I'm seriously considering buying a macro lens but I am torn between a few. People are going to ask me what I will be taking pictures of and I honestly have no idea because I have never done macro work. I would assume bugs, flowers etc... They are all within my price range, so it just comes down to which is the best. The 105mm is pretty expensive though (almost $900) so I'm swaying a little away from it but it is rated very highly. I'm currently shooting with a D5000.
These are the ones I have been looking at.
60mm 2.8
105mm 2.8
85mm 3.5 VR (Vibration Reduction)
Tamron 90mm 2.8
Does anyone have experience with these? Any suggestions?
I, too, have the same question. I looked at a few on the Nikon Store page, but came away with more questions than answers. My father suggested extension tubes, but I'm unfamaliar with them as well. I will be monitoring this discussion closely for answers, too. I currently use a Nikon D90, but am considering upgrading in the near future. How do you like the D5000?
I love it, but it's the only one I have ever have so I don't have anything to compare it too. The one grip I have with it is I wish it shot a little quicker when it's on continuous. The only reason I even noticed was because I coach track and sometimes take pictures of my athletes and some of the more expensive cameras can get more shots off in a shorter time. This is very minor though and would never in a million years deter me from buying it. I've had it for a year and think it's phenomenal. I haven't had any negative thoughts about it. However I have never used the video function on it, so I don't know if that's something you care about because not all the cameras have that.
@mattyb The D90 has video capabilities, but it doesn't autofocus when in video mode. I don't use it often though...I have access to some really nice video cameras through my school and I prefer to use them for video. I like the continuous shooting mode on the D90, too. I don't use it often, but love it when I need it.
I have used both the NIkon 105mm f/2.8 and Tamron 90mm f/2.8.
As with all Tamron lenses in the 40-100mm range, it is about 80% the quality of Nikon. They both have a minimum focus distance of 12 inches and work well in low-light conditions.
If you are strapped for cash, the Tamron is a very good lens. I used it once when I visited an aquarium. The photos were fantastic, but I don't have any online I can show you.
The Nikon runs about $1000 new, probably $750 used. I always say if you have the money, get the best you can.
@jasonbarnette Thanks for the insight. I am sort of the same way in terms of buying the best, but I don't know if I really want to spend that much (or if my wife will go for it...lol). Hummmm....I have something to think about.
I have the 105, but seriously considered the Tamron 90. Next to my 24-70, it's my second most used lens, but I do quite a bit of macro work. I know a few people that use the 105 for other purposes, but in my experience the autofocus is slow and hunts a lot to grab focus. Not a big deal for me though since I'm usually using a tripod and manual focus. Same for VR, rarely use it since I'm usually not handholding for my macro stuff. Good luck! Other than that, love it. Oh, and if your shooting jumpy subjects, maybe a macro with more reach might be better (e.g. - 200mm). To see some samples, you can check out my photos and look at the exif data. Anything with 105 is the Nikon.
I have an older 65mm 2.8 Nikkor. Great optics, light in weight (I guess, since my other two are heavy zooms, all relative I guess) and while I don't use it very much, it's definitely helpful to have for the rare occasions.
I just picked up the 105 two weeks ago. I tried the 60, but without VR there are limitations. The 85 VR is nice, but if you ever upgraded to a full-frame sensor (don't laught - in 2 years you may), the 85 won't work well at all. The 85 is half the price of the 105, though.
IMHO, the 105VR is the way to go. Further reach, incredible bokeh, full-frame when you want it, new VRII for those times when you're tracking moving bugs. It's the one lens I wish I had bought years ago! I got mine on Kijiji for a crazy price because the seller is switching to Canon, so check used and put the lens on your camera.
One other thing which you may be aware of - the D5000 lacks an AF motor in the body - it only works with AF-S and some AF-I lenses. And Nikon has made different versions of the 60 and 105 that aren't AF-S. Your camera won't auto-focus with the older lenses - something to consider. I use MF with the 105 for the most part, but for portraits, the AF is very accurate.
Hope this helps
I sold the Nikon system and got into Canon a couple of months ago and only keep this lens and the very old 35-70 (for sentimental value). It's a great lens for both portrait and macro.
BTW, the reason for switching from Nikon to Canon wasn't because of quality, etc, but because finding Nikon lenses has become such a pain in Thailand.
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As with all Tamron lenses in the 40-100mm range, it is about 80% the quality of Nikon. They both have a minimum focus distance of 12 inches and work well in low-light conditions.
If you are strapped for cash, the Tamron is a very good lens. I used it once when I visited an aquarium. The photos were fantastic, but I don't have any online I can show you.
The Nikon runs about $1000 new, probably $750 used. I always say if you have the money, get the best you can.
Some examples:
http://365project.org/hmgphotos/365/2011-01-30
http://365project.org/hmgphotos/365/2011-01-25
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs267.snc1/9434_284115095441_585905441_8904311_6675598_n.jpg
http://media.365project.org/1/941314_eglmwz0145_m.jpg
IMHO, the 105VR is the way to go. Further reach, incredible bokeh, full-frame when you want it, new VRII for those times when you're tracking moving bugs. It's the one lens I wish I had bought years ago! I got mine on Kijiji for a crazy price because the seller is switching to Canon, so check used and put the lens on your camera.
One other thing which you may be aware of - the D5000 lacks an AF motor in the body - it only works with AF-S and some AF-I lenses. And Nikon has made different versions of the 60 and 105 that aren't AF-S. Your camera won't auto-focus with the older lenses - something to consider. I use MF with the 105 for the most part, but for portraits, the AF is very accurate.
Hope this helps
I sold the Nikon system and got into Canon a couple of months ago and only keep this lens and the very old 35-70 (for sentimental value). It's a great lens for both portrait and macro.
BTW, the reason for switching from Nikon to Canon wasn't because of quality, etc, but because finding Nikon lenses has become such a pain in Thailand.