Macro lens: I am looking to get a macro lens for my Nikon d3300 that I will also be able to is when I upgrade my camera to the d500. Not sure which one I should be looking at 40mm...

wpeters61

I am looking to get a macro lens for my Nikon d3300 that I will also be able to is when I upgrade my camera to the d500. Not sure which one I should be looking at 40mm, 60mm, or 105mm.
I am new to this site been shooting for 25 years mostly sports action and events. Just an amateur photographer would like to experiment with macro lens.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I have both the 60mm and the 105. I use the 60 for a wider angle of view and the 105 for a greater reach. What are you looking to do?

wpeters61

I am looking at portraits and taking close up photos of various collectable items coins and jewelery that I have acquired over the years

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

I am very happy with my Nikon 105mm f/2.8. Wouldn't trade or want anything else for my Macro shots.

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

I have the 105 and love it. Most of my macro shots don't require the wider angle.
Fran

cytafex Loc: Clarksburg MA

I had a 55 micro Nikkor and didn't use it much because the camera would be too close to subject. I recently acquired a Micro 105 f2.8 and is much better for close ups.

CO

Since you have a D3300 and will have a D500 you might also look at the Nikon 85mm f/3.5 DX VR macro lens. Since it's a DX lens, it's a little lighter and more compact than full frame lenses.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

wpeters61 wrote:

I am looking to get a macro lens for my Nikon d3300 that I will also be able to is when I upgrade my camera to the d500. Not sure which one I should be looking at 40mm, 60mm, or 105mm.
I am new to this site been shooting for 25 years mostly sports action and events. Just an amateur photographer would like to experiment with macro lens.

I would recommend the 105. Great to give you additional room if you want to photography bugs, The 105 2.8 sets the standard that all macro lenses are buit. New sells for $400 still at B&H.
Great buys on Ebay.
I just upgraded to a 200Macro Nikkor because my interest in dragon fly's and insects and need more space between me and the subject without scaring it away.
I have my 105 Nikon Micro Nikkor on Ebay for same.It is an outstanding lens with no issues.

eBay item number:253269526276

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

wpeters61 wrote:

I am looking to get a macro lens for my Nikon d3300 that I will also be able to is when I upgrade my camera to the d500. Not sure which one I should be looking at 40mm, 60mm, or 105mm.
I am new to this site been shooting for 25 years mostly sports action and events. Just an amateur photographer would like to experiment with macro lens.

105mm is a good length. Look on ebay.

These are recent sales -

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nikon+28-200mm&Brand=Nikon&LH_Complete=1&_dcat=3323&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR7.TRC1.A0.H0.Xnikon+105mm+micro.TRS0&_nkw=nikon+105mm+micro&_sacat=0

darekstudio Loc: Minnesota

The best micro ever Nikon 200 f4.0
$900.- $1700.00 - old school, but still the best on the market under $2000.00
My favorite one Nikon 105 f2.8 mac.
$ 800.00
Nikon 60 f2.8 - old school but works great ð
$ 400.00

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

wpeters61 wrote:

I am looking to get a macro lens for my Nikon d3300 that I will also be able to is when I upgrade my camera to the d500. Not sure which one I should be looking at 40mm, 60mm, or 105mm.
I am new to this site been shooting for 25 years mostly sports action and events. Just an amateur photographer would like to experiment with macro lens.

If you cannot make up your mind between 50 and 105mm, Sigma used to make a very nice 70mm macro as seen here - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-Sigma-70mm-F-2-8-EX-DG-Macro-Lens-for-Nikon/272788789312?hash=item3f837a9840:g:BNAAAOSwjTlZgsKg

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

wpeters61 wrote:

I am looking to get a macro lens for my Nikon d3300 that I will also be able to is when I upgrade my camera to the d500. Not sure which one I should be looking at 40mm, 60mm, or 105mm.
I am new to this site been shooting for 25 years mostly sports action and events. Just an amateur photographer would like to experiment with macro lens.

You're going from the least expensive DX camera to the most expensive DX camera, good for you. I would recommend two very good third party macro lenses. But, since your choices are Nikon, I would recommend the 105mm. If you wish to know more about macro, there is a uhh section on it. I don't do macro anymore. I started off with extension tubes. Nikon calls their Macro lenses Micro. Good luck.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

True macro involves manual focusing. If you want a lens that autofocuses on your camera, you will need a lens with a focus motor built into the lens. With the D500, it has a focus motor built into the camera body & it will meter with even the older manual focus lenses. I have 8 different true macro lenses but my go-to lens is a MF 105mm from the mid-1980's.I use other lenses with AF for my portraiture et al and don't use my macro lenses for anything but macro shooting. Steer away from zooms that claim to be macro as they are not, they simply focus closer and are not optimized to do so. Shorter focal lengths (55-60) are good for static subjects, longer focal lengths (150-200) will give more distance from your subject albeit at the expense of more girth, more weight & less depth of field. The 90-105 offer the best compromise. I shoot lots of insects & I have no issues with scaring them away. You have to know your subjects. Don't fret over the gear brands, they will all give you good results as long as your technique is good.

mmeador

I use a 105mm because it gives you a little more distance between your lens and your subject. The lighting is easier and if you shoot insects you are less likely to scare them off.

dreklaw Loc: Tucson

The Sigma 105 is fantastic! Very sharp, reliable, good for portraits as well as macros. Got it at 42nd St. Photo! $550+/-