Nikon Compatible Macro Lenses

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milster

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Gary
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What are the better macro lenses around for Nikon? I have a D3100 but will be upgrading to probably a d7000 later in the year. There's the Nikon 105mm but that's probably out of my budget at present so what would be my alternatives?
I want it to be a proper 1:1 macro lens if poss. It'll mainly be used for bugs and stuff.

Cheers,

Gary.
 
Bugs can be camera shy so a decent working distance from the front element can be useful. Since you're looking at lenses around the 100mm mark and f/2.8, seek out either the Tamron 90mm or Sigma 105mm, both great performers. Be aware that to keep AF on your D3100 (not so much for Macro but handy for other uses of the lens), you'll need the newer versions which have the AF motor built into the lens. Sigma call this HSM, Nikon call it AF-S and I'm not sure what Tamron call it!

Sounds like a trip to Mifsuds could be in order!!!
 
Cheers guys, done a fair bit with the Raynor which is a really short working distance. I'll have a look into the tamron.
 
Also worth considering or borrowing:
150mm sigma or 180mm sigma macro 1:1 versions.
Should give you the distance to not sppok the insects... too much.

I've got a 105mm micro (d version) which you might be able to find used for around 300 ish...


Worth popping to some used camera stores and leaving them a request for macro lenses... they might find one at a suitable price.

Good luck!
 
Vince, Gary's lucky enough to live within spitting distance of a fantastic 2nd hand dealer in Mifsuds! Can be a real detriment to one's wallet...

The longer option is a good idea for insects and I would have added them were it not for the extra cost and the mention of a 105mm in the OP.
 
Do you use auto focus with macro?
Is it important to pick an auto focus lens compatible with d3100 d5100 when buying one?
 
When I rented the 105mm AFS Nikon one I always used it in manual, set it to my desired ratio and then focused by moving the lens rather than twisting the focus ring.
 
Cheers guys,I don't really have a preference for focal length, I only said about the 105 Nikon because I'd heard nothing but good things about that. I don't really think I want anything as short as 40/60mm. Not overly bothered about auto focus as I say I'll be upgrading my camera later in the year and I've never used auto focus with the Raynox.....Got some options to look into now.
 
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I use the Tamron 90mm with my D7000 and it is cracking!
As already said at 1:1 autofocus is a waste of time!
If you get a D7000 you can use any of the Tamrons,the autofocus then becomes handy as it doubles up as a fantastic portrait lens!
 
Gr8Shot said:
Do you use auto focus with macro?
Is it important to pick an auto focus lens compatible with d3100 d5100 when buying one?
Click to expand...

I don't tend to use AF or VR when shooting 1:1 Macro but do use both when using my 105 Macro at lower magnification or as a shortish telephoto/portrait lens (as pointed out by Simon).
 
If you are not worried over AF then another excellent macro is the Tokina 100mm f2.8.
 
I bought the tamron 90mm last year and am perfeclty happy with it. It has the auto focus built in so im using it on d5000 just fine. It is a bit "hunty" though which was as the reviews said. But for £350 it made more sense than the nikon one that was about £600 at the time.

I use maunual focus mostly anyway, though not tried it with bugs yet so we will see. Mainly using it for home studio pruposes. It is good for portraits but i prefer my35mm 1.8 lens for that as it focuses better, and that was about £159 and is small and compact which is great for weddings and family occasions. Less intimidating for those being shot!
 
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