Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

I am looking at 2 macro lenses.
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Autofocus
and
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG APO AF .

which one and why

Thanks

ephraim Imperio

You can't go wrong with either. I own nikons, sigmas and tamron macros and they are all good macros.

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

I am looking at the Nikon waiting for replys to your post

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

I can't tell you about the Sigma but I own the 105/ 2.8 G Nikkor, it is absolutely the best Macro I ever owned and I go back a long long way. There also is another reason to go for Nikon, lets say you want to sell the lens down the line, a Nikon keeps its value where any independent lens will drop dramatically. Cameta Camera sells sometimes refurbished lenses for a great price and they are under warranty, check it out.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

jjestar look at what blacks2 just replied regarding the Nikon.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

Thanks blacks2

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

Get the Nikon 105. Its a better quality lens. More expensive but its better built then the sigma. I have the nikon and its a great lens. Look at the lenses side by side in a camera store and you will see the difference.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

Thanks silver

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

Both are quality lenses made to do macro photography. What you're asking about about two different lenses. If these were pick-ups, one might be a 1/4 ton Chevy and the other a 1/2 ton ford. I use Canon but know the 105mm Nikon is a great lens. So is the 100mm Canon that I use. I also use the 150mm Sigma when I need more separation between the subject and the camera.

So you might ask yourself if the more telephoto Sigma is what you want. Either lens will give you great images for many years! Just to tell you how great the Sigma is, I sent my 180mm Canon macro back to Canon when I tried, and eventually bought, the Sigma 150.

Have fun and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

Therefore I would guess that the greater flexibilty of having more seperation would give the vote to the Sigma, right?

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Not to add an option but I will. I have both DX and FX bodies I own the Nikon 105 2.8 and it is tack sharp. I also use the Nikon 200mm micro which is also an excellent macro lens. That said for comparison you might want to look at the Tokina AT-X Pro 100m Macro and see if you can do a comparison shoot in or just outside the camera store. I find the Tokina to be every bit as sharp with great color rendition, as the Nikon 105 at half the price. It's worth a look if cost is a factor and owning both, bought the Tokina first, I am hard pressed to decide which one I would give up. Also check out reviews of the Tokina. They are stellar as they are for the Nikon.
Following is from Ken Rockwell's site. I take it with a grain of salt but hard to find anyone who reviews this lens poorly:

"It's optical performance is as good or better than the best from Nikon and Canon, and this Tokina's ergonomics, due to its unique focus clutch, is also better than any of Nikon's or Canon's 100mm or 105mm macro lenses.

All this, and this Tokina is less than half the price, just as well built, and smaller and lighter than any other 100mm or 105mm AF macro. Go get one!: "

ebaribeault Loc: Baltimore

I have the Nikon 105 and love it. I have had the lens now for about 2 years and have taken some very nice photos. I would suggest that if you have a photography store that caries Sigma and Nikon try them on your camera and see which one suits you best or you could rent to see which one you like best.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I recently "upgraded" from a Nikkor 105D (A-F but no VR) to a Nikkor 105G (A-F & VR). At 63-yo, I did this to improve my hand-held macro stability.

A few years back, I purchased a used 105D on eBay for $450. Immaculate condition & worked like a charm. Many of my posted photos (lower left this post) are with the 105D. I recently purchased a used 105G on eBay for $800. Again, immaculate (see website results). I immediately sold the 105D through UHH Classifieds in one day, for $450.

Nikkor glass holds its value.

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

Been waiting for you to chime in Nik72, I knew from previous postings you were into Macro and value your opinions. I have just looked at various reviews on the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO 1:1 Macro and after just buying and using their 11-16 I think this may be the one for me and almost half price

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I always recommend that a photographer try a lens before purchase, whether in a store, as a rental, or a barrow. Best scenario is similar lenses, side-by-side, on same camera body. Sometimes the feel & operation can outweigh the price difference.