Please help me to choose a lens

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Hi all,

New to the forum, and looking forward to becoming an active contributor once I feel I have something worth contributing!

My Tamron 70 - 300mm 4 - 5.6 with 1:2 'macro' appears to have given up the ghost - the zoom ring just turns without actually doing anything. I took it in to a few shops, and the general consensus seems to be that it's probably not worth even trying to fix given what it would cost just to let Tamron take a look at it (never mind any repair costs) relative to what the lens is worth :shrug:

So now, I'm in the market for a new lens. I used the macro function on my expired Tamron more than the zoom capabilities, so I was thinking that I would perhaps rather buy a decent macro lens now and then, as soon as funds allow, buy a longer lens at some future date - the logic being that I would prefer to own a few more specialised lenses rather than fewer lenses which try and cover more bases, but which are compromised as a result.

Could I therefore ask you to recommend some macro lenses that I might consider? I aim to take detailed shots of smallish items (watches, books etc) using a light tent, but it would be great if I could use this lens for portrait shots too. I believe the Tamron 90mm and Sigma 105mm work well for portraits, but would these be too compromised for closer stuff using a smallish light tent?

My camera is a Nikon D90.

Any input would be much appreciated :)
 
I have the Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 F2.8 G IF-ED it is an absolute corker of a lens but being a prime lens you are stuck with the 105mm it is not exactly cheap either. Nikon do a 60mm macro which is also, I hear, pretty good although I have not used one myself and 60mm is a good length for a lens.

What about buying an 18-55 vr and a reversing ring which would give you far more flexibility.

You can pick up a Tamron 55-200 for less than £50 to fill in the void too :)
 
cowasaki said:
I have the Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 F2.8 G IF-ED it is an absolute corker of a lens but being a prime lens you are stuck with the 105mm it is not exactly cheap either. Nikon do a 60mm macro which is also, I hear, pretty good although I have not used one myself and 60mm is a good length for a lens.

What about buying an 18-55 vr and a reversing ring which would give you far more flexibility.

You can pick up a Tamron 55-200 for less than £50 to fill in the void too :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response Cowasaki. How would your Nikon 105mm be for really close up, light tent type of stuff? Which lens would be the best at covering both bases (portraits and close-up shots) - the 105mm or the 60mm?

I have the standard Nikon 18 - 105 kit lens that came with the camera. I will look at reversing lens options as you suggest. I presume you can get these for the 18 - 105?

Thanks again :)
 
The Sigma 105mm is a great lens, but I found it a little to long for portraits on a cropped sensor camera. After reading a couple of reviews which said the Sigma 70mm f2.8 Macro was even better than the 105mm I decided to buy one and find it much more useable and the sharpest lens I have. Definately worth a look.
 
Strangways said:
The Sigma 105mm is a great lens, but I found it a little to long for portraits on a cropped sensor camera. After reading a couple of reviews which said the Sigma 70mm f2.8 Macro was even better than the 105mm I decided to buy one and find it much more useable and the sharpest lens I have. Definately worth a look.
Click to expand...

Thanks Strangways. Have been reading up on the Sigma 70mm 2.8 following your post, and sounds like it might be a good option...
 
The reversing ring option gives you a thread size so it would be F mount to 52mm for example then all 52mm lenses would fit. The AFS105 would be ideal for what you are wanting to do but it is not cheap and considering your current lack of glass the money would probably be better spent on two lenses.
 
I have the Nikon 60mm f2.8 and its a cracking, sharp lens. Good for portraits and macro.

Andy
 
the sigma 105 is a cracking lens, i find the longer focal length helps more for most things including portraits.
 
Thanks for the advice all. In the end, I decided to go with the Tamron SP AF 90mm F2.8 Di Macro - £279 (excl. delivery) from Amazon. Seems to offer an excellent picture quality to price ratio and, if I find it's too long for some portrait work, I can always buy a cheap 50mm.

My 90mm should arrive early next week - can't wait to start messing about with it :)
 
I dunno if there is a bad Macro lens out there these days and most would be pushed to see much difference, so you can safely buy on price and preferred focal length. As is, I think you made a good all round choice.
 
That 90 will be ideal for portraits - it is the equivalent of a 135 on full frame. It will produce very flattering perspective. They have always had a good name on the macro circuit too. If you need to go closer, then an extension ring won't cost you much (£30?) and will give you 1:1 if you need it.
 
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