Best budget Macro Lens?

[Expresbro]

May 12, 2009 at 9:44 am

I’m thinking of picking up a prime Macro lens to try and dabble in a bit of macro photography. Ideally I’d like the get the Nikkor 105mm VR..but it’s just a little too rich for me.

I’ve looked at a few alternatives, namely the Tokina 90mm which looks pretty useful. Has anyone got any recommendations suggestions?

From what I’ve read the Nikkor 60mm just gets a little too close for comfort, but is fairly cheap compared to the 105mm.

I’m sure I can live without the VR, although would be handy when using the lens for non Macro stuff.

Thanks

Robbie

[stcstc]

May 12, 2009 at 9:53 am

robbie a client of mine uses the tokina and swears by it

i think he got it from sheldon

s

[Expresbro]

May 12, 2009 at 10:16 am

Cool..thanks Steve..it does seem a nice lens for the price. Never used a Tokina lens before..so would be a first ;-)

Oh btw Steve, went through those discs for your little guy and I have a whole heap that are duplicated on my new high capacity discs, so have about 20 or so put by for ya.

R

[Gizzo]

May 12, 2009 at 10:21 am

my word.
you have nikon, which is the best when it comes to macro-photography.
just pick the 105vr…..

having said that, the Tokina 90mm is ok…

[Expresbro]

May 12, 2009 at 10:29 am

I know that..but unfortunately i have limited pockets ;-)

Have considered the Nikkor 60mm Micro..but from what I’ve read you have to get really close to your subject..not always a clever option with some of those insects.. :-)

[Gizzo]

May 12, 2009 at 10:39 am

I think that working distance, when it comes to macro, it’s very subjective.

60mm will give you chance to shoot without tripod (on a bright day)
>150mm will give you a nicer background, that seems very popular nowadays..

I used a 100 macro (on aps & full frame) and I find it perfect for my needs. actually, I regret having sold it….
so personally I would stick with that focal lenght…

[richiehatch]

May 12, 2009 at 11:52 am

heh Robbie

Sigma 105 f2.8 or 150 f2.8 are both very good and relatively affordable. I have
used both… if ye can stretch for the 150 go for it…! The extra reach helps with those
twitchy insects…!

http://www.photo4less.com/pd-productid-931-k-sigma_257306_sigma_telephoto_105mm_f28_ex_dg_macro_autofocus_lens_for_nikon_af_d.htm

http://www.photo4less.com/pd-productid-935-k-sigma_104306_sigma_telephoto_150mm_f28_ex_apo_macro_dg_hsm_autofocus_lens_for_nikon_af_d.htm

Richie

[Expresbro]

May 12, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Thanks guys.

I’m liking the look of that Sigma Richie. Gets really good reviews. Also like the idea of having a 105mm f2.8 lens for street stuff..and it’s meant to be super sharp as well.

[damien.murphy]

May 12, 2009 at 2:46 pm

Hi Robbie,

Hope I’m not violating thread etiquette;

I have a Tokina 100mm f2.8 macro which I’ve been thinking of moving on – if you’re interested drop me a pm and we can sort something out,

Damien

[Expresbro]

May 12, 2009 at 2:57 pm

Cheers Damien. Will send you a PM.

[Expresbro]

May 13, 2009 at 9:19 pm

Well…I bought the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro from Damien and have to say, the results of the couple of macro shots I took just a few minutes ago seem really impressive on the D300 preview screen. It’s a whole other level from the Sigma 70-300 Macro function. I’ll stick up a couple of sample shots tomorrow.

I’ll put it through it’s paces as a mid range portrait lens over the weekend as I have a shoot at an official opening of a club, so I’ll have lots of head and shoulders shots to grab at that.

[damien.murphy]

May 14, 2009 at 9:10 am

Hi Robbie, trust you enjoy the lens, and good shooting the weekend!

Damien