nikon Macro Lens Advice Needed
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**component** · 01-08-2008 11:45 AM

I told myself I wouldn't buy another lens until I knew what I would use. Going by my shots so far it seems I like close ups, so the macro/micro lens will be my first purchase.
So...can anyone recommend me a decently priced lens for a Nikon?

**Markitos** · 01-08-2008 11:55 AM

Kenko extension tubes.... just make sure they are compatible with your lenses.

Alternately, I hear good things about this lens, but haven't used it myself. There are some MF Nikkor macro lenses that are slightly cheaper.

**kensington** · 01-08-2008 11:57 AM

Here's a good one http://www.newschoolofphotography.co...ead.php?t=3699 I had someone else inquire about it last night but have not yet heard back from them.

**Markitos** · 01-08-2008 11:58 AM

^ That is the very lens I linked, and for a great price.

**jacobsen1** · 01-08-2008 12:01 PM

+1 on that lens, or tubes if you're unsure.

<--- Has tubes, sold a 100mm macro years ago.

**kensington** · 01-08-2008 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by Markitos

^ That is the very lens I linked, and for a great price.

Just noticed that, thanks. To be fair I hear the 105 is a classic but way more expensive.

Here are some pics I took with the lens I have for sale http://kensingt0n.smugmug.com/gallery/3990329#232009361 it was on my D70 and I used the SB-800 flash.

**Colorblinded** · 01-08-2008 01:03 PM

Nikon makes the 100mm 2.8 macro (they call it Micro, grr) with VR. If Canon's 100mm 2.8 USM macro came with IS I'd probably sell my current version and upgrade.

Depending on what you like to do, that VR could be very nice to have.

**component** · 01-08-2008 10:30 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. So I take it the tubes are spacers that creates the effect of a macro lens?
Kensington, the lens looks good, I just need to piece all the info together in my head first.

**jjswee** · 01-08-2008 11:06 PM

I say buy a lens that has great macro to begin with!

Sigma 17-70:

This is just a quick snapshot showing its ability, but the lens hood was literally touching the bottle.

**Colorblinded** · 01-08-2008 11:12 PM

A lens with great macro ability is a real macro lens. That's a closeup, but not really truly a macro unless that label is about an inch wide.

**jjswee** · 01-08-2008 11:13 PM

oh well.. yeah.. Its not 1:1 its 1:2.3. I forgot about that. It still is fun tho!

**component** · 01-08-2008 11:42 PM

Looking at the B&H site, they have the 60mm 2.8 at 399(USA) and 369(Imported). Are there two versions of this lens?

**Colorblinded** · 01-08-2008 11:51 PM

No, the imported is just that. It's the same lens but packaged and intended to be sold outside of the US. As such it doesn't have a USA warranty and Nikon has no obligation to cover it if something goes wrong. It's a way to save some money, but IMO I've never been faced with a situation where it's worth it.

**component** · 01-09-2008 12:05 AM

I see, thanks.

**Rallyroo** · 01-09-2008 12:55 AM

I don't like the purpose of USA vs International models.
I never liked the purpose of DVD region coding.
I don't like the California vs Federal car models.

What if I decide to move from the USA with my US Nikon gear to another country? And vice versa? It's idea for having USA and International models is just wierd.

**Markitos** · 01-09-2008 12:56 AM

I don't like your attitude!!

Actually, I agree with you--it's annoying.

**Rallyroo** · 01-09-2008 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by Markitos

I don't like your attitude!!

Actually, I agree with you--it's annoying.

I'm going to have to write a "**** Markitos!" post!

**Markitos** · 01-09-2008 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by Rallyroo

I'm going to have to write a "**** Markitos!" post!

There is one already!

**jacobsen1** · 01-09-2008 01:20 AM

well the one reason I imagine them doing it is because it limits the manuals they include... But yeah, it should cost the same, and the warranty should be the same...

**Sephro** · 01-10-2008 08:41 AM

Would the imported be considered grey market?

component I went with the tubes because they where a lot cheaper. I love them!

Here was the thread where I asked about them.. http://www.newschoolofphotography.co...read.php?t=187

some of my first shots w/them
http://www.newschoolofphotography.co...read.php?t=547

playing around not really quality..
http://www.newschoolofphotography.co...ead.php?t=1810

**Colorblinded** · 01-10-2008 08:59 AM

Yes, imported is the same thing as grey market. B&H used to call items grey market but changed to calling them imported iirc.

**Rallyroo** · 01-10-2008 12:05 PM

Makes sense to call it an import. Grey market sounds a bit shady, like black market. So import is a good euphemism. Kinda like "import CD's".

**component** · 01-13-2008 04:37 PM

I think I have selected my lens. The Nikkon counterpart to the Sigma 105mm is more pricey, and I haven't seen any bad comments on this one. Does anyone know this lens, or hold a grudge against Sigma? I'm planing on placing my order tomorrow.

Edit: I did find a statement knocking the auto focus on this lens. Most of the close up shots I've done so far have been with manual focus, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-105mm-Me.../dp/B0002P19XA

**kayone** · 09-01-2010 05:19 PM

Bumping this thread instead of starting a new one, I want to get one good macro lens and i've narrowed down to these 2:

Nikkor 60mm f2.8 AF-S Macro

or the

Nikkor 105mm f2.8 VR Macro

Ok so clearly one has greater focal length, does that mean greater magnification? Also one is VR which is a good asset in macro photography and the other is not, and the one with the more desirable features is logically the more expensive one. Both are DX and FX mount compatible so I can use either if/when I upgrade to FF body.

My primary desire to macro is to shoot those kickass insect shots and other objects on that scale, cost being no issue, would the 105mm be the no brainer choice? Also no matter how much I read about Macro lens magnification, I still can't wrap my head around 1:2 and 1:1 magnification. Can someone lay it out for me in sesame street level idiots terms?

**Stime187** · 09-01-2010 05:23 PM

105mm. The 60mm will give you much less working distance and since you want to shoot insects, that's not good. Plus, 105mm and f/2.8 would double as a nice portrait/whatever lens in non-macro situations.

**MoLS** · 09-01-2010 05:23 PM

They should both be capable of 1:1 magnification.
The main complaint I've heard with the 60mm is that it does not give you a whole lot of working distance.

Each get STELLAR reviews, though.

I might suggest you look at the Sigma 105 if the price of the Nikkor is upsetting. I use a Sigma and it is wonderful.

**kayone** · 09-01-2010 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Stime187

105mm. The 60mm will give you much less working distance and since you want to shoot insects, that's not good. Plus, 105mm and f/2.8 would double as a nice portrait/whatever lens in non-macro situations.

Originally Posted by MoLS

They should both be capable of 1:1 magnification.
The main complaint I've heard with the 60mm is that it does not give you a whole lot of working distance.

Each get STELLAR reviews, though.

I might suggest you look at the Sigma 105 if the price of the Nikkor is upsetting. I use a Sigma and it is wonderful.

Ah so you're saying with the 105mm I dont have to get anywhere near as close to the subject to get the great magnified shots. makes sense.

Now can someone explain to me what true 1:1 magnification means vs a lens that does something like 1:2 magnification?

**MoLS** · 09-01-2010 05:34 PM

1:1 means that the image that the lens produces on the sensor is the same size as the actual object.

1:2 is half life size.

**jm2e** · 09-01-2010 06:03 PM

1:1 on cropper or 1:1 on FF?

**MoLS** · 09-01-2010 06:07 PM

on the sensor!

**a.hoglen** · 09-01-2010 08:28 PM

I've owned both simple because I've gotten a good deal on them. I ended up selling the 60mm f2.8 because of the working distance as mentioned before and the lack of VR. It's still a great lens.

There are a few versions of the 105mm f2.8. You can find the non-VR versions for about $400ish. VR is going to run you about $750-800. My only issue with this lens is that it sometimes focus hunts when used as a "normal" style lens. It's still pretty fast and locks on properly but it is kind of annoying. You can also use this lens with a 12mm extension tube to get in reaaall close.

Nikon also makes a 85mm f3.5 VR macro lens. I know nothing of this lens nor have I ever seen one. (I just found out about it the other day).

If I were to go 3rd party, I'd get the 150mm Sigma. I've got a friend that uses one to get great results. The extra 45mm really helps out but it's AF is extremely slow.

**PhatheadWRX** · 09-01-2010 09:12 PM

If you want to use it as a true macro (not more like a standard prime) get as high a mm you can afford. More mm = more distance between the lens and the subject.

I wish I could afford longer than 100mm

**martel** · 09-02-2010 11:29 AM

I own the 105mm and love it. I've been using it for insects and flowers. This lens kicks ass.

DSC_8082 by martelrkm, on Flickr

DSC_7967 by martelrkm, on Flickr

**jm2e** · 09-02-2010 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by MoLS

on the sensor!

This doesn't really make sense to me since you can put a FF lens on a crop body. What you're saying is that a theoretical 50mm macro lens will give you 1:1 at 50mm with a FF body and 1:1 at effective 75mm on a crop body?

edit. I guess it makes as much sense as the conversion on longer lenses. I just never thought of it in terms of close focusing.

**kayone** · 09-03-2010 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by jm2e

This doesn't really make sense to me since you can put a FF lens on a crop body. What you're saying is that a theoretical 50mm macro lens will give you 1:1 at 50mm with a FF body and 1:1 at effective 75mm on a crop body?.

Thats how I interepreted it.

I wonder if the same FF lens on a crop body actually gives you that much more physical working distance to stay far from the subject as possible.

**Dragicon** · 09-20-2010 02:39 AM

I have the 150mm sigma 2.8, and it is a great lens.

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