Macro lens choice

Evan Effa · Apr 23, 2003

I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length? Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

alex from holland · Apr 23, 2003

Evan Effa said:
I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

--Evan,

I am using the sigma 105 2.8.
I have posted some pics two days ago.
Its a great lense and it's tack sharp.
Sometimes i use it also as a portrait lense.
check also the price diffenrence between the sigma and nikon

alex from holland

Fuji s2 pro
nikon 17-35 2.8
Sigma 105 macro
Nikkon 80-400 VR
Nikon sb24

'You don't take a picture, it's given to you'

Dioni · Apr 24, 2003

Hi Evan,

Many people around recommend the Tamron 90mm macro. If you make a search, you will be able to get some samples.

Best,
Dioni
You don't take a photograph, you make it (Ansel Adams)

andy07 · Apr 24, 2003

Im using Nikkor 105 Micro for macro and sometimes portraits.
Its very good lens; razor sharp and good image quality.
Im using Sigma 50 / 2.8 Macro too, not so sharp as Nikkor, but very good too.

Remember, that 1.5 FOV is not making 90 mm lens from 60 micro Nikkor, it is only crop from central field of picture.
Andy

chasg · Apr 24, 2003

Hi Evan,

A lot of people recommend the Tamro 90mm, and that's what I was going to buy when I was looking out for a macro lens, but it wasn't in stock. I bought the Sigma 105mm instead. I use it for both macro work and portraits and I find it an excellent lens.

I find it a little long for portraits, from a shooting distance perspective, but this is really helpful for macro work

Here are a couple of pics taken with this lens (these have been posted before):

Best of luck choosing one that fits your needs!

Chas

Evan Effa said:
I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

Nick Taylor-Delahoy · Apr 24, 2003

Evan,

I was in a similar poistion to you and I looked hard at both the Nikon & Sigma 105s. I chose the Sigma and will use the cost saving to buy a good quality focusing rail - absolutely invaluable for half life-size and bigger. Buy a good solid model as flimsy ones are worse than useless. BTW - am very happy with the quality - build & optical of the Sigma.

Nick

Evan Effa said:
I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

--
NT-D
http://www.pbase.com/taydel/

Tom Nolle · Apr 24, 2003

I just got the Sigma 180mm Macro EX, and it's a little too early for me to give you a thorough test report with the S2, but on first use I really like the lens. My reason for selecting the tele-macro was that I knew based on my use of wide-angle lenses with macro focusing that I often had a problem having to get too close to the subject. With the 180, the 1:1 size is reached out at about 10 inches on the S2. WIth a 60mm, it would be about half that distance.

Tom

Nick Taylor-Delahoy said:
I was in a similar poistion to you and I looked hard at both the
Nikon & Sigma 105s. I chose the Sigma and will use the cost saving
to buy a good quality focusing rail - absolutely invaluable for
half life-size and bigger. Buy a good solid model as flimsy ones
are worse than useless. BTW - am very happy with the quality -
build & optical of the Sigma.

Nick

Evan Effa said:

I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

Click to expand...

--
NT-D
http://www.pbase.com/taydel/

see ya' · Apr 24, 2003

I have this lens as well. It's very sharp, and the extra magnification allows for more lighting options.

Tom Nolle said:
Tom

Nick Taylor-Delahoy said:

I was in a similar poistion to you and I looked hard at both the
Nikon & Sigma 105s. I chose the Sigma and will use the cost saving
to buy a good quality focusing rail - absolutely invaluable for
half life-size and bigger. Buy a good solid model as flimsy ones
are worse than useless. BTW - am very happy with the quality -
build & optical of the Sigma.

Nick

Evan Effa said:

I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

Click to expand...

--
NT-D
http://www.pbase.com/taydel/

Click to expand...

ResIpsaLoquitur · Apr 24, 2003

Get the Tamron 90mm 1:1 Macro. Very sharp, reasonably light, true 1:1 macro, great value.

RIL

Evan Effa said:
I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

Evan Effa · Apr 24, 2003

Thanks for the feedback. These are beautiful and inspiring images.

-Evan

By the way, What is a "Focussing Rail"?

robertfel · Apr 24, 2003

I've been doing product work lately. I never shoot flowers.

I have the 105, it's an excellent lens, though I wouldn't mind SW. But I may purchase the 60 soon because I need more DOF on occasion at a given aperture.

Robert

Evan Effa said:
I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Babe · Apr 25, 2003

If you want the 60 for more DOF, let me be the first to tell you, it's paper, paper thin with the 60. I have one, I love it, it's sharp and plenty contrasty but the DOF is a real fine line and I have to always check. Ok I like it sticking it right up close. I'm planning may be to pick up a longer lens, not the 105mm but maybe a 200 or sigma 180 or even maybe just for the helluva of it a 90mm.

robertfel said:
I have the 105, it's an excellent lens, though I wouldn't mind SW.
But I may purchase the 60 soon because I need more DOF on occasion
at a given aperture.

Robert

Evan Effa said:

I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Click to expand...

--
I live to eat therefore I cook well, if I live to photograph would it happen?

Das Leben ist kurz. Also los - gibt GAS!!!!!

AndreK · Apr 25, 2003

Evan,

I took this picture in Central Park yesterday. This was taken handheld since I didn't bring my tripod that day. This is with the Sigma 105 EX macro lens.
I love this lens. It is a very sharp lens.

Exposure info: org,org,hard - 1/125 @ f11

Good luck with your choice

Andre

Evan Effa said:
I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

Evan Effa · May 8, 2003

Andre-

Very impressive.

-Evan

AndreK said:
I took this picture in Central Park yesterday. This was taken
handheld since I didn't bring my tripod that day. This is with the
Sigma 105 EX macro lens.
I love this lens. It is a very sharp lens.

Exposure info: org,org,hard - 1/125 @ f11

Good luck with your choice

Andre

Evan Effa said:

I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

Click to expand...

Bill T · May 8, 2003

I got the 105 nikkor micro and I just love it.
Bill.

Evan Effa said:
Very impressive.

-Evan

AndreK said:

I took this picture in Central Park yesterday. This was taken
handheld since I didn't bring my tripod that day. This is with the
Sigma 105 EX macro lens.
I love this lens. It is a very sharp lens.

Exposure info: org,org,hard - 1/125 @ f11

Good luck with your choice

Andre

Evan Effa said:

I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Ferenc · May 9, 2003

...it's the best of everything:
macro,
depth-of-field,
low-light performance,
sharpness.

It is well built, comes with a metallic hood and it is so sharp that it literally "hurts" the S2's SuperCCD, especially at f/5.6.

You can check its overall rating at:

http://www.photozone.de/bindex2.html

Go to "Nikkor AF(-S) & AI-S" link, and look and do an on-line query for 50mm Lenses, Nikon-compatible, all apertures.

Best regards,

Ferenc

Evan Effa said:
I am considering the purchase of a micro Nikkor for my S2. I am
more interested in shots of flowers and modestly small detail
without necessarily getting into the microscopic details.

Although I am partial to the 105/2.8 AF lens and many folks seem to
recommend this lens for film based cameras...are there significant
disadvantages in reducing the DOF with the longer focal length?
Does the 1.5 FOV allow a better working distance with the 60 mm
Micro Nikkor?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks.

-Evan

Mike Flood · May 9, 2003

Here's a hand-held close-up of a US 37 cent stamp.
There are camera settings displayed along with the photo.

http://www.pbase.com/image/11776318&exif=Y
--
Mike Flood

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Macro lens choice

Evan Effa

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alex from holland

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Dioni

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andy07

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chasg

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Nick Taylor-Delahoy

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Tom Nolle

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see ya'

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ResIpsaLoquitur

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Evan Effa

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robertfel

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Babe

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AndreK

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Evan Effa

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Bill T

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Ferenc

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