Lens choice

[Stoker]

I have a Nikon D300 and would appreciate members views on the Nikon AF-S 105MM/2.8 VR MICRO. My interest is in plant portraiture (in the field) both close up and full plant image. Thanks.

 

[taz]

Check out what Ken Rockwell has to say he raves about ithttp://www.kenrockwell.com

 

[StuartH]

Personally I would look beyond Mr Rockwells reviews and search for a few more..lol..The lens you mention is a fantastic piece of glass and I doubt you will be disappointed with it. Unless you really need the VR ther are cheaper alternatives out there namely the sigma 105mm and tamron 90mm..both produce superb results.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Check out what Ken Rockwell has to say he raves about ithttp://www.kenrockwell.com

Does he? I got the impression he only rated it as a portrait lens, anyway it's KR, so best taken with a pinch of salt.....

 

[Stoker]

Somewhat frightened off by KRs remarks about the possibility of the plastic mount breaking off. Are plastic mounted lenses to be avoided?.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Somewhat frightened off by KRs remarks about the possibility of the plastic mount breaking off. Are plastic mounted lenses to be avoided?.

No....Uncle Ken is though

 

[taz]

I sit corrected

 

[StuartH]

No....Uncle Ken is though

 

[Steve 7]

I've tested this on a tripod, with mirror lock up and cable release, it is a ver very sharp lens.

 

[Lensflare]

If you want to know how good a lens is, look at the graphs - what is the resolving power of the lens? Knwing a true Nikon macro it will be absolutely as good as it can get...but probably only around f8 onwards. There has to be some compromise in lens design - macro lenses will be biased towards being stopped down, not wide open.

I have a 55 f2.8 micro - it si oneof the sharpest lenses ever made, by anyone. Every lens maker comes out with a real beaut every now and then. The micro Nikkors are amongst them.