Good Macro lens

[bsd230]

I am looking for a good Macro lens. I am new to Nikon so not sure which one to

get. I prefer to stay with Nikon but will consider 3rd party too. I would also

like it to be in the 50-60mm range to used as a portrait lens as well. I will be

receiving my new D200 w/ 18-200mm tomorrow, can't wait.

[georges_walker]

Brian, of course the kind of photography you are intending will take you to the right lens for the new D200, however you may consider the VR Micro ED 105 F2.8 (157.5mm equivalent). I have both D200 and the Micro and the couple gets on very well.

[juanjo_viagran]

You are looking for the Nikon 60mm Micro 2.8 AF-D.

AWESOME macro lens.

[brucecahn]

If they make a digital version of the 105 macro, it is a much better lens than the shorter one.

[corey]

I agree with Juanjo viagran the nikon 60mm micro 2.8 is a very nice lens.

[lisa_b4]

I don't buy many 3rd party lenses, but occasioanlly there are some of excellent quality for a LOT less than Nikon--my Tokina 12-24 is a good example.

 

For macro work, I picked up a used/like new Tamron 90mm SP Di for $250. It is SUPER sharp, easy to use, and has fantastic bokeh (the creamy out of focus area in an image). It also makes a great portrait lens--indeed one of the only criticisms about this lens is that maybe it is too sharp for portraits......lol.

 

I've been very happy with this lens, and I think it's probably one of the best values amongst the 3rd party lenses.

 

Here are some links to various reviews on this lens:

 

http://www.photodo.com/topic_21.html

 

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tamron_90_28_nikon/index.htm

 

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=249&sort=7&cat=44&page=1

[Peter_in_PA]

If it's going to do double duty as a portrait lens, the 60 is real nice, I've used it, it's awesome.

The 105 is too long.

[kenneth_dougherty]

I agree with the Tameron 90mm, under $400 new. I origanally got it for portraits and for ring shots at weddings, but when used for portraits, it is very sharp, Photoshop gaussian blur comes in handy with this lens.

[marek_fogiel]

If you want to wait a few days I will tell you how the CZ Makro Planar 50/2 ZF fares, it should arrive next week.

[klix]

Since you'll have a D200, you should also consider AI/AIS lenses.

 

55mm to 60mm - the obvious first choice is the 60mm/2.8. However, there are some very good 55mm manual focus lenses (focusing to 1:1 with a PK-13 or equivalent extension tube). Since you're looking for something that will do double duty as a portrait lens, check out the 55mm/2.8 AIS.

 

If later on, you decide to go with something longer:

 

90mm to 105mm - Tokina 90mm, Tamron 90mm, Kiron 105mm, Nikon 105mm VR, Nikon 105mm/4 (with PN-11)

 

200mm - there can be only one - 200mm/4 AFD

[bsd230]

I really appreciate all the responses. This has given me a few places to start. I will probably look into the 60mm first because I had a 100mm Macro with my old Canon and loved it just wished it wasn't so long. If I decide to go longer again the 105 sounds very nice. I know from my previous Macro lens they are very unforgiving as portrait lenses, however most of my portraits involve children and animals so I think sharpness is a plus in those instances. With older subjects you definitely have to soften it a bit.

Just got my new camera, waiting on the battery to charge as we speak it is like torture watching the charging light, I can't take it. If it shoots anything like how it feels in my hand this is going to be a great camera. Makes my D-Rebel feel like a P&S.

[mostirreverent]

I adore my 60mm Micro 2.8 AF-D. I didn't think the distance of the 105 warranted the extra

cash. I've read some reviews that preferred the 60. if money was no concern, i would love to

have the 200. most insects stay still enough with the 60, and i haven't been stun yet.

dragonflies are quite agreeable to me being fairly close.