jeweler53

I shoot with a Nikon Df, which I love and am slowly getting more proficient with. I would like a nice "portrait" prime (between 80 and 100 mm), f2.8 or faster. New is out of the question, and even used Nikon seems out of reach. I see the Tamron SP AF MACRO 90mm F2.8, Sigma AF Macro 90mm F2.8 and others on the used market as well as others from time to time. Many are in the range of $100-150, which is better for my budget. I am used to Nikon lenses and love the sharpness, but most of the reviews for these aftermarket lenses seem pretty good. I would love to hear the opinions of the members here. Other alternatives or options would be great also. I am completely open to manual focus also. I have been focusing manually for almost 50 years!

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I have a SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG Macro. I find the lens to be quite sharp, but that focusing can be a bit iffy. Hunts a lot. If you want that instant 'dragonfly' shot on a walk through Nature I can't recommend this lens. If you want static macro it's as good as my sisters CANON 100mm macro. It also seems to have a coarse thread for focusing making manual focusing a little more tricky than the CANON product. I'll be borrowing my neighbours CANON 'L' macro sometime soon as a comparison.

That said, I'm not unhappy with my results - and the lens is half the CANON price new - and they don't hold their value quite so well, so you may well quite a bargain. It is quite robust, but it's not a CANON 'L'!

I'm not familiar with NIKON lenses, but I'm pretty sure you could substitute NIKON for every time I've written CANON above. You could try asking on the Macro forum which is what I did before I bought mine.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

Look for this lens in your Nikon mount. It’s a bit plasticky in construction. But it delivers superb results. I’ve used. And around $100, NEW. Also google older lens test reviews on it. You will love it’s image quality.



Russ

Ira

I heard that the Tokina 100 f2.8 AT-X Pro Macro is superior to most lenses in this class. There are many articles and videos about this lens on line. They sell for around $350 new. You would have a tough time finding a used one. I don't own one, but I'm thinking of getting one.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/100mm-f28.htm

mleuck

If you shoot with Nikon, buy Nikon!

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

The sigma 1.4 Art 85mm is as good as any canon or nikon lens But it ain't cheap abut $1,000 new.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Just a suggestion, provide your maximum budgeted amount and you can get recommendations within that range.

Past Pro Loc: Spring Hill, Florida

I own this lens and it is an absolute winner!!!

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

I've owned two Tamron lenses, and I don't think I'd buy another.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

I own a Sigma 170-500mm. Very sharp

Boxcar21

Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro: Sharp as you can get. Fits full frame and APS-C

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

In your position, this is probably the lens I would be using - https://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-NIKKOR-105mm-f2-5-ai-PORTRAIT-LENS/253341090724?hash=item3afc4e43a4:g:kQUAAOSwyYFaSxGn#viTabs_0 ..........

jeweler53

Thanks for all the words of wisdom! I have purchased a Sigma AF Macro 90mm F2.8. I'll try to post a review when it arrives.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

The Nikon 105 f/2.5 is a legendary portrait lens, and deservedly. All versions of it are fantastic. The attached snap was made with the first edition (non-AI) on Kodak Portra 400 film. No post processing.

Russ

CharlieNW Loc: Puget Sound Wa.

Beautiful lens, and picture. I love the old Nikon lenses too. I have the 105 f4 and its very nice. Also use a Df, and with regards to the first question, I have heard that the Tamron 90 f2.8 is a great lens, one of their standouts. I personally like the build and feel of the current line of Sigma lenses better. But as Kiron Kid Russ points out so well above, finding a used 105 2.5 Nikkor, even a pre-AI version, could serve your purpose - and for portraits a macro lens is not always the best anyways, as they are optimized for close up use etc. The beauty of the Df is that you can use the old non AI lenses (with just the flip of a tab) as well as the AI lenses and a whole range of options are open for you. The bigger question is: does one want AF or not, and if not, I am sure a used 85 or 105 Nikkor lens - even a 135, could be found pretty inexpensively. I have a pre-AI Nikkor 85mm f1.8 and I think it makes gorgeous images with nice bokeh and great sharpness. Even an older off brand MF Nikon mount lens might work fine, IF MF is OK. With a Df, you have tons of options!