Macro Tokina vs Nikon: I'm looking to purchasing a Macro lens in near future. Any opinions on the choices here? I'm not real familiar with Macro other than the reading I've done about...

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

I'm looking to purchasing a Macro lens in near future. Any opinions on the choices here? I'm not real familiar with Macro other than the reading I've done about it. I've looked at a couple of reviews and they seem to favor the Tokina for the price. The Tokina and Nikon 85 are similar in price and the Nikon 105 is double the price. My questions; (1) Does 85mm vs 105mm in shooting Macro make a lot of difference and (2) This Tokina vs Nikon. I'm using a d7100. Manual focusing is difficult for me due to having to use reading glasses. If you know of good comparison review sites that would be appreciated. Any other suggestions for lens also. Not sure how important VR is with Macro?

Tokina ATX 100mm / 2.8 Pro Macro VS Nikon 85mm / 3.5 AF-S (or Nikon 105mm / 2.8)

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Here is what I found.

http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/Tokina-AT-X-M100-AF-PRO-D-AF-100mm-F28-Nikon-on-Nikon-D7100-versus-Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-85mm-F18G-on-Nikon-D7100-versus-AF-S-Nikkor-VR-105mm-f-2.8G-ED-on-Nikon-D7100___870_865_823_865_261_865

Good Luck!

RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida

I have the D7100 also. My research suggests the Sigma 105mm macro. It scored a bit better than the Nikon. It will autofocus with the D7100. I think that the longer focal length means you can get a 1:1 image further away from your subject.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Brandmic wrote:

I'm looking to purchasing a Macro lens in near fut... (show quote)

The term "Macro" is often used as a generic substitute for "close-up." Some lenses will actually do 1:1 photography, but some wil not. A true macro will do 1:1 photography.

When shooting macro, you probably have the camera on a tripod, so VR should be turned off anyway. The Nikon 105mm Micro is considered an excellent lens, but pricey. If you go for the 105mm, make sure you get the one you want. There are about three versions of that.

If you Google "tokina 100 vs nikon 105," you might get comparisons.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I have the Nikon 105 and the tamron 180 both are excellent macro lenses only difference is the working distance

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

Brandmic wrote:

I'm looking to purchasing a Macro lens in near fut... (show quote)

I have the Sigma 105 macro. Have not used it a whole lot but intend to shortly, as the tulips are just beginning to open.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I have the Sigma 105 for my Sony Alpha cameras and the Nikon 105 for my Nikon cameras. The Sigma 105 has a floating stabilization and is noisier than the Nikon (makes a difference photographing skittish insects) it also tends to hunt more to focus than the Nikon lens.

RVDigitalBoy wrote:

I have the D7100 also. My research suggests the Sigma 105mm macro. It scored a bit better than the Nikon. It will autofocus with the D7100. I think that the longer focal length means you can get a 1:1 image further away from your subject.

bear maker Loc: Indiana

You might take a look at the Tamaron 90 macro with auto focus and vibration control. It's very nice.

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

One I hadn't considered but seems to be another option is Nikon 85mm / 1.8G which with greater low light capability could be option. Just not sure what you lose from 100mm to 85mm. I'm guessing not a whole lot.

But I just read that this is not considered Macro?

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Brandmic wrote:

One I hadn't considered but seems to be another option is Nikon 85mm / 1.8G which with greater low light capability could be option. Just not sure what you lose from 100mm to 85mm. I'm guessing not a whole lot.

need closer distance for 1:1

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

bear maker wrote:

You might take a look at the Tamaron 90 macro with auto focus and vibration control. It's very nice.

The lens you referred to is designed for a FF sensor and would provide a 135mm on a cropped frame sensor.

While the other lens suggested are all excellent lens, the Nikkor AF-S DX 85mm F/3.5G ED VR is designed for a cropped sensor, and scored higher on DxO testing.

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

Seems like the Tokina is a good choice and it's FX (for future). My only concern is if I decide to use for portraits, is the non VR and longer focal length going to be issues (150mm on crop ). Don't plan on doing actual portrait per se so probably not issue.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Brandmic wrote:

Seems like the Tokina is a good choice and it's FX (for future). My only concern is if I decide to use for portraits, is the non VR and longer focal length going to be issues (150mm on crop ). Don't plan on doing actual portrait per se so probably not issue.

Hopefully, you would be using a tripod for portraits, so VR would be turned off. I tend to like VR lenses.

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

Probably will not be doing portraits. Majority of pics are of grandchildren and are too young for portraits per se. May need a portrait lens later down the road.

amehta Loc: Boston

Brandmic wrote:

One I hadn't considered but seems to be another option is Nikon 85mm / 1.8G which with greater low light capability could be option. Just not sure what you lose from 100mm to 85mm. I'm guessing not a whole lot.

But I just read that this is not considered Macro?

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is an excellent lens, but it is not a close-up lens, with a 1:8 reproduction ratio.

Since our goal is to make your decision harder, not easier, you could also look for a used Nikon AF 105mm f/2.8D Micro. Its optical and build quality is as good as or better than the Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8G VR, without the VR, autofocus motor, and the manual override of autofocus. It is usually $400-450, and in excellent condition because most macro lenses are babied. :-)