OT: Need Macro lens suggestion

drdoolittle · #1 12/15/2007, 10:23 PM

Hey guys,

I'm shopping around for a macro lens for a Nikon D80. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ed

Marko9 · #2 12/16/2007, 12:19 AM

What is your price range? the high end is the Nikon 105mm vr 2.8. You could get the sigma 105 for about half of that, but it is fully manual. There is also a 60 mm macro, but I think you would be mich more pleased with the 105 long term.

drdoolittle · #3 12/16/2007, 12:52 AM

Mark,

Yeah, I saw the Nikon 105 mm.. it cost as much as the camera body. but I know its really good. Its on my list, but i want to see what else is out there.

Thanks,
Ed

Marko9 · #4 12/16/2007, 12:55 AM

I am still learning how to use it. I was amazed how good of facial portraits it takes as well. Good luck on the decision.

ianiwane · #5 12/16/2007, 01:37 AM

I have a tamron 90mm macro. It currently has a rebate on it bringing the price down to about 340 dollars. It is the sharpest macro lens out there. Even sharper than the 105 nikon micro. For macro shooting the VR doesn't do that much, for the best macro shots tripods are a must anyways.

drdoolittle · #6 12/16/2007, 04:08 PM

Thanks for the info Ianiwani..

Lapsan also told me the same thing, about the Tamron 90 mm.. maybe I'll look into it..

Ed

nashorn · #7 12/16/2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ianiwane
I have a tamron 90mm macro. It currently has a rebate on it bringing the price down to about 340 dollars. It is the sharpest macro lens out there. Even sharper than the 105 nikon micro. For macro shooting the VR doesn't do that much, for the best macro shots tripods are a must anyways.

Where did you find it for $340 after rebate can't seem to find less then $389?

hyacinth · #8 12/16/2007, 09:42 PM

Ed,
The 200mm Nikkor is nice and highly sought after. I once had it and now regret selling. http://www.adorama.com/NK2004AFDU.html

But the 105, or even 60 Nikon are versatile macro lenses that can also be used for portraits as they are very sharp. The Sigma 150 gets nice reviews as well: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...&cat=38&page=1

drdoolittle · #9 12/16/2007, 09:53 PM

Thanks Alan,

I'm leaning towards the nikon 105. But i know that the Tamron 90 had really good reviews.

I'll look into the Sigma.

How's your tank? did the Green star polyps made it?

fishnfst · #10 12/16/2007, 11:12 PM

Check Beach Camera Wayland.. They had it for 439 with a 90 dollar rebate..

Jesus · #11 12/16/2007, 11:38 PM

Check B&H photo they have the Tamron 90 with the $90 rebate.

ianiwane · #12 12/17/2007, 12:29 AM

yeah, just noticed beach is out of stock. So is their sister company buydig.com. Hopefully they come back in stock soon.

Nuuze · #13 12/17/2007, 01:36 AM

I have a D80 with 18-200mm vr for all around use and a 105mm vr macro for closeups. No problems at all and I'm happy with both.

I the 105mm vr from http://www.tristatecamera.com and the 18-200mm new from craigslist. They were both hard to find last year at this time when I was looking. The 18-200mm was backordered everywhere for months...

drdoolittle · #14 12/17/2007, 03:46 AM

Thanks Nuuze, that actually the cheapest place I seen. I mighr just order it there.

I have the 70-300mm VR and the camera Kit came with the standard 18-135mm, but im not happy with the 18-135. Cant go close enough.

any suggestion/tips on taking good vivid pictures?

Ebn · #15 12/17/2007, 11:53 AM

Lots of practice and some patience.

Nikon 60mm micro, 105mm VR micro, or the Tamron 90mm macro. Pick any of those three depending on your budget and what you shoot.

Nuuze · #16 12/17/2007, 11:58 AM

I was not happy with the 18-135 either that came with my camera. But at the time I bought my camera last year, Ritz gave me credit on my 18-135mm since they were low towards the 18-200mm.

Just practice, practice, practice. I ushually take mine on program auto with no flash so I can get used to ISO settings.

hyacinth · #17 12/17/2007, 12:11 PM

Ed--the GSPs you gave me are are growing nicely on the sides of my tank.

btw, Eric's the man if you need some advice on shooting. You'll see if you take a look at his photos...

Kinetic · #18 12/17/2007, 01:41 PM

When playing with Ian's tamron, I found out it isn't f/2.8 consistent. That's totally fine, but for me I like hitting 1:1 magnification at f/2.8 sometimes

Just a little tidbit that might be worth knowing.

I have a Sigma 105mm F/2.8 1:1 macro. I love it, but would like the VR on the Nikkor 105mm VR.

drdoolittle · #19 12/17/2007, 02:32 PM

Good to head that the GSO is doing good.. i got more to give away..

Thanks Art. after thinking about it i thin the nikon is the one i want.

little_d · #20 12/17/2007, 08:08 PM

Is auto focus really needed/important in macro photography? The reason I asked is because I have the d40 which does not have a build in af motor in the body of the camera.

Thanks

Kinetic · #21 12/17/2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by little_d
Is auto focus really needed/important in macro photography? The reason I asked is because I have the d40 which does not have a build in af motor in the body of the camera.

Thanks

it's much less important than in other kinds of photography =) on corals I usually manual focus.