Need help finding an affordable macro lens!

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AWills

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what is the most affordable macro lens for Nikon cameras? I'd love to try one but I can only seem to find super expensive ones.

Is there a reliable place to buy second hand lenses?

I was originally looking at Nikon 105mm 2.8 but it's too much money for me right now.

Thank you!
 
Macro is often manual focus so if you can do without auto focus the most cost effective option could well be a film era manual focus lens.

Or tubes... or reversing a lens... or close up filters :D

I bought an old film era Sigma 50mm f2.8 and apart from the shape of the out of focus highlights (I prefer round) I really can't fault it :D
 
Thanks guys. Just to confirm, will the sigma 105mm work with my Nikon D3200?
 
AWills said:
Thanks guys. Just to confirm, will the sigma 105mm work with my Nikon D3200?
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Yes, as long as you buy the Nikon mount version!

The Sigma 105mm OS is actually one of the very best macro lenses on the market.
 
Thanks everyone! I think the Sigma will be the one! Is there a real difference between that and the Nikon version?
 
The Nikkor 105mm VR Micro f/2.8 feels sturdier than the Sigma or Tamron options but I doubt that anyone would notice any real difference in terms of IQ from them. Keep your eyes open on the usual suspects' websites (Ffordes, Mifsuds, MPB etc.) and you'll get lucky eventually!
 
I have the Sigma 105mm f2.8 OS and I thinks it's an excellent lens.
 
I have the sigma 105mm 2.8 and its excellent, however if your after cheap the Nikon 40mm f2.8 Macro lens is another option to consider. It just means you would have to get very close to your subject!
 
SIgma 105 great lens...
 
Isnt the tamron 90mm the go to budget macro option? things may have changed its not my area of photography.
 
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Also look at the Sigma 150mm f2.8. Works very well. Wouldn't bother with a macro under 105mm
 
odd jim said:
40mm might not be long enough for Macro?
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I would usually recommend the Sigma 105mm 2.8 as i have it and its stunningly sharp, however @AWills was after the most affordable macro lens. As i stated further up i think you have to get very close to your subject but if its just to try macro out £159 isn't a lot of money and is the most affordable lens i can think of!
 
Another vote for the Tamron 90mm I have the older version of this lens without vc etc. A while back I bought the Nikon 105 but quickly sold it on again as couldn't tell the difference with the images. The Tamron can be picked up at very reasonable costs.
 
f/2.8 said:
Another vote for the Tamron 90mm I have the older version of this lens without vc etc. A while back I bought the Nikon 105 but quickly sold it on again as couldn't tell the difference with the images. The Tamron can be picked up at very reasonable costs.
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If looking at older (second hand) Tamron 90mm ... remember you need to get one with a AF motor if you want AF on your D3x00.
 
Although if it's purely for macro use (I like the 90-105mm lenses for portraits on FF as well), manual focus works very well.
 
Another vote for the Tamron 90mm f2.8, a great macro lens for sensible money that also does a nice turn as a portrait lens. The only thing I don't like about it is the clutch mechanism to go from manual to AF, it's a bit clunky.
 
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