Affordable Nikon Macro Lens

I'm looking for a nikon Macro lens that would cost around $300 Used ... ANy suggestions

on what lens? Thanks!

Check this thread: http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00BhK6

 

Get a Viv Ser. 1 90mm f/2.5 lens in Nikon AI mount.

60mm Micro - worth every penny

Max

 

The Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 (Tokina made), and the Kiron 105mm f/2.8 macro lenses are extremely good. As is the older Vivitar Series 1 105mm f2.5 (Kiron clone, made by Kiron). Any of these lenses can be had for under $200.00 If you look in the klub files, you'll find test results on all of them.

 

Russ

why get a vivitar or tokina for $200+ when you can get a nikkor 60 micro for less than

$300 used..or get an older nikkor 55 micro for even less.

Work out what focal length you need before deciding. The 55 and 60mm micro nikkors are good value but a lot of people go for the longer focal length because it gives them a greater lens-subject distance and cuts out more background. Also AF or manual?

Anton Russell - I agree with you wholeheartedly about the 50/60mm macro lenses being too short for much other than photographing inanimate objects like coins and stamps (you really do want the longer length if you are shooting critters), but the question of AF vs MF has always made me chuckle. While I own both the Nikon 105 and 200mm macros (both of which are AF),I daresay that anyone actually shooting macro soons learns that AF is sort of a useless feature.

 

I also second the motion for the truly outstanding Tamron 90mm/2.8 macro - just a to die for performer optically, but not in the same class as the Nikon's build wise (although most of us do not use our macro lenses to drive nails).

 

I have also heard good things about the Sigma 180 macro, although I have not personally used it. I tend to prefer longer focal lengths (my 200 gets 4 times the use as my 105), but I have not been overly impressed with the Sigma line of lenses in general. Although thinking about it, the only Tamron lens I have ever used that I felt excited about was the above mentioned 90 macro.

 

I am sure others will chime in with hands on experience with the Sigma.

Oops - looks like no one has yet mentioned the Tamron 90. I can tell you that it is a remarkably sharp macro lens with a true 1:1 image. I cannot tell the difference looking at images shot with my Nikon 105 vs. my friends Tamron 90. It ain't cheap, but it is less expensive than the Nikon and except for the plasticky feel, it is a real gem.

<i>The Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 (Tokina made), and the Kiron 105mm f/2.8 macro lenses are extremely good. As is the older Vivitar Series 1 105mm f2.5 (Kiron clone, made by Kiron). </i>

 

<p>Months of lurking on EBay finally paid off when I picked up a Vivitar Series 1 105mm/f2.5 AI-S macro at a decent price. Goes to 1:1 on its own and takes 52 mm filters! I am impressed by the first quick shots out of it.

 

<p>-A

I own a 55 Nikkor-Micro AIs f2.8, and use it as my everyday walk-around lens... it's bitingly sharp at all distances up to infinity. Unless you need a faster lens for "available darkness" shots, this lens (or the newer 60 Nikkor-Micro AF f2.8) could be a sufficient all-around normal lens for you. I've seen this lens offered on eBay ("Buy It Now") for $175. It only focusses up to 1/2 life size; for life size you need to use a Nikon extension tube (PK-13??) The new 60 Nikkor-Micro AF will focus up to life size without the need for an extension tube.

<p>I am pleased with the 100mm Vivitar/Phoenix made by Cosina. Search the archives for

details.

<p>--ben

I have the same Phoenix/Vivitar lens myself. It's cheap in the hand and noisy, but delivers good results as a macro lens and a portrait lens. It does hunt quite a bit in low to moderate light.

 

Eventually, it'll be replaced by a Nikkor, but it does the job for now.

 

Chris

If you are lucky enough to find one, try a Kiron (Kino Precision Optics) 105mm f2.8

micro lens. I got mine for $40 from CraigsList in mint condition.

I would highly recommend Tamron SP 90mm. I got one in buy sell section for $220 and am very happy with the results. The newer Di version is also highly rated but is expensive too.

Tom, I agree about the Kiron 105mm f2.8! I have the Vivitar branded version of this and it delivers very sharp photos with knockout contrast and colours. The bokeh is quite harsh, though.