For you Nikon users, I've got to do some micro work and I don't have a lens. This is going to be jewelry shots for a catalog. What would you recommend that doesn't break the bank? Will a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 work? I think I'm going to get it anyway since it's an excellent lens at a 125.00 price tag. Give me some feedback so I know what to look for. I've been looking for the last couple of days and I decided to ask those of you that would know...

I have a 50 /1.8 and it won't really go close enough for things like jewelry.

Minimum focus distance on the 50mm 1.8 is 1.5', which is way too far for macro.  You're going to want a proper macro lens, and those aren't cheap.  The 60mm 2.8 Macro is a little over $500; it focuses down to .72', or half the distance of the 50mm 1.8.  At just about twice the price, the 105mm 2.8 VR Macro focuses down to 1', and also makes an amazing portrait lens.  I have both of these and like them a lot.

Quote from: disorderly on May 25, 2010, 17:02
Minimum focus distance on the 50mm 1.8 is 1.5', which is way too far for macro.  You're going to want a proper macro lens, and those aren't cheap.  The 60mm 2.8 Macro is a little over $500; it focuses down to .72', or half the distance of the 50mm 1.8.  At just about twice the price, the 105mm 2.8 VR Macro focuses down to 1', and also makes an amazing portrait lens.  I have both of these and like them a lot.

I've been checking out the 105mm f/2.8 AF micro. It's the older version with out the VR which I really don't care about because it will be used with a tripod.....AND it's half the price of the VR model.
Between the 60mm and the 105mm...which would you choose?

Nikkor 105 f2.8
Here's one used for $529 at B&H great price for that lens - (not the New VR lens) but its what I have and love it. 99% of the time it on a tripod so I see no disadvantage in it not being a VR lens.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800702024-USE/Nikon_1988_Telephoto_AF_Micro_Nikkor.html

Ditto on the nikkor 105mm 2.8 micro.
I also have the older non VR version and it's my absolute favourite lens. Very sharp, up to 1:1 and perfect for portraits too!

I think you have sold me on the 105mm. It sounds like it is more versatile, less limited. I found one on e-bay for 529.99 and it comes with a 52in wide angle collapsible hood and it's used of course. Same price as the one at B&H but with the extra wide angle hood.

Hi all,

I have 50 mm 1.8 and if you buy tubes set you are good to go in macro world. With tubes you don't loose optical quality just stop or Two.
Another alternative is to buy the 50 mm and close-up lens (Nikon 4T). (if you are on buget)
But 50 mm 1.8 lens and tubes (or close-up lens) cost almost as much as 60 mm 2.8 D macro lens (I have that one too) which is great lens and built very well.
For me, 60 mm macro is better choice than the 105 mm, but for you ?!?
They both focus down to 1:1, which is often the main reason you look for in a macro lens. The 105 mm just does it from farther away. Most people like to have longer working distance in the field.
A 60 mm macro lens is a better choice if you're copying photos or small objects on a copy stand with dedicated lights (as jewelry in this case). I like bit wider for close-ups.

Sorry about rambling. I'm just throwing out ideas. Think about what subjects you want to photograph, search internet on the subject and look at the lenses and then decide.

Hope this helps,

Good luck deciding.

I have read that the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di is a good macro lens, although I have no personal experience with it.  See write up at bottom of this web page:

http://www.bythom.com/105AFSlens.htm

Quote from: packerguy on May 25, 2010, 18:36
I have read that the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di is a good macro lens, although I have no personal experience with it.  See write up at bottom of this web page:

http://www.bythom.com/105AFSlens.htm

It is good. Sold it last year.
Nikon has beter color.

Quote from: donding on May 25, 2010, 17:11

Quote from: disorderly on May 25, 2010, 17:02Minimum focus distance on the 50mm 1.8 is 1.5', which is way too far for macro.  You're going to want a proper macro lens, and those aren't cheap.  The 60mm 2.8 Macro is a little over $500; it focuses down to .72', or half the distance of the 50mm 1.8.  At just about twice the price, the 105mm 2.8 VR Macro focuses down to 1', and also makes an amazing portrait lens.  I have both of these and like them a lot.

I've been checking out the 105mm f/2.8 AF micro. It's the older version with out the VR which I really don't care about because it will be used with a tripod.....AND it's half the price of the VR model.Between the 60mm and the 105mm...which would you choose?

I had the older 105mm f/2.8 on a D300 and it's unbelievably sharp. it's mostly metal and built like a tank. Pretty outdated but a great lens.

If you really want to do macro I'd stick with the 105mm. At 60mm you need to get very close to subjects which can start interfering with lighting.

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on May 25, 2010, 19:02


I had the older 105mm f/2.8 on a D300 and it's unbelievably sharp. it's mostly metal and built like a tank. Pretty outdated but a great lens.

If you really want to do macro I'd stick with the 105mm. At 60mm you need to get very close to subjects which can start interfering with lighting.

That's my concern with the 60mm. I don't want to have to worry about a lens affecting the lighting. The 105mm sounds like a better all around lens. I want the sharpness also, which from everything I've read, it is a very sharp lens.

Quote from: sc on May 25, 2010, 17:40
Nikkor 105 f2.8
Here's one used for $529 at B&H great price for that lens - (not the New VR lens) but its what I have and love it. 99% of the time it on a tripod so I see no disadvantage in it not being a VR lens.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800702024-USE/Nikon_1988_Telephoto_AF_Micro_Nikkor.html

Thanks sc...the link worked....but I just went back there again and someone already snatched it up.....oh well....wasn't meant to be

Haven't had time to look but try
http://www.keh.com/

Quote from: sc on May 25, 2010, 20:50
Haven't had time to look but try
http://www.keh.com/

Heh thanks...I booked marked that page!! They seem to have really good prices.

Quote from: donding on May 25, 2010, 22:00

Quote from: sc on May 25, 2010, 20:50
Haven't had time to look but try
http://www.keh.com/

Heh thanks...I booked marked that page!! They seem to have really good prices.

BTW thanks sc, this is a great site. Cheeper than e-bay and a huge selection. Ended up getting a used 105mm f2.8 in E+ condition for 525.00 and a 50mm f1.8 in E+ condition for 109.00. Thanks alot for the link.

Your Welcome
Glad you found what you needed.

Best Nikon lens testing site I have found:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html

c h e e r s
fred

Quote from: Fred on May 28, 2010, 00:32
Best Nikon lens testing site I have found:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html

c h e e r s
fred

Hey Fred,
Try kenrockwell.com

Quote from: Kone on May 28, 2010, 00:36

Quote from: Fred on May 28, 2010, 00:32
Best Nikon lens testing site I have found:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html

c h e e r s
fred

Hey Fred,
Try kenrockwell.com

This site is good too...and best of all most of the lens were tested on a D200
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview#nikon_aps

Quote from: donding on May 27, 2010, 20:18

Quote from: donding on May 25, 2010, 22:00

Quote from: sc on May 25, 2010, 20:50
Haven't had time to look but try
http://www.keh.com/

Heh thanks...I booked marked that page!! They seem to have really good prices.

BTW thanks sc, this is a great site. Cheeper than e-bay and a huge selection. Ended up getting a used 105mm f2.8 in E+ condition for 525.00 and a 50mm f1.8 in E+ condition for 109.00. Thanks alot for the link.

Keh is a reputable dealer and you'll find good things there. I have done much business with them over the years.

Quote from: stormchaser on May 28, 2010, 01:22

Quote from: donding on May 27, 2010, 20:18

Quote from: donding on May 25, 2010, 22:00

Quote from: sc on May 25, 2010, 20:50
Haven't had time to look but try
http://www.keh.com/

Heh thanks...I booked marked that page!! They seem to have really good prices.

BTW thanks sc, this is a great site. Cheeper than e-bay and a huge selection. Ended up getting a used 105mm f2.8 in E+ condition for 525.00 and a 50mm f1.8 in E+ condition for 109.00. Thanks alot for the link.

Keh is a reputable dealer and you'll find good things there. I have done much business with them over the years.

You can't beat those prices. I've got to send them my 18-200 lens for repair also. After what you said I have no worries now. It's been no good for over 6 months now and I've hesitated to mail it to any repair shop not knowing who or how they are, but you just relieved my worries. Thanks