Choosing macro prime lens for my D5300

[dosa750]

The question is would you recommend AF FS 85mm f1.8?

For the background, I already have DX format 35mm f1.8 and the walk around DX format 18-140mm VR lenses. I want to add a longer range prime lens primarily for macro and portrait shoots (when space is enough). As you can imagine with my D5300, I am not a pro just want to capture good family and friends moments.

I have been researching and come down to this lens (even though it is FX for my DX camera) based primarily on price, weight, and multiple online reviews.

I have been considering FX 105mm (but it is too heavy), DX 40mm and FX 50mm (but both seem fairly close to my 35mm) as well. Thus far, I feel that 85mm will compliment what I already have the best and my budget. Additionally, I don't want to have more than 3 lens as I never take more than 2 lens on any trip.

Last but not least, I am open for any other suggestion as well even if it cost over $1,000 so long as it isn't too heavy (more than 1 lb). Appreciate you all advices in advance.

Cheers

 

[BrentC]

What kind of macro are you shooting? If bugs and such you want a long lens so you don't have to get close to the subject so I would recommend the 105mm. If mostly studio or stills the shorter fl's are fine.

 

[astroNikon]

Macro ?

the Nikon 85/1.8 AF-S G lens is not considered a Macro lens.

The Nikon 85mm DX F/3.5G AF-S is considered a macro lens
and the
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G AF-S is also considered a macro lens

 

[dosa750]

For close up mostly studio or stills mostly my wrist watches for fun, sell/trade, etc.

Yes, 85/1.8 AF-S is not a macro lens, I stand corrected. But for what I am looking for, would you suggest this or 85MM DX F/3.5G? Or may be another?

 

[dosa750]

Well, after a bit more digging, it seems this lens will work as 127mm on my D5300. So, I think the 50mm f1.8 FX format might do the trick for me as it should work like 75mm on my D5300.

 

[jaomul]

Tamron do a 60mm f2 macro that is well regarded, it should be a good macro and 60mm on a crop is an idea portait length

 

[dosa750]

Thanks for all feedbacks. I think I am settle for 85mm f1.8 plus 85mm DX f3.5G. Would love to get 105mm but it just too heavy to my liking.

Cheers

 

[OldManJim]

It may be a little late but you might want to investigate a reversed enlarging lens. I use a 50 mm Rodagon, 6 element lens and have a working distance of about 5" at f8. Working on calculating the magnification factor over a standard 35mm lens (normal on the APS-C sensor) but I think it's about 6-7, so that gets pretty good macro images.

The longer working distance helps with skittish subjects and lets you add light fairly easily when needed. Best news is that the total cost with adapter ring was under $100. I've just started working with this, so I don't have a lot of data but it's starting to look pretty interesting.

 

[dosa750]

Appreciate the advice Jim. Yeah, I went ahead though different from what i said above. I ended up getting Nikon 50mm F1.8 and Tamron AFF017N700 SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1. This way I have a medium range for portrait and one macro that is capable of long range portrait (135 for crop sensor like my D5300). I am thinking of later on picking up the wide angle one. But for now, these should be good line up for me to content with for sometimes.