I'm in the market for a good macro lens, and really don't know where to start. I went to the best camera store in town and they only had 2 lens for the Nikon D50. The girl recommended the Sigma 105 2.8, and I took the attached picture at the camera store. I thought it looked good, but a lot of people seem to say to go with the Tamron 90mm. Anyone have any insight? Thanks, -Peter Image Unavailable, Please Login
you might ask in the photog forum, http://www.thebestemployee.com/forum/showthread.php?p=136054716#post136054716
Depending on your budget...if you are looking for lower end the tamron and sigma are both good choices. However, if money is no object: Nikon 105mm macro VR Nikon 85mm macro Tilt/Shift<---this is one of my new favoriter lenses-its amazing...and it goes all the way down to F/45 Nikon 60mm macro hope that helped:-D -Jess
Thanks Jess. I bought the Sigma 105mm Macro. It was a pretty good price ~ 330. It seemed to be enough for me now at this point. Can always buy a nicer lens down the line, or even a better SLR. One thing I've noticed about lens, it's really easy to sell used one, haha. -Peter
The main thing a telephoto macro buys you is working distance. If you're trying to take a macro shot of a live fly, frog, or whatever; you'll get a bit more lens to subject separation to get out of the creature's "I have to flee" zone with a longer lens. There are also slight differences in perspective or depth of field, but at macro levels, this is probably not the main reason. If you can take head-on shots of your watches (I presume those will be your main subjects), then a 60mm or 85mm should work fine. If you take off-axis shots, then I would try out the Nikkor 85mm macro PC (perspective control). It is a specialty lens, and somewhat expensive, but it has the ability to put an off-axis subject plane in focus (within limits).
Thanks. I ended up canceling my order of the Sigma and bought the Tokina 100mm. People were saying the Sigma wasn't built well and the internal focusing of the Tokina was a huge plus, that and it is built like a tank. Here's a sample image from that lens:
consider a set of extension tubes. then again, do they even make those for digital work ? If a normal focus Nikkor 105 2.5 in MINT shape (but 15 yrs old) will work, drop me a PM, I'll see mine for $100 or so.
I shoot with a Nikon D2X and the new Nikon 105mm f/2.8 G-AFS ED IF VR Micro (their term for Macro...go figure?). Terrific piece of glass. Some examples of my macro work are below... Steve Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I think the longer the lens, the better for most things macro. Shooting a watch or shiny object requires delicate lighting sometimes, and the last thing you want is your 60mm lens reflecting in the shot, or blocking the light. I have 3 Nikkor micro lenses: 60mm AF, 105mm AF, and 85mm PC. The 85mm is by far the most cumbersome lens you could put on an SLR. Here is some of my first shots with the 85mm, showing the results (before and after) of tilting the lens. Both are shot at f/13, and the change in plane of focus is very apparent. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Mmmm. Watch movements. Very nice. Here's a few of my crappy attempts. I don't have a great camera, so I have to make do with what I have. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Here's a few of mine...some I've shown in other sections of fchat. Taken with a Nikon D2X and Nikon 105mm Micro (macro) lens. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Nice thread. I have to find the Macro setting on my camera. I was always wondering how I could take clear upclose pics. Mine always come out blurry.
Thank you Steve. Your photographs are always great! I had to take a double take at the 3rd Ferrari emblem photograph, with the prancing horse between the 'R' and I.' Nice touch!
