Macro lens for Nikon?

Steve Mack · Jul 6, 2011

I am looking for some advice as to the best choice for macro work with flowers. I see that I have a choice of the 60mm or the 105. Can someone help me out here? I use an F100 and an N80. Or is there some other lens that I haven't mentioned?

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Stephen

tkamiya · Jul 6, 2011

What's your budget and requirement?

I have a 105mm f/2.8G VR. It's an incredibly sharp lens even wide open but quite heavy. I chose this one over shorter focal length because I wanted some working distance. I also wanted to use it for portrait and I have not been disappointed.

wotalegend · Jul 6, 2011

If you are happy to go with manual focus, which is preferable with macro anyway, there is a 55/2.8 AI-S lens which is plentiful, cheap, and razor-sharp.

Les Sarile · Jul 6, 2011

Stationary object that range from very tiny - requiring > 1:1 magnification, to very large that you need to put distance between you and the target . . . There are some lenses, closeup filters, extension tubes and bellows that may be appropriate for you to use.

John Koehrer · Jul 6, 2011

In manual focus there were four.55/3.5 55/2.8 105/2.8 and 200/4

jp498 · Jul 6, 2011

I like the 55 micro f3.5. Sometimes available <$100. Sharp, better looking backgrounds than the 60/2.8 d-af.

CGW · Jul 6, 2011

John Koehrer said:
In manual focus there were four.55/3.5 55/2.8 105/2.8 and 200/4

Er, make that five with the 105/4.

Bob-D659 · Jul 6, 2011

The 200 f4 is very nice for flowers, good working distance, 2:1 with internal focusing.

Pgeobc · Jul 7, 2011

Whatever version of the 105 suits your budget, your fancy, and your camera. If you have the bucks, the 200mm medical micro-nikkor is great because of the working distance. However, it is heavy.

j-dogg · Jul 7, 2011

wotalegend said:
If you are happy to go with manual focus, which is preferable with macro anyway, there is a 55/2.8 AI-S lens which is plentiful, cheap, and razor-sharp.

This and also a f3.5 non-AI version which I own. 1:1 reproduction, but it's non-AI which means I think you're screwed unless using manual mode. I put it on my buddie's d3000 d*****l and I could snap a photo in manual mode with it

j-dogg · Jul 7, 2011

CGW said:
Er, make that five with the 105/4.

If you can find one.

Pumalite · Jul 7, 2011

I'm also fond of the 200/4

jeffreyg · Jul 7, 2011

I am quite pleased with my 105 2.8 AF micro Nikkor that I use on the manual setting. It can focus to 1:1 and also makes for a decent portrait lens.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

mhcfires · Jul 9, 2011

I recently bought a new Nikkor af 105 2.8G. I bought it to use with my D700, but find that I'm using it more with my N80. It may be heavy,but it is a wonderful, tack sharp lens. I use most of my lenses in manual mode.

Jim Noel · Jul 9, 2011

One of the best ever - 55mm Micro-Nikkor

Marc Akemann · Jul 9, 2011

About 10 years ago I purchased a Kiron 105/2.8 Macro lens that goes 1:1 without an adapter (for my Nikon). It was only $75 and I thought of it as a stand-in until I purchased an actual Nikon 'Micro' Nikkor. A decade later I'm still using this most excellent Kiron lens. Unfortunately (for a buyer), they're going for a bit more than $75 these days but is still worth it.

I also have the 55/2.8 and 200/4 Micro-Nikkors and find that I use the Kiron more often. With the 105, I like the distance between subject & lens and the way the background is rendered when compared to the 55. The 200 is nice but I continue to go with the 105. It's just right (for me). Good luck!

Marc

narsuitus · Jul 9, 2011

With film, I used my 105mm Nikon macro lens more than my 55mm Nikon macro. With my APS sized digital body, I find myself using the 55mm macro more than the 105mm macro.

2F/2F · Jul 9, 2011

j-dogg said:
This and also a f3.5 non-AI version which I own. 1:1 reproduction, but it's non-AI which means I think you're screwed unless using manual mode. I put it on my buddie's d3000 d*****l and I could snap a photo in manual mode with it

It is worse than being screwed in regards to metering modes and what have you. It simply will not mount on some cameras without breaking them. You need a camera with no AI ring (e.g. F, Nikkormat, D40), or one with an AI tab that flips out of the way (e.g. late F2, F3).

Macro lens for Nikon?

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