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Nikon 60mm micro for D700
Jan 5, 2017 23:34:21   #
brookie
 
I have pretty much permanently installed my Nikon 24-120mm on one D700. After deciding to keep my second D700, I'm planning to purchase a Nikon 60mm micro, which would be pretty much permanently on it -- for walking around and for the occasional micro photo.

Question: Do you prefer the D (older) version or the newer G? I used the D version a long time ago, but I don't have hands-on experience with the G.

In retirement, I'm taking pictures for fun and not thinking about what equipment I might need for special shoots.

Thanks in advance for your reply and for taking the time to read this.

Brookie

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Jan 6, 2017 01:30:00   #
forjava Loc: Half Moon Bay, CA
 
Brooke, a few points:

I'm using the D version, a lot for studio close ups and macro, with a hood and with a sock over the hood and lens barrel, to keep black out of shiny objects made of metal.

For walking around, consider that the G might be faster to focus; you could check on that.

Check also if the build of the D is better than

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Jan 6, 2017 02:33:51   #
Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada
 
What is the macro used for . I would think it is a little short for insects flowers , to much bending , for face portrait
It may be ok , on a full frame it's only 10 mm away from normal . I would think a 120 mm or at least 90mml

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Jan 6, 2017 06:28:35   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
brookie wrote:
I have pretty much permanently installed my Nikon 24-120mm on one D700. After deciding to keep my second D700, I'm planning to purchase a Nikon 60mm micro, which would be pretty much permanently on it -- for walking around and for the occasional micro photo.

Question: Do you prefer the D (older) version or the newer G? I used the D version a long time ago, but I don't have hands-on experience with the G.

In retirement, I'm taking pictures for fun and not thinking about what equipment I might need for special shoots.

Thanks in advance for your reply and for taking the time to read this.

Brookie
I have pretty much permanently installed my Nikon ... (show quote)


I bought the D version new years ago, it is, without a doubt, one of the sharpest lenses Nikon has ever made. You, lucky dog, can buy this lens MINT off ebay for a very good price. I would never consider trading this lens in, it is the oldest Nikon lens in my arsenal. I use it to take photo's of equipment I am selling on ebay. GREAT lens.

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Jan 6, 2017 08:08:52   #
warrenvon Loc: Ellicott City, MD
 
I've got the D version and love it as my normal lens.

I lost its lens hood and never replaced it as the front element is so recessed in the lens barrel.

This is not the case with the more modern G version.

I can't image the G being any sharper or providing more contrast than the D.

I'm sure you can find an excellent D on the used market place. . . . I did!

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Jan 6, 2017 09:21:45   #
SteveTog Loc: Philly
 
I have the D version and like it. It is such a competent lens that I could not imagine paying to upgrade it to the G version. Like everyone else, I find it super sharp. This lens gets a ton of respect on the Internet, but it is a little short for Micro use as you have to get super close to your subject and that can freak out small animals and/or create shadow in you available or artificial light.

What do you want to use it for? I ask because it overlaps the focal length of your 24-120. Is there something you plan on shooting with this lens that the 24-120 cannot do? If not, get something wider or longer than the 24-120 to enhance your range of capability. If you want the fast f/2.8 aperture or the Micro capability this lens provides, it's a good choice but there might be better.

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Jan 6, 2017 10:00:45   #
brookie
 
Thank you, Steve, and everyone who has responded. You are very helpful.

I will make a point, sometime soon, to fill out background information about myself. For now, a quick sketch:
Recently, I sold a number of fine Nikon lenses. Now, having decided to keep my two Nikon D700's, I'm looking to lessen the weight while keeping a versatile lens on each. The 24-120 f/4 has been a favorite for a long time and remains on one camera. The other camera has the Nikon 50mm f/1.8, and I'm inclined to keep that around without using it regularly. I'm considering replacing the 50mm with the 60mm because I find the pics from the 60 so satisfying.

In retirement, I am a happy amateur in need of a reasonably light weight kit. (I might even give up the battery grips I attached a few years ago.) The cameras will function separately and not as backups. After much thought and experimenting, I'm pretty sure that the 24-120 on one camera and the 60 on the other camera will work fine for now and maybe forever. The notion of doing real micro shooting is not a serious consideration.

At the moment, weighing all of your inputs, I'm almost certain to purchase the 60mm D.

I hope this is not more information than you would like. And, again, thank you.

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Jan 6, 2017 10:54:44   #
Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL
 
brookie wrote:
I have pretty much permanently installed my Nikon 24-120mm on one D700. After deciding to keep my second D700, I'm planning to purchase a Nikon 60mm micro, which would be pretty much permanently on it -- for walking around and for the occasional micro photo.

Question: Do you prefer the D (older) version or the newer G? I used the D version a long time ago, but I don't have hands-on experience with the G.

In retirement, I'm taking pictures for fun and not thinking about what equipment I might need for special shoots.

Thanks in advance for your reply and for taking the time to read this.

Brookie
I have pretty much permanently installed my Nikon ... (show quote)


I have exactly the same system that you are considering: the Nikon D700 with the 60mm D lens; I love this lens and even though is is somewhat short for approaching insects, etc., it is an incredibly sharp lens with an extremely flat field. Great for copying documents, photographs, etc.

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Jan 6, 2017 11:43:25   #
brookie
 
Thank you for sharing your personal experience / professional opinion. I expect that, with perhaps excessive caution, I'll continue thinking over the weekend and then purchase the D next week

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Jan 6, 2017 13:43:26   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
brookie wrote:
I have pretty much permanently installed my Nikon 24-120mm on one D700. After deciding to keep my second D700, I'm planning to purchase a Nikon 60mm micro, which would be pretty much permanently on it -- for walking around and for the occasional micro photo.

Question: Do you prefer the D (older) version or the newer G? I used the D version a long time ago, but I don't have hands-on experience with the G.

In retirement, I'm taking pictures for fun and not thinking about what equipment I might need for special shoots.

Thanks in advance for your reply and for taking the time to read this.

Brookie
I have pretty much permanently installed my Nikon ... (show quote)


I have seen ads on the Nikon 60mm lens. The one I saw sells new for about $600. Nothing but praise for this lens on Reviews. It may be on my wish list for the future.

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Jan 6, 2017 15:29:29   #
brookie
 
Thank you. At the moment,B&H seems to have the best legit price for the D. $517. I don't remember if that includes S&H. Bottom lines for me: B&H is my most "go to" on line store; and all the legit places, including Adorama, KEH, and many others, I think, have similar pricing. As came up in another topic forum, I would not go near some, like Abe's, regardless of list price.

Happy Weekend!

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Jan 6, 2017 16:15:38   #
SteveTog Loc: Philly
 
"I'm considering replacing the 50mm with the 60mm because I find the pics from the 60 so satisfying."

I think you said it all right there. You produce results that make you feel good with the 60. I'd deploy that lens and not even think about it! If it stops being satisfying, then re-evaluate.

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Jan 6, 2017 16:38:43   #
brookie
 
Now that you mention it, I think so too. Thanks!

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