amehta wrote:
What little things do you want to photograph?
The Nikon 85mm f/3.5G might be a little better, because you have a little more space between the lens and the subject, which gives you more space for lighting.
And for the same reason the 105 f2.8 is even better. Plus it is an amazingly sharp lens for anything else. Plus, if you are doing macro with unfrozen spiders or wasps, you can keep a little more distance :lol:
There is nothing better than the Ai-S 105/2.8!
john.punky1 wrote:
Good afternoon, I would like hear some opinions about the AF-S Micro Nikon 60mm 1:2.8G lens. I have a Nikon D5100 and would like to know if it would be a nice addition. Thanks John
The Nikkor 105mm F2.8 is one of the best but it's not dainty, or cheap.
Are you an experienced macro shooter or new to the subject? I ask because macro photography is a world of it's own, requiring some special techniques. Tripod use, focus rails etc. Hand held Macro shots are possible but are low yield to say the least.
There are many good macro lenses (Nikon calls them "micro" but the rest of the world calls them macro lenses). There were several comments regarding the ability of the D5100 to auto focus with a given lens. I don't see that as critically important in macro shooting. Many times shooting macro is best accomplished using manual focus.
I suggest that before buying, you rent a few different Macro lenses and try them out.
BboH wrote:
I have both it and the 105mm. Which one I use depends upon the close focus distance or angle of view I want for the object I am shooting.
Close: 60mm - .6ft; 105 - 1ft
DX angle of view: 60mm - 26 degrees; 105 - 15 degrees
Point of clarification: Nikon lists the 105 as having a "minimum focusing distance" of 1ft. Focusing distance is measured from the critical point of focus to the "film plane". In other words it includes the length of the lens + the front of the camera. A more helpful calculation is the "minimum working distance". This is the distance from the focused object to the front of the lens. At 1:1, the 105g Micro Nikkor VR has a "minimum working distance" of 139mm or 5.47244". This is the distance you should care about in making a choice of which focal length Macro lens to buy.
Here is a good explanation:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-83141-1.html
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Point of clarification: Nikon lists the 105 as having a "minimum focusing distance" of 1ft. Focusing distance is measured from the critical point of focus to the "film plane". In other words it includes the length of the lens + the front of the camera. A more helpful calculation is the "minimum working distance". This is the distance from the focused object to the front of the lens. At 1:1, the 105g Micro Nikkor VR has a "minimum working distance" of 139mm or 5.47244". This is the distance you should care about in making a choice of which focal length Macro lens to buy.
Here is a good explanation:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-83141-1.htmlPoint of clarification: Nikon lists the 105 as ha... (
show quote)
This is good information.
Have been using that lens for a number of years now and it nothing short of sensational additionally with auto extension tubes you can extend the range as with any micro lens , a tripod or copy stand with focus rail is essential.
Maxsilcam wrote:
Have been using that lens for a number of years now and it nothing short of sensational additionally with auto extension tubes you can extend the range as with any micro lens , a tripod or copy stand with focus rail is essential.
Love my 105g. What a tank-- and sharp.
In the field , the 105 is a most excellent micro lens , distance being a critical factor especially with insects. on a tripod with remote release it can't be beat.
Yes; the 105mm is better; the 55mm ai/ais are good also. Vr is not necessary as manual focusing and simply stepping back/forward works well with these. I have an extra 55 f3.5 if you want one.
orvisk wrote:
Yes; the 105mm is better; the 55mm ai/ais are good also. Vr is not necessary as manual focusing and simply stepping back/forward works well with these. I have an extra 55 f3.5 if you want one.
I think VR and manual/autofocus are not really related.
amehta wrote:
I think VR and manual/autofocus are not really related.
I use VR for handheld macro & although I've always used MF for macro, I'm trying out Live View with my D7100. The AF is much better-- and my eyes aren't. My 105 still does the "hunt focus" but I'm hoping I can minimize that with some practice.
With both lens I use manual focus, and camera placement it gives me a better selection of what I want to be sharp and out of focus .However I do agree about the aging of the eyes. and AF has been a terrific asset.
I invite you to look at my Flickr stream. I shoot lots of macro (see bugs or spider" sets. Almost none are handheld. Tripods & focus rails are good for controlled studio shooting but are almost useless when shooting live active insects. They don't stay still long enough to set up a tripod or rail.
jd7000 wrote:
The Nikkor 105mm F2.8 is one of the best but it's not dainty, or cheap.
Are you an experienced macro shooter or new to the subject? I ask because macro photography is a world of it's own, requiring some special techniques. Tripod use, focus rails etc. Hand held Macro shots are possible but are low yield to say the least.
There are many good macro lenses (Nikon calls them "micro" but the rest of the world calls them macro lenses). There were several comments regarding the ability of the D5100 to auto focus with a given lens. I don't see that as critically important in macro shooting. Many times shooting macro is best accomplished using manual focus.
I suggest that before buying, you rent a few different Macro lenses and try them out.
The Nikkor 105mm F2.8 is one of the best but it's ... (
show quote)
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