geralddean53 Loc: Ronceverte, WV

This is my very first post on Ugly Hedgehog. I have been looking at the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro-D Macro lens for my Nikon D7000 camera. My only other exposure to macro is a set of extension tubes, but I would like more distance between the lens and the subject. I am asking for feedback on the optical quality, mechanical quality and ease of use for this lens. I have read several reviews on quality websites, but I thought I would pose this question to experienced photographers on UHH. I just can not afford a more expensive macro lens at this focal length, and I have had this lens on backorder at B&H and Adorama for months. Thank you!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I have and use a AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED. Great lens. 1:1 and I can be about 1 foot away from my subject. I do not know the specs on the Tokina. I would go with the Nikon assuming you have no budget contraints.

JPL

It is easiest to get info by looking for reviews and tests of this lens on google or youtube.

I did a quick look, here is one well known guy in the test and review business that recommends this lens over Nikon. http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/100mm-f28.htm

I think you are making the right choice, you will not get anything better, even if you spend double the money on other lenses.

Quixdraw Loc: x

I recently bought the old model AF Micro Nikkor 105 2.8 D on line very inexpensively. I have been using it on my DF with and without a TC201 Teleconverter and getting very good results (at least for someone new to Macro work.) You might want to take a look at that option as well. Mine came from Japan and was as new.

OviedoPhotos

I own a Nikon 70/180 f4.5-5.6 macro lens. Its actually worth more used than it cost new. The zoom feature is very convenient.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I use the old manual 105 f4 AIS Micro Nikkor and I do not have any experience with this Tokina lens but what I have seen from it has been excellent in terms of contrast, clarity, sharpness and colors.
Tamron also makes an excellent macro lens which happens to be more popular than this one made by Tokina.
By the way, these lenses can also be used as a regular tele and they are excellent for portraits.

jimoth001 Loc: Illinois

Got it, love it, use it a lot, macro and non-macro, first on a D5100, now on a D500.

It can be a bit clunky moving the lens barrel from macro to non-macro (there's a limit switch to stay on one side or the other), but other than that it's an excellent lens at an excellent value providing great photos when I do my side of the job right. Most times I pick up my camera, it's on there, and I just go with it for whatever I'm shooting.

geralddean53 Loc: Ronceverte, WV

Thanks to all for your highly-valued advice. I will take all of your recommendations under strong consideration!

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

I have this lens and used it a lot on my D7100 and love its performance. It is a great lens optically and mechanically and you will enjoy using this lens.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I have this lens and will predict you won't be disappointed. The optical quality is about 98% of the best macros at less than 1/2 the cost. Build quality is second to none.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

It's best to stay clear of Rockwell - he often reviews products he has never touched. If you still believe he is credible, this is a quote from his About page,

"Apparently the world finds my opinions very useful, but remember, they are the opinions of one man. I have a big sense of humor, and do this site to entertain you (and myself), as well as to inform and to educate. I occasionally weave fiction and satire into my stories to keep them interesting. I love a good hoax. Read The Museum of Hoaxes, or see their site. A hoax, like some of the things I do on this website, is done as a goof simply for the heck of it by overactive minds as a practical joke. . . I have the energy and sense of humor of a three-year old, so remember, this is a personal website, and never presented as fact. I enjoy making things up for fun, as does The Onion, and I publish them here — even on this page."

He is best ignored - but to some it can be entertaining. To others who actually read his about page, the entertainment value is watching how many people quote him as an authoritative source.

That being said, I have not used the Tokina, but seeing as it has been not available for months, I think it's best to begin looking at alternatives.

Here is one, at exactly the same price point, and also highly regarded:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIGMA-DG-EX-105mm-F-2-8-D-MACRO-LENS-FOR-NIKON-CAMERAS-/162127582507?hash=item25bf8e952b:g:Ks4AAOSwbYZXYIfA

if you are lucky, you can score the non-OS version of the Sigma 150 F2.8 Macro - for just a few pennies more. I got mine shortly after they released the OS version, and paid $400.

The thing about true macro prime lenses is that I have never seen a bad one. So it's pretty hard to go wrong.

Here are a couple of other alternatives worth looking into in the 100-105 mm range, and a couple of Sigma 150s :

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/36857/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwwry8BRDjsbjMpPSDvagBEiQA5oW0nGBIldrBowgERwU4Cv3N2QvzYGOpWmaBDAQJejr74GQaAkoH8P8HAQ&c3api=1876%2C72118895162%2C

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/36855/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwwry8BRDjsbjMpPSDvagBEiQA5oW0nHoZbYtcqlbaT9vzqqmiHyT6dwKMOfrR4nJcVIVAryEaAkEb8P8HAQ&c3api=1876%2C72118895162%2C

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/148530/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwwry8BRDjsbjMpPSDvagBEiQA5oW0nIMvBNRRMrzzR4A0FdCx_2AyxPJoFn8R_cZF9uMk5nkaAgsR8P8HAQ&c3api=1876%2C72118895162%2C

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-SIGMA-AF-150mm-F2-8-APO-MACRO-DG-HSM-for-Nikon-107366-K154-/222188425879

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-SIGMA-AF-150mm-F2-8-APO-MACRO-DG-HSM-for-Nikon-102548-J228-/331910310710


I've owned the Nikon MF 105, the Sigma 105, and found the working distance to be a little short - so I ended up getting the Sigma 150 macro and a Tamron 180 macro and I no longer scare away the butterflies and bees.

CDphotography

Try shooting your macro shots with your 300 lens and setting your Nikon on the sports setting. Put your red dot in your view finder right on your target. You will need to back off your subject in order for your camera to accept the shot. This is good for insects, butterflies, etc.

richardsaccount

"The Angry Photographer" on Youtube, (Ken Wheeler), rates the Tokina
as a top best buy. Check out his video. Warning though, he can be a bit vulgar.
Rich Palmer

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I use the Tamron 180 macro to give me greater distance from the subject

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

Gerald, I bought the Tokina 100 mm 2.8 and used it with my D7000. It's a great lens, very sharp.