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Which Nikon macro lens

biglouis

Well-known member
Could do with some advice while I speculate on macro lenses for a D700.

There appears to be both a Nikkor 60 and Nikkor 105. Main interest is weekend occasional photography of flowers in the garden (i.e. not professional or specialist work).

I appreciate that the ultimate may be the Zeiss offering but I'd rather pay less and get more lenses with the difference.

LouisB
 
T

tetsrfun

Guest
The 105 and a set of Kenko extension tubes. The Nikon R1 flash system is also a nice addition. (With the built in flash, the R1C1 isn't necessary with the D-700).

Steve
 

kalex

Member
I would say 105mm because you will get more working distance for your objects. with 60mm you have to get pretty close. both lenses are superb. You also have a choice of AF-S vs. AF-D. AF-S cost a lot more but AF-D are superb extremely sharp lenses with will work great with D700
 

stars59

New member
I've used the 60 for many years and never had the need for the 105 macro but I would like to have the 105/2.5 for portraits. BTW, the 60 makes a great "normal" lens also.
 

GrahamWelland

Subscriber & Workshop Member
You might want to also consider the 200/4 AF Micro. I think it's essentially discontinued by Nikon these days but you might find some stock out there although everyone I checked recently was sold out. They turn up on the used market though.

The Zeiss ZF 100/2 renders beautifully but the 105 VR has some definite advantages for the garden flower work and the results are pretty darn close. For handheld there's no competition obviously.

For flowers the 60 micro would work well too. It's not so great with bugs etc or anything that doesn't appreciate suddenly being in shadow since you have to get a lot closer up and personal with it. As mentioned here, it's also useful as a longish normal too if you want. The Zeiss ZF 50/2 blows it out of the water though IMHO.
 
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Corlan F.

Subscriber Member
I've used the 60 for many years and never had the need for the 105 macro but I would like to have the 105/2.5 for portraits. BTW, the 60 makes a great "normal" lens also.
It really depends on the type of body you're using. "Many years" means APS-C right? On FF i gave up the 60mm pretty fast to adopt the 105VR (the first poster mentionned the D700...). For maco as well as portraits, then the latter is a much more usable and versatile lens -with better results if you ask me.

Oh and btw except for AF macro work the Zeiss 50/2 mentionned in the post above is definitely in another league than the Nikon 60 for all works, color rendition, micro contrast etc. Granted you have to live with a tad of vignetting @2 but for one it's part of the beauty and then... Nikon starts @ 2.8 anyway :)

(and the ZF half-stops aperture ring is a killer)
 
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fotografz

Well-known member
For what you specified there is only one choice IMO ... the newest 105/2.8 Macro ... firstly because it is a VR lens for the times when spontaneously shooting hand-held (the value of this cannot be underestimated, and IMO made it a better choice than the Zeiss 100/2 Macro) ... plus, a 105 verses a 60 provides the working distance needed for small insects.

I also recommend the "Plamp" for tripod work ... it holds the flower still. It's worth more than the lens itself :ROTFL:

http://www.hoothollow.com/QofM2002-2003/Question-September2002.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O="_Clamps_WIPAA=&sku=205330&Q="A=&is=REG&A=details.

-Marc
 

kit laughlin

Subscriber Member
I have both the latest macros from Nikon; the 60 is the sharpest lens I have ever used. When shooting products, I have one of each on the D700 bodies. I find the VR on the 105 truly excellent, flexibility-wise, for the same work.

I had the Zeiss 100/2 macro; another excellent lens, but when working to a deadline, accurate AF (which all the pundits say one should never use for macro work) often saves the day. That lens's bkeh is painterly, but for all-around use, I prefer the Nikkors.
 
D

D.Keymn

Guest
If anyone is buying a Nikon macro lens - its worth knowing that Nikon call them micro rather than macro...
All part of lifes rich tapestry I guess - why make things simple when you can make the complicated
As Guy says they ARE expensive.
Pete
 
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Froggy

Guest
I have the 105mm and I love it. I will post some really nice photos taken with this lens (When I return from a Vacation) I think you will get more out of the 105mm than the 60mm.

You can also use it for Portrait work, as ALau suggests. Actually I have just purchased the R1 Flash for the Micro, but have not managed to use it yet.

Good luck with your choice.

Michele

Will post phots asap
 

leif e

New member
With a D700 I would really consider a manual 105 AI/AIS Micro Nikkor - or 55. One really doesn´t need AF for close up work, I think.
leif e
 

stenrasmussen

New member
Or, if you can find one, the Voigtländer SL Series I 125/2.5 APO-Lanthar.
I searched for a long time and finally found one. Few other lenses can match this one on IQ, bokeh, contrast, lack of CA, etc. Drawback is it's manual focus only.
 

woodyspedden

New member
You may want to consider this lens also, considered the ultimate macro lens: http://jenoptik-inc.com/standard-products/uv-vis-nir-60mm-slr-lens-mainmenu-155.html
I understand (from Thom Hogan's blog) that Nikon will be releasing a new 200mm Micro this year (2010). I had the old one which was wonderful to work with as the working distance helped a lot in not scaring the critters. Plus the IQ was fabulous. Only issue was AF speed. I hope that Thom's sources are correct because if so I will have to own that puppy

Woody

PS I would love to have the Coastal Optics 60mm but that is way out of my price range
 
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