Nikon 105mm Macro or Tamron 90mm Macro + Kenko Extension Tubes?

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Meds

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Merry Christmas All,

I'm very much a noob, who would like to try out some macro photography :)
So for my Christmas pressie to myself I've decided to have a try and get some new equipment. Based on my budget my options are:

1) Nikon 105mm Macro
2) Tamron 90mm Macro + Kenko Extension Tubes

Either option comes in at a similar price, maybe with option 2 I could even throw in a Tripod, what are your thoughts please?

I have a D90, 50mm Prime, and 18-105 kit lens :)

Not sure what I wanna shoot, maybe some insects, plants etc...
 
Funny I have JUST had the same dilema,

Canon 100mm Macro or Tamron 90mm

Guess what I bought, come on post where is my Canon.
 
I know the Nikkor is meant to be a better lens, but the Tamron does also get very good reviews, so it is a major dilema.

Jser I cant find your post, I tried searching
 
I too have a D90 and 50mm f1.8

I also have a set of Kenko tubes and with the 50mm you get better than 1:1, still with the excellent IQ of the 50mm.

TBH I would just get the tubes and play with your 50mm (ooer).
 
amnesia said:
TBH I would just get the tubes and play with your 50mm (ooer).
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I think that's good advice. Get a feel for whether macro really is for you and what you want to do with it before making the major purchase of a lens. The tubes will always be useful whatever lens you buy.

Jonathan
 
The Nikon is spectacular. My favourite lens, hands down. Had it for about 3 years now and it's almost permanently attached to my camera.

I'm sure the Tamron is fine, but I'd always go for the longer lens - just for working distance if you're planning on shooting anything alive. Shorter lens means getting closer to the subject.
 
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Thanks for the advice guys, I saw a Tamron in MM so may try and go for that :)

If i don't manage to get that I'm gonna head over to Norwich at the end of the week, and try them both out in a shop :)

Hows the Nikon for Portrait work??
 
Meds said:
Hows the Nikon for Portrait work??
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Merciless - it'll show every skin blemish your sitter has. :lol:
I think 105mm on a DX camera is long for portraiture but it depends on your individual style.
 
The Nikon is a bit long for studio work and many indoor situations, but outside it's a brilliant portrait lens. I've used it a lot to shoot zoo animals before I invested in a tele zoom. It's a great allrounder.
 
amnesia said:
I too have a D90 and 50mm f1.8

I also have a set of Kenko tubes and with the 50mm you get better than 1:1, still with the excellent IQ of the 50mm.

TBH I would just get the tubes and play with your 50mm (ooer).
Click to expand...

And get the decent tripod and head. You cannot shoot macro day in and day out without a good tripod.
 
ive got the tamron and its so sharp you could cut yourself on it. Also got the extention tubes and a 2x converter so i can get close to 5:1 magnification now :)

It does all make for a hefty setup, but i can see up a flys nose now.

 
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essexash
could you give me a bit more info mate regarding

"Also got the extention tubes and a 2x converter so i can get close to 5:1 magnification now"

I have got the Tamron lens but not sure on tubes and convertors. What would I be looking for.

thanks
 
Another vote for the Nikon 105mm, extremely sharp and capable lens for macro work :thumbs:

Never had a problem with it the couple of times Ive rented one, just considering saving the pennies to buy my own now :)
 
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