joann richichi

Which is the best Macro lens for the price for a Nikon mount.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Don't overlook the 60, and 90mm Tamron.
Love mine.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Tokina ...

jbmauser Loc: Roanoke, VA

You can pick up used film camera lenses at reasonable prices as you will manually focus macro anyway and most Nikons above the D7000 will meter a manual lens. Film era Nikon macros or kiron /Lester Dine 105mm which I use are excellent values. If you go to the Macro section of UHH there is a lot of info on lighting and rigs in general. You can not only see what lenses are used but the results they achieve. Best of luck with Macro, great fun.

SoftLights Loc: New Orleans, LA

I bought a used 105 f4 Micro-Nikkor several years ago on Ebay. They usually go for around $125 to $200. It's an old AI manual lens that works flawlessly when I do my part.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

The best? The Nikon 105 Micro Nikkor: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/424744-USA/Nikon_2160_105mm_f_2_8G_ED_IF_AF_S.html

Also one of the most expensive but it can't be beat. I had a 105 stolen off me many years ago and now I have the Sigma 180 3.5 Macro and love using it but it can get really heavy really fast. Would love to have the new 180 2.8 but it's expensive and I would still have the problem of weight. The 105 is not really that heavy and it's one of the sharpest Macro lenses on the market.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

Depends on what you shoot. The nastier the subject, the more working distance you want, hence the longer focal length you need. Define that and it would help.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Nikon 105 Micro Nikkor 2.8 or F4 used on Ebay

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"Depends on what you shoot. The nastier the subject, the more working distance you want, hence the longer focal length you need. Define that and it would help." QFT phlash46 speaks with tenured wisdom here...

I have the AF 60mm f/2.8D and it works well as the absolute sharpest studio lens for full length fashion... hands down...
Also have the AF 105mm f/2.8D and it works well for location field work as it has adequate working distance...
But my AF 200mm f/4D is the industry standard "Professional" lens for commercial use... I love this for studio beauty genre work :)

However for the price? My Tokina 100mm f/2.8 is a fav portrait lens and can rock macro albeit just slightly behind the micro Nikkors in acuity... I scored my Tokina last summer when they had it with a healthy rebate... Thank you Tokina! You totally rock!

There are a huge number of previously owned AF 105mm f/2.8D micro Nikkors available... I scored my in EX+ from KEH for slightly less than the Tokina 100mm AT Pro macro... but the node goes to Tokina here since it's ergonomics are superb for studio & location portraiture

So there is no "best" only various options dependent on one's needs...
hope this helps joann richichi

hobocamp Loc: Pittsford, New York

I have a 105mm f2.8 without VR used and I love it. Somewhere between $250 and $300 used.

Dpl

Have the 90mm Tamron Macro and love it. Been using Nikon equipment 43 years but love this lens.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

A friend has the Tamron 90mm f2.8 and it is an excellent lens for macro and portraits. I borrowed it for one day for portraits. It has a true 1:1 magnification for macro. Another option, that was posted not long ago on this forum, is the Tokina 100mm f2.8. Many posted positive reviews on it. However, I suggest you read reviews on many name brands. And make a choice. Both budget wise and the features it offers.

BrettProbert Loc: Clinton, PA

2nd that.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

first you need to define what you intend to shoot at what distance with what
illumination and what magnification or you will get answers like

"Tokina AT Pro 100mm F2.8, its inexpensive and high quality."

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Tokina 100mm f2.8 is probably the best value in a new lens, although a used lens might be even better for you.

Before you commit consider what type of macro you will shoot mostly. There are short, medium and long macro lenses and each excels for the purpose intended. Matching the lens to your needs should be the first consideration, otherwise your bargain will be a needless expense. .