Macro Lens for my Nikon D300

Hi,

 

I've recently upgraded to D300 from D40. I've the 16-85 VR lens.

I would like to buy a macro lens as well as a zoom lens for this camera.

 

Can any one please suggest me a good one? Also, if possible any good websites from where I can get a good used ones?

 

I am looking for reviews of Zeiss 50mm f/2 and Tamron 90mm f/2.8 lens which are very good.

 

Thanks,

Kala

Kala,

 

You need to be a bit more specific on what type of shooting you do. I don't own, but have used the Nikkor AF-S VR Micro-

105mm f/2.8G IF-ED as a close-up lens and it's spectacular. It's the next lens I'm buying. As for a zoom lens, there are a

lot to choose from and it really depends on the range you need. I use Nikon's 18-200 as my "everyday" lens and find it to

be terrific (albeit a few complaints here and there, but for the money, it's great and the results are stunning). A zoom is

hard for anyone to suggest without knowing what you're shooting - landscape, people, action, etc.

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Nikkor%20/%20Nikon%20Lens%20Tests

the 105mm 2.8 VR is as good as it gets for Micro and anything withing the 105mm range..

 

here are some pictures I took this weekend with that lens, ONLY that lens.

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc112/Juanjo_Viagran/Family/08%20Labor%20Day/?albumview=slideshow

While a 105mm macro is a good all around compromise, NOTHING beats the 200mm/4 AFD micro for insects and bugs, where you need the longer working distance.

 

Keith

Unless you intend to copy documents, the longer the lens the better macro it makes. A longer lens has a longer working distance (front element to the subject) and narrower field of view (less background to intefere). The Nikkor AF 200/4 Micro is outstanding (and expensive). Something on the order of 100mm is a good compromise and much less expensive.

 

Most macro lenses are also good standard lenses due to their simplicity, low flare and sharpness. Auto focus is a non-starter for actual macro photography, but is nice to have for dual-use lenses. Likewise VR capability.

 

The Tamron 90/2.8 Micro has a very good reputation for image quality. Tamron and other third-party lenses tend to have an inferior build quality compared to Nikon, however. The Nikkor 105/2.8 Micro has more chromatic aberation than my AFS 28-70/2.8 zoom lens at normal range. The Zeiss 100/2.8 Makkro is very highly rated, but costs twice as much as the Nikkor AFS 105/2.8G Micro and 3x as much as the Tamron. Zeiss has an impeccable reputation for IQ (I have a 120/4 Makkro for the Hasselblad). Whether it is worth all that money for a small format camera is hard to say.

I recomend the longer micro or macro lenses. The 105 Micro that I have just seems always too close for what I need - flowers, bugs, etc...Remember a lot of what you see with insects occurs in a controlled environment. The Tamron 180 Macro will save you some money over the Nikon 200 Micro but the Nikon 200 is outstanding. Working distance should be the key for you. Chris

Regarding a macro lens, no doubt the 200mm is the best one out there, but you have to decide if its worth 2x the money of

the 105. Really depends on what you shoot as mentioned by someone above. It's easier to get closer to a flower than it is

a butterfly.

 

Definitely take into consideration your working distance as Chris mentioned above.

I have the Sigma 150mm F2.8 Macro and it is excellent. Look at the reviews and comparisons. It is less expensive

than the Nikons and I think every bit as good.

I also upgraded to a d300 from a d40. And I also wanted a good macro lens, but I chosed a cheaper way that may interest you.

I bought on ebay a used but like new 105 micro f/2.8 D (not the AF version, but an older one) manual focus for 125 Euros, and also a Nikon old 2x-teleconverter TC-20 for 30 Euros.

This cheap solution has provided my best rated pics here, lots of fun (manual focusing) and works fine in both bodies.

I know it´s not the best solution, but I think it´s a great one at the cost.

Sigma 150mm macro is supposed to be good or their 70mm if you want something shorter in a Macro, the 70 is supposed to be their best lens.

In answer to your second question, KEH is probably one of the best places to purchase used equipment. They have an excellent reputation and if anything, from what I have read here from others, are probably conservative on their ratings on the quality of the used equipment they sell.

Venkata, you haven't told us how much you'll be willing to spend on this purchase.

 

The situation with macro lenses is relatively simple. The 105 f/2.8 micro seems to be a universial favorite, while the af-s 60 2.8 is the cheaper modern alternative.

 

You already have the 16-85 VR, it's essentially the best "traveller" lens you can have for the D300. Please let us know whether you want a wider zoom, a faster normal zoom, a normal zoom with more coverage, a slow long tele zoom, or a fast tele zoom.

 

>> "as well as a zoom lens for this camera."

 

That's way too vague

Favorite: 105/2.8. The Tamron is well-regarded. The 60mm is excellent. The 200: best for bugs and working distance, a little awkward sometimes for non-moving/non-dangerous subjects.

I am very happy with my 70-180 Micro Nikkor - with the exception of the working distance, which even at 180mm is only about 1/2 of what is achievable with other 180-200mm macro lenses. If I was in the market for a macro lens, the Sigma 150/2.8 would be highest on my list. The 200/4 Micro Nikkor is very nice - but also very slow focusing (another lens that would greatly benefit from an update to AF-S) - Macro is mostly manual focus anyway though. The 105/2.8 VR would be lowest on my list - I'd rather get the older 105/2.8 or even 105/4.

"NOTHING beats the 200mm/4 AFD micro for insects and bugs, where you need the longer working distance."

 

Perhaps not, but for around $100 you can get a 55mm f3.5 micro. And with a bit of luck and hard work you CAN get

close to those insects and bugs.<div></div>

Nice bee pictures, Juanjo... here is mine... with Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR macro

<br>

<img src="http://www.robertbody.com/ontario/images/2007-09-30-oak-bee-4820.jpg">

<br><br>

and speaking of bees... i once had a whole hive move into/onto my car (they stayed on the outside)

<br>

<img src="http://www.robertbody.com/animals07/images/2007-05-20-lake-bees01.jpg">

The Sigma 150 2.8 is a pro, with internal focussing, so no extension of the front element. It's also HSM equipped. It's ALSO fairly large and heavy, and has it's owm tripod collar.

 

The Sigma 70mm Macro is said to be VERY sharp, and probably much lighter. Unlike the 150mm, it IS NOT internal focussing.

Sigma 150/2.8 @ f/3.2; ISO 1600; 1/30th, hand-held, through glass barrier...<div></div>

Thank you all for your quick and exhaustive information. I've looked at http://www.photozone.de/ for Nikon lens reviews. It's helpful. Right now, it's my first step in to macro photography. So, I would like to spend no more than $500. I'll check out online for used 200mm or 105mm lens if I get at this price. Otherwise, I'll go with the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens. Once again thanks a lot for your time and info. As Shuo Zhao mentioned, I haven't mentioned anything particular about the telezoom that I am planning for. I prefer going with a fast aperture lens with VR. But as I said, I'll take it slow and look for any used lens. Please contact me if you've any.

 

Best Regds,

Kala

You won't be disappointed in the Tamron. Besides being as sharp as anything out there, its bokeh is wonderful so it makes a great portrait lens.<div></div>

Howard - beautiful photo.

very good photo Howard!

photos with Nikon 105mm VR lens are good too. But it's double the cost of Tamron :-) Thanks Andy for sharing those photos!

BTW, the sigma 150mm lens is a good one Bill!

**thanks**

Hmmm...This Tamron lens is out of stock everywhere. There is a manufacturer rebate going on for $90...anyone, do u've any idea where I can this for a decent price in US? I think the current price that's going online is around $450 and then we get the $90 discount which makes it a wonderful deal. I don't find this used in KEH :-(

 

Thanks,

Kala