 Pat Harry |
Macro lens for Nikon I have a 60mm Nikon macro lens. I really would like to take macro shots from a distance - without getting stung, or scaring away my subject! I like the idea of the Nikkor 200mm, but I don't like the price tag. I like the speed of the Nikkor 105. Anyone have experience with both the Nkon macro lenses and the Tamron or Sigma? All my lenses (all three of them LOL), are Nikon, and I haven't used anything else. But I sure like the price of the Sigma and Tamron better. Experiences?
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robert G. Fately |
I've got Sigma's 180MM Macro, and have been quite pleased with it. Certainly it affords a much better working distance, and it's not as pricey as the 200MM Nikkor. You might want to look into that.
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wildlifetrailphotography.com - Donald R. Curry Contact Donald R. Curry Donald R. Curry's Gallery |
It is hard to beat the sharpness and quality of the older Nikkor 105 f2.8. From what I have read this older version is better than the new VR version.You can pick one up for around $350 used on Ebay. I have used one for a couple of years and love it. Unfortunately they don't hold up well when they hit blacktop. I'm looking for a replacement now. The lesson learned is to make sure the back pack is zipped before you sling it over your shoulder.
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Bob Cammarata |
I use the Micro-Nikkor 105 2.8 manual-focus lens Donald described for most of my macro work...both with and without a bellows attached. By itself, this lens achieves 1/2-lifesize reproduction. You can find a used lens in great shape for around $400 A good friend of mine has the AF Micro-Nikkor 200 mm f-4...which he loves, but a tripod is a necessity with this longer focal length.
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wildlifetrailphotography.com - Donald R. Curry Contact Donald R. Curry Donald R. Curry's Gallery |
Bob, Do you see any advantage of the "D" version over the non-D version?
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wildlifetrailphotography.com - Donald R. Curry Contact Donald R. Curry Donald R. Curry's Gallery |
Nikon shows the 105 as a 1:1 lifesize. http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=1988
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Bob Cammarata |
Donald, You mentioned "older", and I assumed you were referring to this lens...a manual-focus AI/S Nikkor which DOES achieve 1:2 reproduction without additional extensions. (I've never used the AF version.) Bob
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wildlifetrailphotography.com - Donald R. Curry Contact Donald R. Curry Donald R. Curry's Gallery |
Sorry for the confusion Bob. I read right past the words manual-focus in your response. In any case the Nikkor 105s are great lenses.
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Pat Harry |
Thank you all for your feedback. I'm having a really tough time making a decision! My problem is that I want both lenses, or course - but don't want to pay that much. :)
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Michael H. Cothran |
I own all 3 Nikon micro lenses. I can certainly understand your desire to purchase a longer lens than 55-60mm for Nature close-ups. I can also attest to the beauty of the 200mm micro. If you already own the 60, I would strongly urge you to buy your second macro lens in the 4X range - ie, the 200mm Nikkor or 180 Sigma. You will not be sorry with either. And if money is an issue, go for the Sigma. In fact, if you look long enough, you should find one on Ebay. Later, if and when you can afford it, you can "fill in" the middle macro range with the 105 micro, or a similar focal length from Sigma or Tamron, to mention a couple. For my own personal flower and nature photography, my 200mm Nikkor Micro gets most of the use.
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wildlifetrailphotography.com - Donald R. Curry Contact Donald R. Curry Donald R. Curry's Gallery |
Hey Michael, I haven't seen you on here for a while. I hope you are doing well. I was glad to see your response. I have been debating on whether to replace my recently damaged Nikkor 105 with a Nikkor 200 or go just get another Nikkor 105. I love the 105, but I might like the extra distance from the subject that a 200 could provide. Although, sometimes I like to get down on the ground under a flower. How close can I get to the subject with the 200?
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