Macro lens: What is. A good lens for Nikon full frame? Also what about old manual lens like the 105 which is not macro thanks what I want to shoot is flowers bugs, etc so I am asking...

kcj Loc: Seneca SC

What is. A good lens for Nikon full frame? Also what about old manual lens like the 105 which is not macro thanks what I want to shoot is flowers bugs, etc so I am asking is what do you think is a good mm lens for thts

Burtzy Loc: Bronx N.Y. & Simi Valley, CA

I can't speak to what would be a good macro currently, but I used to have a Nikon 105. It was arguably the sharpest short tele I'd ever seen. It was a magnificent lens in all respects.

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

kcj wrote:

What is. A good lens for Nikon full frame? Also what about old manual lens like the 105 which is not macro thanks

What is your question?

If you want macro you look for a lens that is labeled as micro or macro - preferably a prime (not zoom) lens. If you want a 105mm lens that is not macro then get one.

Nikon lenses are labeled Micro - but that only means that at their shortest focus distance the magnification will be 1:1. Third party lenses are usually labeld macro.

I haven't seen a bad macro lens.

you can get them from 60mm to 180mm. The longer lenses give you more working distance.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

It would be hard to find a bad modern macro from any of the major manufacturers.
The most popular macros are in the 90mm to 105mm range, most are f2.8.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

You want a 100 or longer for working distance.

Also autofocus is pretty pointyif it’s going to be a dedicated macro as the DOF is so shallow the AF system will go mad.

If budget is an issue the VIVITAR/PHOENIX/COSINA 100 3.5 is a great lens and they can be bought for nearly dirt.

Bill Munny Loc: Aurora, Colorado

The shorter the lens, the closer you have to get to the object to get true 1:1. The 105's will allow you to stay about 1ft for closest focus, which keeps the bugs from flying up in your face. You can find lots of 90-105mm macro/micro lens on line, used and new. They are heavy due to all the glass. Good luck. I have a Nikon 105 micro on a D750 and love it. Super sharp and also does great portraits too.

kcj Loc: Seneca SC

I have the old manual Nikon 105 but it is not macro why I did not get it in macro when I bought it is a good question

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

kcj wrote:

What is. A good lens for Nikon full frame? Also what about old manual lens like the 105 which is not macro thanks what I want to shoot is flowers bugs, etc so I am asking is what do you think is a good mm lens for thts

I have 3 Nikon micros. 55, 105 & 200. All decades old & manual. The 105 f4 is the best of the lot & provides ample working distance most of the time. I don’t think you would be disappointed unless you require af, etc. I’ve attached a handheld of our dog so you can see on download how crisp it is. I don’t know what it’s worth as I’ve no interest in selling it. Good luck.

(Download)

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Ask the very helpful people on the Macro section.

CookieRahll Loc: Brasher Falls,NY

I use both the 55 macro(old) and the 105 2.8...on D100/D200.. but now I have the D810 and the results are great...I've done a "bugs butt" and "flower top bee" and either lens works great. I tend to switch to manual most times....still trying to get depth of field a little better...practice, practice and practice. Thank goodness for digital not film!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

kcj wrote:

What is. A good lens for Nikon full frame? Also what about old manual lens like the 105 which is not macro thanks what I want to shoot is flowers bugs, etc so I am asking is what do you think is a good mm lens for thts

A 100 mm non micro lens is not a micro lens and it will not deliver what you want. You need a Nikon micro lens at that mm range. You can get a good deal on a Mint in the box one off ebay.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

kcj wrote:

What is. A good lens for Nikon full frame? Also what about old manual lens like the 105 which is not macro thanks what I want to shoot is flowers bugs, etc so I am asking is what do you think is a good mm lens for thts

Take a look at the Sigma 180mm f2.8 OS macro. I bought mine as a mint, second hand lens at about £400 less than a brand new version. It's a brilliant, though heavy, bit of kit. I use mone of a D500 but it would be equally brilliant on a Nikon FF. Sigma also produce a 1.4 TC for use with the lens and though I have one, I have yet to try it out on my 180mm. The lens allows for 1:1 reproduction at a decent distance from the subject.

Bazbo Loc: Lisboa, Portugal

kcj wrote:

What is. A good lens for Nikon full frame? Also what about old manual lens like the 105 which is not macro thanks what I want to shoot is flowers bugs, etc so I am asking is what do you think is a good mm lens for thts

Check out the Zeiss 100mm Makro. A little pricey, but worth it IMO.

throughrhettseyes Loc: Rowlett, TX

Look for a older used macro manual lens. When I do macro I find auto focus just gets in the way. Most portrait lenses are macro lenses too. Stay with a f2.8 or lower for better glass quality for better focus.

Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

Likely you have the 105mm f2.5, a tremendous portrait lens, that’s what is was designed for