Budget macro lens

mattstarkeyphotos

mattstarkeyphotos

Messages
68
Hey I'm a sports and nature photographer and would like to give macro a shot. I'm looking for a good macro lens under 1000 usd. Here's a few I'm looking at please feel free to give me new suggestions also.

1. Sigma 105mm 2.8 EX DG OS HSM

2. AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f3.5G ED VR

3. Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor

Also wondering what 1:1 means and what it is on a 1.6 crop sensor
 
1:1 is classed as true macro and how I understand it (someone will be along to correct me I am sure) it can focus its length at its shortest distance, for eg the 60mm macro can focus 60mm away from the subject hence giviing a true 1:1 representation, as I say someone will be along to correct me :( but basically a proper macro is 1:1

what sort of things you looking at shooting? remember shorter focal distances can be a problem with moving subjects as you might disturb them.
 
We've the Sigma 50mm macro lens and for what we are after, it works a treat and we get very good results with it.

If you're shooting bugs and the like, you'll need to go 100mm as a minimum.
 
mattstarkeyphotos said:
. Here's a few I'm looking at please feel free to give me new suggestions also.

Also wondering what 1:1 means and what it is on a 1.6 crop sensor
Click to expand...

1:1 means at it's highest magnification -i.e. at the minimum focus distance for prime lenses- the image projected onto the camera sensor will be the same size as the actual object. In other words on your 1.6x crop, anything 22.5mm x 15mm will fill the whole frame, or anything 35.8 x 23.9 mm will fill a ff camera's image. I assume you've got a nikon though- which are a 1.5x crop IIRC.

I have the Sigma 105. The sigma 150 2.8 is also good, and will give your subject a bit more room if you don't mind the extra bulk. The Tamron 90mm also gets plenty of love.
 
Depends if you want to take close ups or Macros

Presumably you have a Nikon DX body as you mention crop factor .......... unless you have the D800 which lets you shoot is DX mode
It is always worth checking the Nikon compatibility tables especially if you have TC's

I use a Nikon AFS 300mm f4 and a Nikon 105mm f2.8 VR G on the D7100 and V1...... both work with TC

for compatibility and flexibility reasons I buy Nikon, plus I am happy to pay the extra premium as I prefer Nikon ......... but Sigma have a 150mm and 180mm macro lens with OS

The 105mm is the classic macro lens and the Sigma has a very good reputation and 105 is better than 60 or 85.
The 105 is also a better "portrait" shot type lens than the others and you have f2.8

If you want to take "close ups" a lot of guys use up to 300mm prime and zoom lens - a quick skim through the Macro section will show you the results

IMHO
So "close" ups - try using you Telephoto to start with
Macros you need a macro lens
Extreme macros you need a tailored set up ....... and more reading needed
If you have Nikon TC's buy the Nikon 105mm
If you will never use a TC with your 105mm, the Sigma is just over half the cost and very good
 
Last edited:
I want to shoot macro. I don't use teleconverters. I know th nikons are good but I have heard a lot of good things about the tokina 100mm 2.8. Anyone have any experience with it?
 
I have owned a number of Tokina lenses whilst IQ has been OK (at least for web publishing and smaller prints (say up to A4 (~10x8))) reliabilty has been poor.
#1 Brand new 80-400 failed after 30 pics - replaced by grey market importer.
#2 Brand new 80-400 #2 failed after about 15000 pics (approx 1 years use) That's when I found out the real value of international warrenties!
#3 Brand new 100mm f2.8 macro failed after very little use (probably <200 pics over a couple of years)
#4 Brand new 12-24mm Had it about 6 years now and it is still OK - however it doesn't see a huge amount of use.
 
I too am after a macro lens (started a thread before coming across this one)... same dilemma as op... and edging towards the Sigma 105. Initially shooting macro but wanna get into extreme further down the line.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top