augieg27 Loc: Central California

Looking for a good macro lens for Nikon up to $250
It can be any brand as long it is around 100mm and must have VR or equivalent.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

Check out Tokina 100mm on KEH. They may have what you want.

clickalot Loc: Chicago area

I have the Tokina 100mm f2.8 (for Nikon used on my D810) and can highly recommend it. In my opinion, a better value than the Nikon 100mm f2.8 which is also a great lens but costs much more.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

Thank you

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

I second the Tokina 👍

slcarn Loc: Draper, Utah USA

I bought new a Tokina 100mm f2.8 lens I am not using. It is in excellent shape and has a UV filter on the front.
I would be willing to part with it for $300 plus shipping.
Steve

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I have an old Tamron 90mm Macro that I like so you may want to look for one of those.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

Yes, I totally agree. The Tokina 100mm is 1 of 2 lenses that I wish I had. The other is a prime Nikkor 20mm 1.8 G ED which they may still have at KEH.
I just checked KEH website and they have a number of Tamron 90mm f/2.8 ranging in price from $581.12 (like new minus) to bargin at $408.93.

Dave H2

I just bought a 90 mm Tamron used for $167.50. Works just fine.
D

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...good macro lens for Nikon up to $250... around 100mm and must have VR or equivalent.
Not happening... your only option at that price range is possibly a used earlier iteration of the Tamron AF SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro (FX). However you will likely be paying more than $250 for even that older Tamron.
Here's a review of same by Optical Limits
https://www.opticallimits.com/nikon_ff/902-tamron90f28vcfx

Both the the Sigma AF 105mm f/2.8 OS macro or the Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR are significantly more expensive used because their in high in demand... And for good reason. btw, what is your perceived need? A set of Kenko Extension Tubes for $129.95 will do the job provided you have a reasonable lens to mount them on...

Like others have said, the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro is in the same league as the Nikkor 105mm micro... It just doesn't have VR, albeit for actual REAL micro work, VR is pretty much useless... you'll be stopping down to f16 to f22 and your exposures will be WAY to long for VR to be of any worth/value. And using a flash negates VR also.

That said if you are seeking a portrait lens, yes then VR on a f/2.8 wide open makes sense...

I have and shoot the Tokina f/2.8 micro and I also have the older AF 105mm f/2.8D Nikkor which is built to last, not the cheap plastic stuff currently available. That AF 105mm f/2.8D is equal to both the Tamron and Sigma at f/4 and by f/5.6 it's stellar... however it's no match at f/2.8. Yes you can find the AF 105mm f/2.8D Nikkor for ~ $300 in decent shape, $350 in Excellent Plus shape. I love it far more than the Tokina (which is flimsy plastic).

Hope this helps...

augieg27 Loc: Central California

Thank you for your comments. I did have extension tubes but I wasn't happy with the results.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Hmmmm. Seems like a lot of requirements, you might have to compromise on some of them.

User ID

The VR is *the* budget buster. All other expectations are modest enough for his stated budget amount.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

VR adds to the price and places you into newer lenses. You might have a hard time finding a VR lens in your price range. There are very good non-VR macro lenses out there.
VR is useful for free handheld, but bracing a lens on something solid can give a VR effect in that you can slow the shutter speed a couple stops. When shooting from a standing position, I use a monopod with a V-yoke on top (https://www.amazon.com/Hammers-attachment-Camera-monopod-shooting/dp/B005F0S29G/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1KKH0BWQYPIN&keywords=v-yoke&qid=1644721327&sprefix=V-yoke%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-7) and rest the lens barrel on it. I have VR in my lens, but I don't need to use it.

mausernut01 Loc: Columbus Montana

I have a Tamron SP AF90mm F Di Macro 1:1 Built-in motor for Nikon-AF-d that I would be interested in selling.
I paid $356.00 for it used from MPB several years ago and have used it once for family photos and had planned on doing a bunch of Macro projects.
It is "like new" with all of the stuff that it came with in the box.
I have not taken pictures of it yet, but can if you are interested. I will send the pics to your e-mail address. No texts!
Oh, by the way, I am asking $275.00 shipped for it! I am willing to listen to fair offers!
Hopefully I can get some time to take some decent pics with it & post the here also if necessary.

Thanks,
Ken