Nikon 70-300 VR

[patdanz]

Just bought the Nikon 70-300 VR lens for my Nikon D60 body, after dropping the tamron 70-300mm in a waterfall in Thailand - oops.

Only thing is I can't seem to get the thing to focus on any close range subjects - the tamron had a macro setting, although this seemed to just lock the focal range - but I've now noticed the f stop on the Nikon isn't quite as low. Is this just me, or can I not do my 'macro' shots with the nikon lens ?

 

[kingbling11]

The nikon is not a macro lens. The minimum focal distance is 5 ft. I use it very frequently for sports. If you look at the body end, there is a guage telling you the focal distance. This shows that it wont focus any closer that 5ft

 

[patdanz]

Ah... that would be why. I realise the tamron was not a dedicated macro lens either, but would the macro switch offer some clever optics or does it just limit the focal range and essentially offer the same 5ft limitations as the nikon ?

 

[jomike]

In the "macro" setting on the Tamron 70-300 (and the Sigma equivalent) the lens extends further allowing it to focus closer (about 2.5 ft). It is about the same effect as adding extension tubes to the lens. Thr Nikon 70-300VR does not have this setting, and is the main reason why I have not upgraded my Sigma 70-300APO to this lens as I use the macro setting a lot.