Nikon D5100 Macro/Micro lens recommendations?

SalsaFaye1983

SalsaFaye1983

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Hi all, I'm still a pretty basic point and shoot photographer at the mo, but I have a burning LOVE of taking close ups of flowers etc. I'd really like a lens especially for this purpose but I'm really not sure what the best one is (that I can afford at the moment).
I looked at the Nikon AF-S VR Micro 105mm lens but it is just too much. Can anyone give some real advice for a beginner that wants the best possible image possible with limited experience and a budget ideally under £400 at most, closer to a couple hundred.

Thanks!
 
If the lens is purely to be used for Macro, an older screw driven Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro should be findable under budget. Providing it's an AF one, it'll deal with the aperture via the control wheel/auto functions even though it won't AF. Many people use MF for Macro anyway, often setting the magnification ratio then moving the camera (or subject) back and forth to achieve focus. Of course, if your body has the AF motor built in, you'll still be able to use AF with the lens - it's a great lens for portraits if you have the space to get far enough away from the subject. There's also a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 which is as highly regarded as the Tamron - or, if you can stretch the budget to £450, I can point you towards a Nikkor 105mm from a dealer in the West Country...

Edit to strike through since the OP's body doesn't have the AF motor - left the info since it could help others.
 
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Try the Sigma 105mm 1.2.8d dg macro as Nod say's well worth the money have had really good results
Barry
 
Hi guys - thanks! So really the best couple choices are between these two: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamron-SP-9...7435&sr=1-2&keywords=Nikon+d5100+macro+lenses

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigma-105mm...718467&sr=1-1&keywords=sigma+105mm+macro+lens

Barry - you think the Sigma is the best of the two? Looks like I may be getting it as a part present for christmas - yey! Nod... think the Nikon is going to still be a push but massive thanks... perhaps when I get a good bit of savings i'll try to reach for more. I saw a lovely HUGE one for about £1199! LOL!
 
Hi Salsafay
Its a pity we don't live nearer as you could have borrowed it for a couple of day's.
good luck with what ever your choose
Barry
 
Thats the problem Barry... I have little ability to check and try before I buy, lol! I did consider putting some money aside when I have chance, to take an actual course to get some proper skill rather than luck... Might be able to do some tests with other lenses then too! :)
 
Could use one of the lens rental companies to try one out? I've use Leseforhire before, can be worth it if you are going for a bit outlay on a lens.
 
I have a Tamron adaptal 2. 35-70mm macro lens it was from my old SLR days i found a lens mount for my D90 an it take amazing photos there was one on E.bay for £20
 
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