Macro Lens

macdsean · Jul 4, 2008

I am looking to pick up a good macro lens for my Nikon D50. I have been looking at the Nikon 105mm f2.8 G ED AF-S VR Macro Lens. Does anyone have any experience using this lens? I would also be interested in any other suggestions you might have for other macro lenses. Thanks.

icassell · Jul 4, 2008

I highly recommend photosig.com

You can sort images by lens used -- and there are zillions of excellent images for most of the lenses you can imagine. Here's a link to Nikon 105 Macro, but not sure this is the one you mean (I'm a Canon user) ... you should check out the others. http://www.photosig.com/go/photos/browse?id=15776

TamiyaGuy · Jul 4, 2008

I've used the 105mm VR for a bit, and although it was very good, it had too many little flaws for me to justify its cost. At 1:1 macro focusing, the lens actually has a maximum aperture of f/4.8 because of its Internal Focusing, and although it isn't that much of a problem, it can sometimes be if you're only after shutter speed.

Also, when I tested it, the lens hunted like mad. It would take, on average, 2-3 tries before the lens would actually focus.

However, if you can work your way around these, then yes, the 105mm Micro VR is a fantastic lens; well built and the image quality is great.

macdsean · Jul 4, 2008

TamiyaGuy said:
I've used the 105mm VR for a bit, and although it was very good, it had too many little flaws for me to justify its cost. At 1:1 macro focusing, the lens actually has a maximum aperture of f/4.8 because of its Internal Focusing, and although it isn't that much of a problem, it can sometimes be if you're only after shutter speed.

Also, when I tested it, the lens hunted like mad. It would take, on average, 2-3 tries before the lens would actually focus.

Sounds like it has some problems. Is there something else that you like better for taking macro shots?

TamiyaGuy · Jul 4, 2008

macdsean said:
Sounds like it has some problems. Is there something else that you like better for taking macro shots?

I haven't used it, but I like the sound of the AF-S 60mm f/2.8 Micro. It seems like it has the advantages of the 105mm without the disadvantages. It still has an f/4.8 max aperture at 1:1 repro. ratio (internal focusing), but I don't think it hunts as much. Plus it's cheaper.

Try each lens out at a camera store. You might find that you don't get any problems at all with the 105, and you love it. These are just my opinions. Enjoy!

Mav · Jul 4, 2008

Budget? I just picked up a used Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 lens for next to nothing with the handy 1:2 macro feature and it seems to work pretty well. I have no idea what ratio this is, but this is way closer than any of my other lenses will get.

If you happen to have the 18-55 kit lens, that does 1:3.2 which is pretty darn close. Otherwise you're looking at anywhere from $300 on up for a dedicated 1:1 macro lens. Oh, I also have a 70-300VR and if you plop a Canon 500D close-up filter on it you'll get 1:1.1 macro that way. Would be similar with a 70-300G or ED version too, although probably not as sharp.

dEARlEADER · Jul 4, 2008

I bought a Sigma 105mm 2.8 used ebay for $280.00 it works great... sharp and cheap...

Mav · Jul 4, 2008

Oh, speaking of third party lenses, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro is supposedly a great lens too. Never shot with one of these either, but from all that I've heard it's great.