Which macro lens??? For Nikon

[jus_tin]

Hi, was about to purchase a zoom lens but holding off for now and getting a macro. Can't decide between these two...

Nikon AF-S DX micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5g ED VR

OR

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro

Any advice on either lens would be great.

Thanks!

 

[BillN_33]

Justin

Quite a lot of discussion on this subject
Have a look at the images in the macro/close up section

depends exactly what images you want to take - close up - macro - extreme

There is a new thread discussing this

most would go for a 105mm over an 85mm DX Nikon

a more relevant comparison would be the 105mm Sigma Versus the 105mm Nikon

I went for the Nikon - but I would think IQ on both is very similar, but Sigma can be deemed to be better value for money

But for close ups, IMHO there are better alternatives that are easier to use and more effective - spend an hour going through the images and discussion in the macro section

 

[jus_tin]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for that, i've spent quite abit of time in the macro section and i am leaning more towards the Sigma. Id be interested to hear what your suggested alternatives are, i have considered Raynox but currently only own the standard 18 - 105mm kit lens so would prefer a dedicated macro lens. My budget is approx £500 and would like to shoot macro and potentially extreme macro once i hone my skills.

Thanks,

 

[Hertsman]

Have a look at the Tamron 90mm....very happy with mine.

 

[BillN_33]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for that, i've spent quite abit of time in the macro section and i am leaning more towards the Sigma. Id be interested to hear what your suggested alternatives are, i have considered Raynox but currently only own the standard 18 - 105mm kit lens so would prefer a dedicated macro lens. My budget is approx £500 and would like to shoot macro and potentially extreme macro once i hone my skills.

Thanks,

Justin

I'm not an expert on macros - all I can say is I have had my Nikon 105mm f2.8VR micro for about 4 weeks now and have not taken a half descent macro shots - my skill not the lens

It is OK for close ups, but I still find my Nikon V1 + FT-1 + Nikon 300mm f4 is just as good, a lot more flexible, in that you do not have to get so near as you have x 2.7 crop x 300 = 810mm ……. IQ is as good

When I go out shooting Dragonflies etc., I take the V1/300mm set up and my D700 or D7100 with the 105mm macro …….. the VR on the 105mm helps but I have to get much nearer with the DSLR/105mm than the V1/300mm.

AF and VR are probably not used or needed in most macro shots …………. so a used Nikon 105mm micro D lens maybe worth considering and a good buy used ……….. you may be a little disappointed when you first use a macro lens ……. don't expect miracles ….. you will need to work at it.

I'm OK at close ups but cannot really advise on macros as I'm crap at them