amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

You don't need to worry about image quality. In that respect, virtually all macro lenses are pretty equal. Most are also capable of full 1:1 magnification too... certainly both of these lenses are.

I don't use Nikon gear, but have had some experience with both those macro lenses (among others).

Does your Nikon D610 have the in-camera "screw drive" auto focus motor? The Tokina lens in Nikon mount doesn't have an in-lens motor, so can only auto focus on Nikon bodies with their own focusing motor.

Also, I don't know if it's the same on the Nikon version, but in other mounts the Tokina ($349) uses a rather unique "focus clutch" mechanism to switch between manual focus and auto focus. The entire focusing ring moves slightly forward or backward to make the switch. As a result, when the lens is in AF mode, the focus ring is disconnected and you can't make manual adjustments until you shift it into MF mode.

All the above may not be a big deal if you are like some macro shooters who use manual focus most of the time.

There are actually two versions of the Tamron 90mm currently being offered. A less expensive version ($449) uses a slower micro motor and has performance that's similar to the Tokina. Both are NOT internal focusing (hence they grow longer when focused closer). The more expensive ($649) "VC, USD" version of the Tamron uses faster ultrasonic focusing motor that has full time manual override (you can fine tune focus manually without first needing to switch the lens to MF mode. It's also an internal focusing lens, so doesn't increase in length when focused closer (this design lens does change focal length when focused closer, but you really don't notice this while using an IF lens). It also has "VC" image stabilization, though on any macro lens that's of limited help at higher magnification. The more expensive Tamron 90mm also has a more sophisticated 3-stage Focus Limiter... The cheaper Tamron and the Tokina both have simpler 2-stage Focus Limiters. Finally, the more expensive Tamron has curved aperture blades that make for slightly smoother background blur, some might say slightly better "bokeh".

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Tamron_SP_90mm_f_2.8_Di_Macro_1%3A1_VC_USD_Lens_for_Nikon_F_vs_Tamron_90mm_f_2.8_SP_AF_Di_Macro_Lens_for_Nikon_AF_vs_Tokina_100mm_f_2.8_AT-X_M100_AF_Pro_D_Macro_Autofocus_Lens_for_Nikon_AF-D/BHitems/1233542-REG_330643-USA_393446-REG

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

I have the Tamron and it's a great lens. Pretty sharp, but the build quality doesn't seem to be on par with Nikon's macro offerings. Good enough though. I also have the Tamron 180 which I much prefer to use because of the greater working distance. At my age it's nice not to have to kneel down or get down on the ground to get a shot.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

I agree - it really a fine lens. I would consider this if I were to get a macro for my D750 but I am leaning more and more toward getting a 80mm macro for Fujifilm X-T2.
If anyone reading this post owns a Fuji 80mm macro, please chime in and let me know what you think.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I have one that I use on a FF Canon. It is a great lens and not too pricey. I traded an older Canon 100mm macro for it and have no regrets. Actually, just about any macro lens today will be excellent.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

johnhjacobs

I have the Tokina and it is great. However it is important to note that the focus is screw drive and will not work on some Nikon bodies s and in particular it (autofocus) will not work on the new Z-series cameras with the FTZ adapter. I shoot with both the D850 and Z6. On the Z6 I actually prefer manual focus using focus peaking and focus zoom so the lack of autofocus doesn't matter to me. I am not familiar with the Tamron but the Tokina does not disappoint.

Sensor size is another consideration. On an APS-C a 90mm or 100mn might be a bit too much reach; a 60mm might be a better choice.

rtdm60

The Nikon 105mm is the best in the world!
I have used it for years and it can't be beat!

tuomi1947

I use the tokina 100 , on Nikon D7200 very happy with the distance from photo I have taken

User ID

Posted by BILLNIKON. Anyone amazed ?

gouldopfl

I have the Tamron SP 90 and use it on both my EOS R with the adapter and a Canon 77D crop. I love this lens. If I want larger than full sensor I use extention tubes. Most of my macro work is inside because I have arthritis in my spine so I use a good tripod, lighting and also have the AdaptaLux lighting system. Macro just opens the imagination

crazylarry

My Tokina 100 is a great lens, probably had it for 6-8 years!

TomC. Loc: Bel Air, MD

I just recently purchased the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro about 3 weeks ago. It was only $275 on Amazon. Although I'm still getting accustomed to it, I'm really liking this lens. I use it on my Canon. It has great bokeh, too. The only thing that I'm not too crazy about is the AF. You have to push or pull the focus ring if you want to engage/ disengage the Autofocus function. The lens is also quite heavy. For the amount of time it's on the camera, the weight does not become a factor.
I've attached a sample pic for you to see. It might help with your decision.

(Download)

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I have a sigma 105 and love it...might want to consider

john451 Loc: Lady's Island, SC/Columbia, SC

Ditto here.

rtdm60

105mm Nikon Macro. D810 body.
Hand held.
Nikon rocks!