Nikon Nikkor 60 micro Vs Sigma DX EX 50 macro

I can't find a recent (or decent) article comparing and discussing these two lenses. I am a

D70 user (with an F100 b/u) and shoot mostly travel. I am looking for a macro lenses "for

those times when I need one". Meaning - it have little interest now in spending large

amounts of time with macro.

 

The Nikon $40 rebate makes the lens very interesting compared to the Sigma.

 

I have a bagful of both brands (AF-Ss, EXs) and have no inherent qualms with either

manufacturer - both have served me well for the past 20 years!

I guess the only inherent qualm I would have with a Sigma lens is compatibility with future Nikon DSLR's. The 50mm macro is not on the current list of Sigma lenses that are not 100% compatible with the D200 (and must be sent in for a firmware upgrade), but who knows what else is coming?

 

Performance-wise -- who knows? There are toms of reviews/samples of the Nikon, while the Sigma is relatively new

 

IMO, the difference in cost is not that much to even consider an unknown lens.

 

I'd go with the sure thing.

 

KL

You have some 20 year-old AF/S and Sigma lenses? Wow...If you don't spend lots of time

with macro, why not get a 50mm f1.8 and an extension tube from Kenko that supports

metering with the DSLR. The 1.8 would be a much less expensive solution than most

dedicated AF macro's in that length. Or, a Nikkor 28-105mm AF or 35-70mm f2.8 AF;

both have respectable close-focusing capability. Or, suck it up and meter manually on the

DSLR with a Nikkor 55mm f3.5 Micro and learn what a a good macro lens really is capable

of doing.

I've been using a Nikkor 60mm micro for years. It's one of my favorite lenses.<div></div>

I've never tried the Sigma, but my 60mm Nikon Micro is my favorite lens. From macro to portraits, on my D70 it's fantastic.

I don't want to get off topic (too much), but my budget allows one of the following

combinations: Nikkor 60 w/ SB 600 or Sigma 50 Macro w/ SB 800.

 

Price-wise that is an even match up. I've asked and search about the flashes, and the

accessories and additional power of the 800 are nice. But, the points made here about the

Nikkor 60 make me think that I should put the lens choice ahead of the flash.

Wait a little, save a bit and buy the 60mm/SB-800.

Listen to Vivek.

I would, but the rebate ends on 15 Jan, and I need to shoot by the end of the month. A

dificult spot if there ever was one!

Then it is better to borrow some extra cash to do that. Don't be stuck with an SB-600 when you can have the much better SB-800 for a bit more cash.

BTW, it is not the accessories that makes the 800 preferrable but the flash output.

Nikon review: http://photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/nikkor_60_28/index.htm

 

Sigma review:

http://photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_50_28/index.htm