I Need Help Selecting A Nikon Macro Lense

<p>Which lens would be better for general macro pictures. I am not sure if it would be better to have a longer focal length and the vr feature or a shorter length and a higher f-stop. These are the lenses I am considering:<br>

<a href="http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541533204.htm">http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541533204.htm</a><br>

<a href="http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541532206.htm">http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541532206.htm</a><br>

Any help would be greatly appreciated. </p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Jerry</p>

<p>By "higher f-stop," I presume you mean the wider (faster) f/2.8 aperture on the 60mm, vs. the slightly slower f/3.5 on the 85mm?<br /><br />There are other considerations, if you're choosing between those two lenses. The 60mm version will work on both DX and FX bodies, while the 85mm will only work on DX. What camera body are you using?<br /><br />The real deciding factor with a macro lens is the subject matter, and the manner in which you shoot it. Say you're doing lots of food or product shots. You may find 85mm to be too long, and require you to work from an uncomfortable distance. But if you're shooting small, living inects, you may find that a 60mm lens requires you to get unworkably close.<br /><br />So, tell us more about what you'll be shooting, how you'll be lighting it, and what camera you're using ... and you'll get some much more useful feedback.</p>

<p>Jerry if you are new to macro then you could try to get a used 55mm f3.5 or f2.8 Micro Nikkor from a good source like B+H or Adorama. These old lenses are excellent and very cheap.<br /> For macro a basic understanding is more important than the latest technology :-) Get an introductory book on macro photography and experiment.</p>

<p>VR and AF are usually not needed for macro but a tripod or a light (reflectors or flash or etc...) is more important than a "modern" lens. If you want to chase insects then a long macro should be longer than 85mm, more like 100 to 200 mm. Even a good 300mm adapted to macro use can be excellent for shy "actors".</p>

<p>VR is not useful when doing close-ups, it's a feature intended primarily for use in more general purpose photography.<br>

Personally I would take the 60/2.8, since the faster aperture is always better amd it has proven itself to be a good lens. However, for sme styles and some subjects a longer lens is necessary.</p>

<p>I have the 60 and it is a wonderful lens. For what I shoot it does well. However, a lens with a longer focal distance will allow you to capture some of the more skittish insects. Not sure what you mean by general macro pictures. If you could define what you want to shoot then it would be easier to answer.</p>

<p>Jerry, you do not need or want VR for macro. You do need a tripod and should want a lens with a tripod collar mount or the equivalent for your camrea for shorter focal lenght lenses that lack them like 50-105mm macro lenses. The longer local length macro lenses allow for greater working distances from the subjects and greter control over backgrounds and that is why I prefer them. Go here for basic info on macro: <a href="http://www.photo.net/learn/macro/">http://www.photo.net/learn/macro/</a><br>

If you are not sure of what lens to get, I would get a FX macro lens like a 60mm and that way you can use it for general photo needs too. If you really want a good macro lens make sure it will mate and meter with extension tubes, preferably Nikon ones. However, make sure all will be compatible (meter with) your camera body. That is why you were asked to disclose that impt piece of info.<br>

Joe Smith</p>

<p> </p>

<blockquote>

<p>Jerry if you are new to macro then you could try to get a used 55mm f3.5 or f2.8 Micro Nikkor from a good source like B+H or Adorama. These old lenses are excellent and very cheap. --Walter Schroeder</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I will second that advice, and add that KEH is a very reliable vendor as well. They have a no-questions asked return policy if it's within (I think) 14 days. I have bought lenses from them more than once and been happy with the quality. I have a 55mm f2.8 MicroNikkor that I love, and a 105mm f4 MicroNikkor that is excellent as well. They are both older Nikon lenses, metal barrels, and they are great. The cost of them together equals one of those lenses you linked to.</p>

<p>If you are uncomfortable with used optics, not knowing what use you have in mind for the lens, I would go with the faster glass, f2.8, which is also the lens that works with any sensor size (or film - gasp). It's a higher quality piece, will probably give you better images, and I think it will hold its value better.</p>

<p>It does really depend on what your needs are, image-wise, as to which one you choose, but I would consider a used Nikon lens in excellent condition any day of the week before that 85mm VR f3.5 for over $500. Too much to pay for so little flexibility in a lens, IMHO.</p>

<p>Just for grins: http://www.keh.com/Product-Details/1/NA06009042485J/NA06/FE.aspx</p>

<p>I recommend you buy the recently discontinued 60mmf/2.8D-AF Micro Nikkor in like-new condition for less than $300. They are easy to find, and it's a great lens.</p>

<p>Jerry,<br>

which camera do you have? And what subjects would you like to photograph?<br>

Christoph</p>

<p>I'm with Jennifer, depending on what body you have. I have the 55mm 2.8(which is also a great all around lens) and the 105mm f/4 with a PN-11 extension tube. Bought both on the auction site for barely over $300(including extension tube) combined, both in near mint condition. So for about half of either of those lenses you can have two well regarded macro lenses that perform great a everyday lenses and still have enough left over for a decent macro tripod.</p>

<p>I'm with Jennifer, depending on what body you have. I have the 55mm 2.8(which is also a great all around lens) and the 105mm f/4 with a PN-11 extension tube. Bought both on the auction site for barely over $300(including extension tube) combined, both in near mint condition. So for about half of either of those lenses you can have two well regarded macro lenses that perform great a everyday lenses and still have enough left over for a decent macro tripod.</p>

<p>I'm with Jennifer, depending on what body you have. I have the 55mm 2.8(which is also a great all around lens) and the 105mm f/4 with a PN-11 extension tube. Bought both on the auction site for barely over $300(including extension tube) combined, both in near mint condition. So for about half of either of those lenses you can have two well regarded macro lenses that perform great a everyday lenses and still have enough left over for a decent macro tripod.</p>

<p>I have the 55/2.8 AIS and the newest 60/2.8 and never use the 55 anymore. It's not about the optics, they're still excellent, but it's just not as convenient for me. I don't often use autofocus for macro work, but at other times it's a life saver, so I'd much rather have it. Since I'm shooting with a D90, the 55 will also not meter with my camera.</p>

<p>I also have the 105/2.8 VR and the 200/4 macro. Each has it role. Longer the focal length gives you: greater the working distance, better subject isolation, more problems with vibration, more difficult focus, bigger, heavier lenses at higher cost.</p>

<p>Walter</p>

<p>Thanks for the Adorama Camera mention - and for those who haven't 'met' me yet, as Adorama's on-line CS Ambassador, I am only an email away for after-sales advice and support.</p>

<p><strong>Helen Oster<br />Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador</strong></p>

<p >http://helenoster.blogspot.com<br>

<strong> </strong><br>

<strong> </strong><br>

helen.oster@adoramacamera.com<br>

www.adorama.com</p>

 

<p>I have Nikon D60 body and considering getting a TAMRON 60MM f/2 Di II LD IF macro lens. I am a bit confused after reading some of the online reviews available. Could anybody please give me some suggestions? I would prefer the opinion of someone who has actually used the lens.<br>

I wish to capture flower macros and if possible, use it for some portrait work also.<br>

Thank you in advance.</p>

 

<p>Hi Debasis</p>

<p><br />I don't know if you've ever visited the Adorama Learning Center, but there may be some articles that are of interest, specifically related to shooting outside and to macro techniques:<br>

<br /><a href="http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/100-in-100-Get-Down-Do-Macro">http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/100-in-100-Get-Down-Do-Macro</a><br /><a href="http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/100-in-100-Part-II-Against-the-wind-part-1">http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/100-in-100-Part-II-Against-the-wind-part-1</a><br /><a href="http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/100-in-100-Part-II-Against-the-wind-part-2">http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/100-in-100-Part-II-Against-the-wind-part-2</a></p>

<p><strong>Helen Oster<br />Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador</strong></p>

<p >http://helenoster.blogspot.com<br>

<strong> </strong><br>

<strong> </strong><br>

helen.oster@adoramacamera.com</p>

 

<p>Thanks a lot Helen, for the links.</p>