D850 Macro lens

[BigusDickus]

What is the macro lens of choice for the d850? ... I am looking at getting a macro lens and was thinking of the Sigma 150 os version. ... how well does it work with the d850 and what alternatives are there please?

 

[Richard James]

What is the macro lens of choice for the d850? ... I am looking at getting a macro lens and was thinking of the Sigma 150 os version. ... how well does it work with the d850 and what alternatives are there please?

First question: focal length.

If you want to shoot subjects that bite/sting, go long.

If you want to shoot the underside of mushrooms (often essential for ID) without killing them, go short...

100+/- is sort of a compromise, works for most situations.

I have used 2 generations of Nikon's 105 and am very happy.

Technically, resolution and the point where diffraction becomes an issue are relevant.

Richard

 

[PHXAZCRAIG]

What is the macro lens of choice for the d850? ...

There were really only two choices, from Nikon. The 60 and the 105vr. The 60 is both too short and lacks VR. The 105vr is a decent all-purpose lens in addition to a good macro lens. (The z version is better in both respects).

The 105 gets a lot of sales because it is a decent compromise focal length. Not too long for non-macro, long enough you can get some lighting between the camera and lens. VR and autofocus are handy, though not that much for true macro.

I am looking at getting a macro lens and was thinking of the Sigma 150 os version. ... how well does it work with the d850 and what alternatives are there please?

I have not used one with a D850, but it seems like it should be fine. The 105 is as long as you see a macro lens without a tripod ring, but the 150 & 180 Sigmas have that. If you are shooting true macro, you definitely want a tripod, and you probably want a focus rail too.

Macro lenses are mostly similar, with excellent (close-up) resolution and very flat fields. The biggest different is in focal length which is mostly important for working distance from the subject. Myself, I do a lot of macro shooting (mostly near macro) underwater shooting creatures about the size of a US quarter. I typically can only get close enough to fill the frame in DX mode, and I've figured out (using a 1.4TC) that 150mm would be the perfect focal length for me. Basically allows me to approach creatures the way I usually do, but mostly fill the frame.

For macro shooting in general, lighting is a big key. When you are shooting at F16-F29, you are going to need to add your own strobe(s), so keep that in mind.

 

[Richard James]

What is the macro lens of choice for the d850? ...

The 105 ... Not too long for non-macro, long enough you can get some lighting between the camera and lens. VR and autofocus are handy, though not that much for true macro.

Agree, I almost always use a tripod and manual focus or focus stacking.

.. and you probably want a focus rail too.

or use the built-in focus stacking, o (better, IMO) Helicon Focus.

For macro shooting in general, lighting is a big key. When you are shooting at F16-F29, you are going to need to add your own strobe(s), so keep that in mind.

Yes.... or, depending on the subject (movement) longer time or higher ISO. If you need lighting I would say 100/105 is the minimum.

Richard

 

[nick10]

I don't know about the Sigma, but here are some photos with two macro lenses I tried on my D850



First the Micro-Nikkor AF-S 60mm f2.8G ED







And the Micro-Nikkor Ai-s 55m f2.8

 

[1971_M5]

I use the 60 with the ES-2 for slide copying - very convenient. I think it is a wonderful lens with great feel/contrast for normal stuff and of course very sharp for close-up. Small and light.

 

[PHXAZCRAIG]

These are underwater shots, for what that's worth. I'm imaging a tiny Wire Shrimp on Wire Coral. Even at minimum focus distance there will be cropping needed.




There is a Wire Shrimp between the finger and the camera.




A little closer



Here's another example.


There are two Wire Shrimp on this Wire Coral.




100% crop

The 105z is even a bit sharper.

--
Phoenix Arizona Craig
www.cjcphoto.net
"I miss the days when I was nostalgic."

 

[Michael Benveniste]

The 150mm f/2.8 OS was discontinued a number of years ago. With pre-“global vision” Sigma lenses compatibility is always a concern, although firmware upgrades may still be available.


The “right” focal length for a macro lens depends on your application. A 150mm is good for “bug hunting,” and can double as a general purpose medium telephoto. But for “table top” use, the extra working distance can be a liability. And a 55mm or 60mm macro lens makes film digitization a lot more convenient.

Optically, I haven’t found a modern macro lens which wasn’t at least excellent. Your D850 can use “screwdriver” macro lenses such as the 60mm f/2.8D or 200mm f/4, but they do not allow use of the focus stacking feature.

 

[smallegret]

I have the Nikkor AF 105mm F2.8D macro which was used as a reference lens for sharpness in it's day .... it's still a great lens and not expensive you should be able to pick one up for peanuts ..... all metal solid and chunky/clunky ....I use it for portraits as well as macro.

The other is the Sigma 150mm F2.8 macro HSM EX APO MkI (non OS) it's very sharp even wide open with lovely bokeh and very little longitudinal fringing (APO) .... it's great for portrait too being sharp wide open ... It's one of my favourite lenses.

The OS version is supposed to be even better ... I would recommend either of them !

 

[archrich]

I use a Sigma 105mm and the Nikkor 200mm f4 on my D850 and I’m impressed by both combinations. I stay with manual focus on the 200mm f4.

Both lenses accept my Godox MF-12 flash setup nicely.

 

[TheSoaringSprite]

What is the macro lens of choice for the d850? ... I am looking at getting a macro lens and was thinking of the Sigma 150 os version. ... how well does it work with the d850 and what alternatives are there please?

I used to use the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro with my D500 and it was a good combination. I still own this combo, but since moving to the Z system, I haven't used it. It's a sharp lens that gives you some room between camera and shy insects. I had the older, non-OS version, so the one you're talking about is probably even better.

That being said, with every firmware update from Nikon, there's a risk that the AF will no longer work with the Sigma. They do offer to update the lens firmware if/when that happens, but for how long? Great lens, as long as new Nikon firmware doesn't interfere.

You can see sample images with the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX APO Macro EX DG HSM in my dedicated gallery.

--
http://www.dreamsourcestudio.com
@TheSoaringSprite

 

[longjohn]

I'm new to the D850, and new to macro lenses as well. Just picked up a used Nikon AF 200mm F4 micro. It'll take some learning, but even handheld managed some decent results.

 

[AWG_Pics]

60mm f2.8

105mm f2.8

150mm f2.8

200mm f4

 

[BigusDickus]

I'm new to the D850, and new to macro lenses as well. Just picked up a used Nikon AF 200mm F4 micro. It'll take some learning, but even handheld managed some decent results.

Great, this is also the lens I ended up buying.....Great bu















ild quality, more than sharp enough and a good working distance for nervous critters......I was lucky to find one in excellent condition in the original box and carry case.....

 

[BigusDickus]

I'm new to the D850, and new to macro lenses as well. Just picked up a used Nikon AF 200mm F4 micro. It'll take some learning, but even handheld managed some decent results.

Yes, it will take a little learning. one thing I have always done in the past is carry one of those lightweight monopods with the small fold out feet. The are so light you forget you are carrying it.

 

[ASR45]

The Nikon 105 I use, just could not get on with the sigma.

 

[smallegret]

Hi guys my name is Uka and I love life ... now where did I bury my bone?

Nikon D850 with the Nikkor AF105mm F.8D taken wide open .......

 

[ASR45]

Thats a beautiful image.

Hi guys my name is Uka and I love life ... now where did I bury my bone?

Nikon D850 with the Nikkor AF105mm F.8D taken wide open .......

--
Alan.
Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.
- Peter Adams
Believe in Karma.

 

[Dak on cam]

Nikon D850 with the Nikkor AF105mm F.8D taken wide open .......

That is almost as wide as the near-mythical Zeiss Planar 50mm F.7 at double the focal length.

 

[smallegret]

Nikon D850 with the Nikkor AF105mm F.8D taken wide open .......

That is almost as wide as the near-mythical Zeiss Planar 50mm F.7 at double the focal length.

Yeah ..... but my one is actually mythical

(when I noticed it, it was too late to change ..... of course F2.8)