macro for nikon

[woody12]

Hi, i'm looking for a macro lens for my nikon but really unsure about what one to buy. I have a budget of about 200 pound. Is it worth spending so little? Has anyone an ideas about what to look for?

 

[TCR4x4]

Tamron 90mm
Sigma 105mm
Nikon 105mm

Any of those will do the job, there is also the sigma 150mm, but more than your budget.
The Nikon doesn't extend during focusing, the Sigma and Tamron do. Sigma is slightly better built than the Tamron, The Nikon is better built than both.

 

[blondie606]

Hi Paul

I've just been having the same dilema as want a Macro lens for my D80/D90 . Posted up a thread in on eof the other sections (equipement I think) & got some great replies & advice .

Settled on The Sigma 105 after much faffing but then found out it didn't have AF which I wanted as not much experience with MF so now bought the Tamron 90mm .Had a google for some reviews, looked at some pictures taken with it & think I've made the right choice .

Getting it from Digitalrev (on here) at a good price but still over your budget , maybe have a look for a 2nd hand one ?

 

[hzv5wk]

I went for the Tamron 90mm for my D70. Picked up a used one for a good price, well under your budget. Really pleased with it. Hardly ever use AF though.

I have some pictures on here in the macro section taken with the Tamron
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=305945
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=314848
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=315465

 

[Ffoeg]

I went for the Nikkor 85mm VR Micro DX. It's a cracking lens which is sadly often overlooked/overshadowed by the 105mm VR.

Added bonus for me is that it's much lighter to lug around, so tends to get taken out more

Here's a sample shot of a Stonecrop with it (hand held too)

 

[Kaolin]

I have a Nikon 60mm F2.8 D which I bought used for less then £200. If your subject does not run away (i.e. flowers) it is a fantastically sharp lens, but the working distance is short.

 

[Nawty]

You can get a Sigma 50mm Macro Ex for under £150 (I recently saw one go for £100!!), it's a little short for bugs and stuff but it's a true 1:1 macro lens with excellent IQ, colour and contrast so great for head/shoulder portraits too.

 

[Nikon newbie]

I went for the Nikkor 85mm VR Micro DX. It's a cracking lens which is sadly often overlooked/overshadowed by the 105mm VR.

Added bonus for me is that it's much lighter to lug around, so tends to get taken out more

I'd have to echo that advice to be honest. I purchased one a couple of months back as I'd read that they make pretty nice portrait lenses as well. For the money I paid, I am extremely pleased. Sharp as a tack and light enough to keep with you whenever.

There's a tendency sometimes to overlook or 'rubbish' any cheaper gear in most hobbyists fields (and rightly so, generally), but sometimes there's a jewel within the bunch if you look hard enough!