Macro Lens for D50?

I bought the Nikon d50 dual lens kit. I love taking close-ups and being artistic with them. What is a good macro lens for a reasonable price? Under $500?

Thanks!

G) Macro Lenses
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Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX Macro ($230) – A good bang for the buck. This lens renders life size images (1:1) as opposed to the Canon model which only has 0.5x magnification (1:2). Because it is a "budget lens," it lacks any form of USM/HSM, so focusing is slow. But what do you expect for $200?

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro ($400) – Popular telephoto macro. The Canon/Nikon 100mm version is better but costs nearly 50% more. Similar in usage to the Sigma below.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX Macro ($350) – Popular telephoto macro. The Canon/Nikon 100mm version is better but costs nearly 50% more. This is a steal for what it costs.

Sigma 180mm f/2.8 EX APO Macro HSM ($650) - Has some issues with focusing, but the sharpness is undeniable. Great alternative to the more expensive Canon/Nikon versions. Sigma also makes a popular 150mm macro lens if 180mm is a bit too long.

Summary: It's hard to go wrong with any dedicated macro lens. Just pick the focal lengths you need, and you're set!



any other suggestions? this the best list?

I bought a Phoenix 100mm that you can shoot at 2:1 or has a teleconverter that shoots 1:1. It isn't a real expensive lens, so if you are on a budget (like me), it costs about $150. I bought mine at adorama.com, but a co-worker of mine bought his at b&h. You can check out my home page at the link below, as I have 2 or 3 macro photos on there I used with the Phoenix lens on my D50.......doug


http://home.mchsi.com/~dougolsen2/ws...ome.html-.html

Anyone saying that the Tamron 90mm f2.8 is nt as good as the Nikon 105mm or Canon 100mm does not know what they are talking about. The USM of the Canon is very nice and fast though, but does not improve image quality. The Tamron tops the Nikon, and also it is a lot nicer to use (easy switching between manual and auto focus, very nice manual focus mechanics (very precise to operate).

If you need to be careful with your budget, get a 50mm Sigma. If you want a the best lens for under 500$, get the Tamron 90mm. If you want a Nikon, get the 60mm f2.8 micro. It bests the 105mm in image quality.

Nikkor 60mm AF-D f/2.8 Micro is a great lens for macro photography
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography...mf28/index.htm
here if you want to read an overview of the lens with samples
the lens is under 500 bucks and it is excellent

Thanks for the responses. Once again, I will now drive myself crazy with research!

Actually, according to the tests at photozone.de, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 ($449) is close to the AF Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 ($659), but at f/2.8 is considerably softer. After f/4 they are very similar with the Nikkor edging out the Tamron by a wisker in sharpness.;)

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len...5_28/index.htm

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len...0_28/index.htm

If you are planning to use f/2.8 on a regular basis and/or need the extra 15mm FL, the Nikkor is worth the extra $200. Or you can pick one up on e-Bay for arround $400.

The Tamron seems to be a great choice, and coldrain does own one, so he has some experience with it.

Don't confuse the AF Micro Nikkor 105mm with the new AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR (about $900), or the Manual (non-AF) version of this lens (will not work well on the D50, D70, or D70s).

You can't go wrong with either lens, but again the AF Nikkor is sharper at f/2.8.

Well, not all tests rate the 105mm as good. Colorfoto found it to be less sharp and contrasty (tested both on DX2 and D200 I think), and Digital Camera World also preferred the Tamron 90mm above the Nikon 105, although they were not tested on the same camera (sigma and nikon on a nikon, Canon and tamron on a Canon).

I picked my Tamron up from e-bay (possibly a dodgy import to UK from HK). In any event, I think it's a great lens. I'd have no hesitation in recommending it to you.

So far, this is the list I am getting from the forums:

Tamron 90mm

Nikkor 60mm

Nikkor 105mm

Sigma 105mm

Sigma 50mm


plus, some suggestions on just getting macro/closeup filters.

I am trying ot do my homework on this. I do like macro photos.