Recommended Macro Lens for Nikon D?

Hi guys!

Im the owner of a Nikon D60, and so far I only used a Nikkor18-55 and a Sigma70-300 lenses, but now Im really interested in getting a lens to work in macrophotography (I love that).

I know that these lens are a little more expensive than the average, and Im really excited about hearing some advices from you guys based on your experience, knowledge, and so on.

Ive listed six macro lenses (here from More expensive to cheaper...)

1) Nikon Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR
2) Sigma Macro 150mm F2.8 Ex Dg Hsm Apo
3) Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED Macro Autofocus Lens
4) Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Nikon AF Cameras
5) Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro Lens
6) Sigma Normal 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Autofocus Lens

(I think the sigma 105, sigma 50 and tamron 90 are not fully compatible with D60 because have no motor built in so autofocus is not available).

Well, Ive been searching the net for reviews or that stuff, but I consider the opinions in this forum very important.

I can finally add that I want to use the lens for bugs, plants and that stuff photograpy, and maybe a little suitable for portraits.
Any advice you can throw at me will be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance guys!

I have the Nikon 105mm f2.8 Micro & it's an excellent macro lens. I don't have one, but the Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro has great reviews & has the advantage of longer working distance compared to your other options. If you want to shoot insects or other small critters, the longer working distance is very helpful.

Consider the older 55mm Micro AI(S) F2.8 or F3.5 lenses. Not sure how much they go for now, but I picked up a 55mm micro f3.5 AI converted with a 1:1 converter for

Handheld the 60mm G is great because it makes a nice walkaround lens as well and isn't too big, bokeh and color are great, and AF is about as fast as it gets for macro. It will do 1:1 but you have to be so close, it's better to consider it more practically a 1:2 lens (or so). The 105 VR is a larger lens, AF not as quick, but also very sharp, and is better for getting into 1:1. If you don't need AF and money is not so important, you left off perhaps the best all around lens one can get, the Zeiss 100mm f/2 Makro Planar T ZF.2.

The Tamron 90 comes in two versions. One is the older screw drive mount and the newer model has a motor and will AF with your camera.

You missed a couple, The Tokina 100, Sigma 70, Tamron 180, Nikon 85 VR, and vernerable Nikon 200 f/4 are all macros. Of those, only the Nikon 85 will AF on your camera. The Zeiss 100 is a stellar MF only macro that has many fans.

My vote would go to the Tamron 90 with motor. This lens is light, sharp and cheap. It can double as a portrait lens due to the way it renders skin tones.

If you want MF only, the Tokina would be my pick. Images from this beauty have a certain contrast and look that is very appealing.

The Sigma 150 is a terrific lens, but pretty hard to hand hold. It is longer than the others and is best for a tripod. I have it and it has a dreamy look to it and it can render color in the background better than any of them except maybe the Zeiss 100.

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Catallaxy

I do lots of nature close-ups and own #'s 2 and 3 on your list. The 60mm Micro Nikkor is my workhorse lens, and I use it mainly for wildflowers and mushrooms, sometimes small critters that don't mind me getting up close and personal. The Sigma 150mm macro works better for things that don't like photographers intruding on their space. Both lenses offer superb image quality and are built very sturdily. While the 60mm Micro Nikkor doesn't have a focus motor, there's a newer version that does, I think. But to do macro and close-ups correctly, you ought to be using manual focusing anyway, so not having a focus motor isn't a big deal for a macro lens.

John
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http://picasaweb.google.com/jpdenk60477/SomeOfMyFavoriteNatureShots?authkey=aXn0zLtxA1g#

Nikon 105mm.Straight from the D90, no PP

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51061730@N05/sets/72157624170589455/

I was putting an eye too to the Nikkor 85mm Micro 3.5F, that is not so expensive as the 150mm Nikkor, and it's in the midrange.
Anybody can tell me something about this one?

Im not decided between the NIKKOR 85 3.5, the SIGMA 150 MACRO, and the TAMRON 90 MACRO...

I've been using the Nikkor 60mm f2.8 AF-D for insect macro photography. I am finding that the working distance with the 60mm is short enough to spook many subjects. I wish I had a little more working distance. 90mm would probably be perfect, but longer might be too long for steady shooting and require tripod use...which wouldn't be rapidly mobile enough for insect macro photography.

All of that being said, the 60mm f2.8 micro AF-D is delivering superb IQ for me.

What are you planning to photograph?

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A warming of several degrees, Melted ice and raised oceans and seas. The Army was finished, the Air Force diminished, but the Navy was quietly pleased.

Wait for the just announced Sigma 150 f2.8 OS. If it is as sharp as the non-OS one, it will be one of the best.

Eric

Catallaxy said:

The Tamron 90 comes in two versions. One is the older screw drive mount and the newer model has a motor and will AF with your camera.

Click to expand...

Yep. I have the new Tamron and it does a very good job with the D5000.

Catallaxy said:

My vote would go to the Tamron 90 with motor. This lens is light, sharp and cheap. It can double as a portrait lens due to the way it renders skin tones.

Click to expand...

Does a perfect job with portraits.

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