phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

I use a Nikon 70-180 micro and a 6T enlarging lens on it.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The Nikon is internal focus, the Tamron EXTENDS to focus. Personally, I prefer IF (internal focus).

The current Sigma and Tokina also extends. Both of Canon's are also IF.

The IF designs give slightly larger working distances.

..

Jim750 Loc: Easton,Pa

I purchased a refurbished Tokina 100mm macro from Tokina for $250.00 it is an excellent lens,and you can’t beat the price.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Both are excellent macro lenses. In my case I prefer the lenses made for my cameras by the manufacturer (Nikon.)

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Didn’t know Nikon made such a lens.
Interesting!
Not 1:1 but close.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/AFNikkor/AFDMicroZoom70180mmED/index.htm

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

augieg27, extension tubes are a very good accessory to macro photography and in a set of three different sizes they provide a lot of flexibility. Extension tubes do reduce the light so you will need to compensate with either ISO or shutter speed. Quality is a bit subjective in that there are many things that affect it. Extension tubes will increase the magnification ratio and shorten the focal distance between the camera sensor and the subject.

Most commonly used macro lenses are in the 90-105 mm range and all of the major brands produce a great image with their quality of build so in my opinion, brand doesn't make a world of difference in the result but lighting really does. Lighting and how the light is modified is a world in itself and there are as many techniques as there are people who shoot macro photography. If you can master the lighting, you will have mastered macro photography.

If you want to experiment with what you have on hand, get a 'reversing ring' for the lens that you currently use to mount it 'backwards' on your extension tubes. Reversing rings typically cost under $20 and the increase in magnification is incredible.

Here's one of the most informative websites for macro photography which includes reviews and online calculators for a variety of applications such as extension tubes, reverse lenses, etc. http://extreme-macro.co.uk/

Enjoy your journey into this fascinating world of the seldom seen.

gompfer

The Tokina gets my vote for the best for the least amount of money. I also own the Nikon 105 and the Nikon 200. I prefer the 200 for it's working distance.

markwilliam1

For what it’s worth I believe the Best macro lens ever made is the Original Minolta Macro AF 100mm f2.8! A true 1:1. You can get these lenses on eBay for a song. Sony rebranded this lens and added some bells and whistles but used the same optics as the original and now charges a fortune. I own this lens and the images are Amazing!

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

The current generation of the Tamron 90mm DOES have IF - I have this lens...

http://www.tamron-usa.com/product/lenses/f017.html

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

If that is your desired focal length and you have a Nikon, then I would definitely go with the Nikon. I use it quite a lot and it is an excellent lens.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

Thank you all for your comments and advice.
And yes, I asked about macro lenses sometime ago, but now I'm really interested in macro photography and wanted you to share your experiences with me, which I greatly appreciate.
Augie

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I'm using the Tamron on my FF Canon and am extremely pleased with it. Have nothing negative to say about it.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thanks for the link and info - it is hard to keep up with ALL the latest.....

FWIW, I also see NOW that the latest Sigma macro is also IF now .....

..

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

FWIW, I don’t have the 90; but the Nikon 105/2.8 is awesome!

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

With the 6T it's 1:1.