Thoughts on Macro solutions for Nikon

[Paul2660]

I am looking for a macro lens solution for Nikon. I have read reviews on the various nikkor offerings, but the solution that has caught my attention is the Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art lens, with a extension tube set. I realize you loose focus at infinity but for macro work that seems OK.

Just wanted to see what others are using.

Thanks
Paul

 

[Deleted member 7792]

Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 ZF.2, the gold standard.

Joe

 

[ptomsu]

AF Nikkor 2.8/60 - one of the best Macro lenses I have ever used - even on D800E 36MP!

 

[Paul2660]

Thanks for the info.

Joe, I love the thought of the 100 Zeiss, but still prefer AF for my macro work, I know I am lazy, but it does save my back. Love the focal length however.

Ptomsu, I like the price on the 60mm Nikkor, what are your thoughts on the bokeh?

I also over stepped in that I just realized there is no Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art, yet, supposed to be coming soon. The review I read was in regards to the Sigma 85mm 1.4 EX lens.

Paul

 

[Jack]

No doubt the ZF is a superb option, followed closely by Nikon's latest 105. Also, the 200 macro and older 80-180 macro are verstile for dedicated macro shooters. But my pick is the 85PC-E with the 1.4x extender and/or extension tubes. It gets to nearly 1/2 life size on its own, and having a little tilt available for adjusting PoF can be HUGE in macro shooting.

 

[Paul2660]

Thanks Jack

I had not thought about the 85 PC-E. How is the bokeh on that lens.

Paul

 

[Hulyss Bowman]

No doubt the ZF is a superb option, followed closely by Nikon's latest 105. Also, the 200 macro and older 80-180 macro are verstile for dedicated macro shooters. But my pick is the 85PC-E with the 1.4x extender and/or extension tubes. It gets to nearly 1/2 life size on its own, and having a little tilt available for adjusting PoF can be HUGE in macro shooting.

My take too. 85 PC-E is just awesome for dedicated macro works. With it you can obtain marvellous bokeh because of TS; a no brainer.

 

[Deleted member 7792]

Thanks Jack

I had not thought about the 85 PC-E. How is the bokeh on that lens.

Paul

Paul, if you're looking for AF, the Nikon 85mm PC-E isn't a candidate. If you want AF, the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED may be your best choice, as was suggested by Jack. Plus, it has VR.

Joe

 

[Deleted member 7792]

...but still prefer AF for my macro work, I know I am lazy, but it does save my back.

85 PC-E is just awesome for dedicated macro works. With it you can obtain marvellous bokeh because of TS; a no brainer.

Paul, the OP, is looking for an AF lens. If manual focus, I still prefer the Zeiss 100mm Makro-Planar. The focus throw is outstanding.

Joe

 

[ptomsu]

Thanks for the info.

Joe, I love the thought of the 100 Zeiss, but still prefer AF for my macro work, I know I am lazy, but it does save my back. Love the focal length however.

Ptomsu, I like the price on the 60mm Nikkor, what are your thoughts on the bokeh?

I also over stepped in that I just realized there is no Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art, yet, supposed to be coming soon. The review I read was in regards to the Sigma 85mm 1.4 EX lens.

Paul

Paul,

I am quite satisfied with the bokeh of the 60. Having said that, the 105 surely tops it.

Peter

 

[Steen]

Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 ZF.2, the gold standard.

Joe

+ 1 :thumbup:

if for no other reason perhaps because it's the makro optic I happen to have .-)

lots of micro, macro and makro images in this thread:

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/1812-macro-thread-everyone-3.html



and then there are lots of other threads about macro photography (more or less)


http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/49409-d800e-macro-digitar-120-a.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/46317-nikon-d5200-sigma-150mm-macro.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/43756-new-nikon-60-2-8g-macro-zeiss-35-2-a.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/43393-macro-lens-help-needed.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/41452-macro-bellows-nikon-d800.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/37172-macro-lenses-other-nikon-questions.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/36159-servo-af-105mm-macro.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/35257-nikon-v1-105mm-macro-poppies.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/31276-nikon-micro-lenses-non-macro-shots.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/22353-nikon-85mm-f3-5-macro-anyone.html

http://www.getdpi.com/forum/nikon/21237-d7000-macro-snaps.html

 

[dogstarnyc]

Hi Paul,

Have you tried the Sigma 150mm 2.8 macro...? It's killer sharp.

I like the fact that you can get 1:1 close without being on top of your subject.

S

 

[Swissblad]

I was going to suggest the Sigma 150mm as well - it is a superb lens!

 

[GrahamWelland]

Another consideration with macro is of course what subject matter you intend to shoot. I was always a big fan of the 200 micro for shooting macro in the wild due to the extra subject distance it affords (quite aside preferring it optically over the 105VR) - something that the 60/85mm lenses will suffer from if you're shooting live critters for example.

Just a thought.