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60-mm versus 105-mm macro lenses
May 28, 2012 11:04:59 #
I have a Nikon D5000 with 2 kit lenses (18-55 and 70-210). I also use a Tamron 60mm F/2 Di, which I got when I asked a camera shop for something I could use for both bugs and portraits. I am very satisfied with the Tamron, which also makes a good walking-around lens. But I am considering a new lens to do some macros without having to get to within 3 inches for a 1:1. Would I be wasting money to buy the Nikon 105mm F/2.8 micro? Would I be better off with a longer lens (185mm)? How much quality would I lose if I just got an extension tube for the 60 mm? Your advice please.
May 28, 2012 11:15:48 #
i dont think you lose any quality with extension tubes, just distance. With a 105, you will still have to be around 6" to shoot 1:1 macros.tom
May 28, 2012 14:13:25 #
At Minimum Focusing Distance, a 60-mm macro lens has a Working Distance of 90-mm (3.5-inches) to achieve 1:1. With extension tubes, WD is even shorter for higher magnifications.
At MFD, a 105-mm macro lens has a WD of 160-mm (6.2-inches) to achieve 1:1.
At MFD, a 200-mm macro lens has a WD of 300-mm (11.8-inches) to achieve 1:1.
Personally, for insect macro-photographs, I use my 105-mm macro lens, between 6-inches to 12-inches WD. Desired WD should be the determining factor in macro lens choice. Documenting stamps and coins can be easily handled with a 40-mm lens, whereas macro-photographs of stinging ants would be best with a 200-mm macro lens.
Obviously, cost, manufacturer reputation, and lens performance are also factors, and each photographer will have personal priorities.
At MFD, a 105-mm macro lens has a WD of 160-mm (6.2-inches) to achieve 1:1.
At MFD, a 200-mm macro lens has a WD of 300-mm (11.8-inches) to achieve 1:1.
Personally, for insect macro-photographs, I use my 105-mm macro lens, between 6-inches to 12-inches WD. Desired WD should be the determining factor in macro lens choice. Documenting stamps and coins can be easily handled with a 40-mm lens, whereas macro-photographs of stinging ants would be best with a 200-mm macro lens.
Obviously, cost, manufacturer reputation, and lens performance are also factors, and each photographer will have personal priorities.
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May 28, 2012 22:18:43 #
Thank you for your reply. Obviously I still have some research to do. I didn't know that extension tubes only allow you to get closer.
I think I will go with the 105mm Nikon lens after all. It does have a great reputation.
Jared
I think I will go with the 105mm Nikon lens after all. It does have a great reputation.
Jared
May 29, 2012 05:52:19 #
Extension tubes will work for variable focus lenses. Helicoids (variable length tubes) can be used for fixed focal length lenses. I am using helicoids with El Nikkor enlarging lenses for both telephoto and macro in UV/VIS/IR.
May 29, 2012 13:22:34 #
dlwhawaii wrote:
Variable focus lenses = standard macro lenses.Extension tubes will work for variable focus lenses. Helicoids (variable length tubes) can be used for fixed focal length lenses. I am using helicoids with El Nikkor enlarging lenses for both telephoto and macro in UV/VIS/IR.
Fixed focus = non-focusing lenses, like enlarging lens, where bellows or helicoids are required t o achieve focus.
Helicoid = telescoping extension tube = no communication between camera & lens = no A-F & no auto aperture. Recommended for experienced macro-photographers only. http://savazzi.freehostia.com/photography/focusing_helicoid.htm
May 29, 2012 13:36:19 #
By variable focus, I did not mean zoom. I have a 50mm macro lens with variable focus, i.e. I can adjust the focus from close-in to infinity. It has nothing to do with zoom. Perhaps when I said telephoto I should have stated they are fixed focal length lenses and require helicoids for focusing. I do use the helicoid for my fixed focus lenses all the way from 6" to infininity. The only thing variable on the fixed focus lenses is the aperture. :-)
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May 29, 2012 13:38:32 #
dlwhawaii wrote:
How does this differ from a standard macro lens?By variable focus, I did not mean zoom. I have a 50mm macro lens with variable focus, i.e. I can adjust the focus from close-in to infinity.
May 29, 2012 13:46:06 #
The lens is a Sigma 50mm f2.8 prime lens capable of macro (1:1). To focus there is a focus adjust ring on the lens to allow focusing close-up to infinity. The aperture is fixed.
May 29, 2012 13:52:37 #
dlwhawaii wrote:
Aperture is fixed at f/2.8? The lens is a Sigma 50mm f2.8 prime lens capable of macro (1:1). To focus there is a focus adjust ring on the lens to allow focusing close-up to infinity. The aperture is fixed.
Does not sound efficient for macro-photography. At 1:1 magnification, the DOF would only be a few millimeters, at best.
May 29, 2012 14:06:31 #
I don't have an answer for that. I've never used the 50mm in macro mode. I just checked my 180mm f3.8 macro and it has no adjustment for aperture either. I'm attaching a picture of an Iris? that I took with the 180.
Iris?
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May 29, 2012 14:23:51 #
I just put my 50mm on the camera and used Aperture priority and the lens changed apertures. There is no manual adjustment for aperture. I am asssuming that since the aperture is adjustable on the camera and not the lens that DOF would be satisfactory for 1:1. By the same reasoning I am assuming the same would hold for the 180mm. I just learned something today. Thank you. :thumbup:
May 29, 2012 15:25:35 #
dlwhawaii wrote:
The exif info of your iris close-up image (not a macro) states 115-mm focal length, 1/125-sec at f/4.5 with ISO 200.I just checked my 180mm f3.8 macro and it has no adjustment for aperture either. I'm attaching a picture of an Iris? that I took with the 180.
May 29, 2012 15:29:40 #
dlwhawaii wrote:
Your lenses are auto-aperture with NO external aperture control. Electronic connection between camera and lens must be maintained for auto-aperture, via direct connection or auto-extension tubes. Straight tubes, bellows, and/or helicoid tubes disable auto-aperture.I just put my 50mm on the camera and used Aperture priority and the lens changed apertures. There is no manual adjustment for aperture. I am assuming that since the aperture is adjustable on the camera and not the lens that DOF would be satisfactory for 1:1. By the same reasoning I am assuming the same would hold for the 180mm.
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