FX Nikon Macro lens?
Discussion
Nikkor 105 2.8 springs to mind immediately. Sigma 150mm 2.8 is another that scores well on MTF http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/624-sigma15028ff
All of the Nikon Micros are excellent.
Just start by considering your working distance, because this should decide which one is for you. For bugs and the like start at 200mm!
I have owned two micros - the first was a secondhand 55mm f/2.8. Very good lens, can be picked up cheap and great results for what it was designed. Unfortunately it was a bit of a one trick pony and for occasional walkabout use it showed up against other lenses, whereas the newer versions (60mm) are considerably better - could be used for portraits for example.
My current micro is the 105mm f/2.8. It gets a lot of use, and not just for close up. It's got all the coatings, the VR (which whilst not effective when rammed up quite close is otherwise handy) and with AF-S can be used with a TC for even better working distance.
I find it useful as a medium telephoto for lots of situations, and with the added benefit that you can get close in whenever some little detail calls for attention. The focus limit switch is handy to stop it hunting when used for more distant work.
It's only downsides are that it is a little bulky - not enough to put you off - and there's no aperture ring, being a "G", otherwise it could be even more useful with tubes or bellows. Oh, and since I bought mine (one of the few lenses I have ever bought brand new) it appears to have gone UP in price by at least £100. At about £450 (IIRC) I think it's great value, but you can't seem to get them secondhand for that today!
But you first need to decide what you are going to use it for, be sure there's not an alternative to a micro, then the working distance needed....oh and what's your budget?
Just start by considering your working distance, because this should decide which one is for you. For bugs and the like start at 200mm!
I have owned two micros - the first was a secondhand 55mm f/2.8. Very good lens, can be picked up cheap and great results for what it was designed. Unfortunately it was a bit of a one trick pony and for occasional walkabout use it showed up against other lenses, whereas the newer versions (60mm) are considerably better - could be used for portraits for example.
My current micro is the 105mm f/2.8. It gets a lot of use, and not just for close up. It's got all the coatings, the VR (which whilst not effective when rammed up quite close is otherwise handy) and with AF-S can be used with a TC for even better working distance.
I find it useful as a medium telephoto for lots of situations, and with the added benefit that you can get close in whenever some little detail calls for attention. The focus limit switch is handy to stop it hunting when used for more distant work.
It's only downsides are that it is a little bulky - not enough to put you off - and there's no aperture ring, being a "G", otherwise it could be even more useful with tubes or bellows. Oh, and since I bought mine (one of the few lenses I have ever bought brand new) it appears to have gone UP in price by at least £100. At about £450 (IIRC) I think it's great value, but you can't seem to get them secondhand for that today!
But you first need to decide what you are going to use it for, be sure there's not an alternative to a micro, then the working distance needed....oh and what's your budget?
PS Have a look at http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html for Bjørn Rørslett's detailed reviews (Click on "Lenses" on the left hand side, then "Special Purpose") There's no reviews I know that cover so many variants in the Nikkor line up, with one or two independent names in there two.
He particularly doesn't like the latest 105mm because of the "focal length shortening trick" and it's effect on close up working. To be honest, it's not that difficult - more of a quirk that you get used to.....
He particularly doesn't like the latest 105mm because of the "focal length shortening trick" and it's effect on close up working. To be honest, it's not that difficult - more of a quirk that you get used to.....
I have the older 105 (non VR), It's first class. It'll work with the tele converters too. One here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-AF-S-Micro-Nikkor-...
ETA - Full strtech:
ETA - Full strtech:
Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 23 May 09:11
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