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Macro Lens

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tem3

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With spring coming (I hope) and my life long interest in science & nature I realize that I would probably taking a lot more images if I had a Macro lens for my D60. Since roughing out my taxes it looks like our refund will be enough to invest in a Macro lens (ane more - just don't tell my wife my purchase plan).

Ideally (if money were no object) I would look to purchase a Nikkor AF-S VR Marco capable lens. But I could do without autofocus and live without VR.

Any suggestions for a decent macro lens for say $500 or less? I'd be willing to purchase used to get a better lens......

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Nikon D60
 
For just under $600 and with a better working distance to the subject, in my opinion, I would easily take a look at the Sigma 150 Macro HSM. It will autofocus on your D60 and it has received spectacular reviews...

Besides, you will save about $200 over the Nikon 105 macro.
 
Thanks. I will start my research (and lustful thinking) there....
TekSavvy said:
For just under $600 and with a better working distance to the
subject, in my opinion, I would easily take a look at the Sigma 150
Macro HSM. It will autofocus on your D60 and it has received
spectacular reviews...

Besides, you will save about $200 over the Nikon 105 macro.

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Click to expand...
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Nikon D60
 
tem3 said:
Any suggestions for a decent macro lens for say $500 or less? I'd be
willing to purchase used to get a better lens......
Click to expand...
All dedicated macro lenses are very good.
I have the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di, and would recommend it.
It will not AF on a D40/D60, but macro photography is usually a manual focus
affair. I've never had my Tamron 90 in AF mode on my D80, except a few
times using it as a short tele.
Here is a review:

http://photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/283-tamron-af-90mm-f28-di-sp-macro-nikon-mount-lab-test-report--review
"The Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP is a superb lens without any significant flaws
and it's easily as good as the corresponding (classic) Micro-Nikkor"

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels
 
I have the Sigma 150mm and it is an awesome lens but it may be a bit above your budget
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Practice makes perfect, but obsession makes even better!
 
The big plus with the 150mm, over the 90mm, is the added working distance. Depending on your subject matter that may, or may not, make much difference. Flowers rarely take flight, but insects frequently do when you try and get real close with a lens. I have missed some insect shots simply because they took flight before I could get the lens close enough to get a Macro shot and for that reason I would prefer the 150mm lens, alas it isn't in my budget.
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Brooks
http://bmiddleton.smugmug.com/
 
I have the Tam 90 and it's a great lens I bought used, but if I were to do it again I'd would go the extra and get the Sigma 150 for the extra reach. I've missed many shots because I've scared off my 'prey'. Doug
 
I've been offered a Nikon 60mm 2.8 for $300 by a co-worker/friend. I'm going to ask to try the lens before I buy, but does this seem like a deal?

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Nikon D60
 
tem3 wrote:
[snip]
tem3 said:
Ideally (if money were no object) I would look to purchase a Nikkor
AF-S VR Marco capable lens. But I could do without autofocus and
live without VR.
Click to expand...
Look for the 70-180mm with a 6T, if money is no object.
 
tmozer said:
I've been offered a Nikon 60mm 2.8 for $300 by a co-worker/friend.
I'm going to ask to try the lens before I buy, but does this seem
like a deal?
Click to expand...
If in good condition, it is likely an OK deal. There are two versions, the AF 60mm f/2.8D and the AF-S 60mm f/2.8G. The latter came out about a year ago and goes for ~$475 new. The older version goes for ~$400 new.
 
I've got the older 105 Nikkor (no VR or AF-S) and it is a fantastic lens. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one used from a reputable vendor. KEH has one EX+ for $450. On the other hand, everything I've ever read states the Tamron 90 is just as good and a new one is less money than the used Nikkor.
 
For me the best choice out of the budget three. Second on my list came the 90mm tamron, good lens but the build quality isn't upto the level of the tokina. 3rd came the 105mm sigma because it has no AF/MF clutch.

All three should be available for under $400.
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Don't wait for the Nikon D-whatever, have fun now!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_wijnands/
 
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