Macro Questions

[umijin]

Ok, at some point I will get a macro to use with my D90.

Most of the macro lens recommendations I've seen center around getting a lens with a focal length around 100. Nikon's 105 mm macro looks very nice, but is unaffordable at the moment. I recall Sigma has a 100mm and Tokina a 90mm macro.

I also notice that posters in this forum list macro lenses with zooms. In what situations would a zoom macro be more useful than a fixed FL macro?

Are there some general guidelines for macro lens selection?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[Ray Schnoor]

None of the zoom lenses which claim to be "macro" have nowhere near the macro capability of a dedicated macro lens. The zoom macro lenses have macro capabilities of around 1:2 where dedicated macro lenses have macro capabilities of 1:1. All this means is that you will get the frame more filled with your subject with a dedicated macro lens.

I have the Nikon 60mm macro along with a Tamron 90mm macro. Both are very nice.

Ray.

[N.C.F.]

Be sure to look at Sigma's new 150mm Macro. It's a BIGMA.

[swpars]

Be sure to look at Sigma's new 150mm Macro. It's a BIGMA.

I think the name for that one is the Bugma. :D

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/352426-USA/Sigma_104306_150mm_f_2_8_EX_APO.html

[RichNY]

Be sure to look at Sigma's new 150mm Macro. It's a BIGMA.

I've been using this lens for the past week. In summary, it is an excellent lens, incredibly sharp, relatively light lens, and has a build quality between Nikon consumer and pro glass.

The big thing to consider is whether or not hand holding is something you want to do with the lens. Up to 105mm all of the macro choices work great; once you get to 150mm-200mm you are going to want a tripod, preferably with a set of macro rails.

[umijin]

Thanks for the info. A follow-up Q on the Sigma 150mm Macro. The reviews on B&H indicate it can also be used as a portrait or telephoto lens as well. Is this generally true for long macro lenses?

Any comments on the other macros that are in the 100mm range?

Thanks!

[K1W1]

An 85mm Macro or a 100mm Macro is still a 85 or 100mm lens and can generally be used for all the things any 85 or 100mm lens can be used for PLUS being able to focus close enough to take macro photos.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

You didn't say what you want to shoot. Flowers shorter lengths, bugs longer. Around 90-110 is a good compromise that works passably for both and is a good length for portraiture. A prime will be sharper than a zoom and for macro you want sharp above all else in my opinion.

[umijin]

You didn't say what you want to shoot. Flowers shorter lengths, bugs longer. Around 90-110 is a good compromise that works passably for both and is a good length for portraiture. A prime will be sharper than a zoom and for macro you want sharp above all else in my opinion.

I'm an invertebrate biologist. Bugs and terrestrial crustaceans, exposed intertidal critters - plus an occasional flower. I live in Japan, and there are lots of interesting things at the fish markets too.

I may look at an underwater housing at some point, as I'm an avid diver. But tough to put a nice camera like this in a risky situation. If I can set up an aquarium lightbox, I may take shots there as well.

[craigyc]

I've decided that I too am going to start saving my precious pennies for a dedicated macro lens as I am pretty happy with my landscape/portrait set up for the moment. Time to take a leap in to the world of macro!

Now I just have to decide whether to get the budget Tamron 90mm or the more expensive Sigma 150mm! I'm leaning towards saving the extra £100 for the sigma at the moment.

[michaelb]

I've been using this lens for the past week. In summary, it is an excellent lens, incredibly sharp, relatively light lens, and has a build quality between Nikon consumer and pro glass....

The Sigma 105 is wonderful lens IMO; incredible value for the money. Nice portait lens too.

[BikerJohn]

I'm in the same boat as umijin where there will be a point where I will want a macro lens. (I definitely want an SB-600 first and possibly the 35 F1.8G before it, but I'm not sure if I'd use a macro or the 35 more often)

It looks like the Sigma Macro and the Tamron Macro are both $400. Which one is the better lens? I would be using it for springtime shots of different budding plants in the backyard bog. I was trying to get a good shot of spring peeper frog eggs this weekend, they were good, but could have been better. Then the portrait aspect would be fun with my daughters (6 and 3). But I kind of already get that with the 18-105 kit lens, but with a much higher f stop on the kit lens. So, I'm just curious as to what people here think is a better lens the Sigma or Tamron macro. (granted the Nikon is best, but much more money).

[Rooz]

BJ, either one will do the job well. the sigma 105mm and tamon 90mm are both well respected macro lens' and have been for a long time.