Macro lens - opinions?

[Gymrat76]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a macro lens in the <$600 range. Currently looking at either the Nikon 60mm macro, or the Tamron 90 Di. Both lenses are well regarded, and except for some possible compatibility issues on the D70+SB800 with the Tamron, both are equally attractive. Any opinions from users who own/owned/use/used either of these lenses? How is picture quality/sharpness/bokeh/AF etc....

Will probably use it as a walkaround/macro lens most of the time, if that helps... TIA

GYR

[sam_always]

borrowed tamron 90mm Di from my friend and take a few shot... there is one of the pic...

[andy9110]

nice exposure.... me thinking of getting a macro lens too cos really into macro lately. have tamro 90mm , nikkor 60mm and the nikkor 105mm in mind. but just dun really know which one is best value for money ???

[majere2sg]

Tamron 90mm is a good for value lens.
Haven't tried the nikkor ones so don't know how good or bad they are..

[Gymrat76]

Thanks for the replies so far, guess there's not much doubt about the build quality of the Nikkors, but have never owned a Tamron lens before so am not sure about the build quality/durability.

That said, the working distance of the Nikon 60mm macro is probably a tad short, the Tamron 90 would be better. Optics-wise the Tamron is very good from sample pics I've seen, but how is the build quality/reliability of the Tamron lens? Thanks

[Nik-enduser]

Dear Gymrat76,

I have two macro lens - nikkor 60mm and 105mm. They both have their pros and cons. They are both very sharp and give very nice pictures. I personally find the 60mm better for indoor work where conditions are more controlled and the 105mm is great for outdoor nature shots, especially at night. However, the 105mm is a tad heavy, but nonetheless gives very excellant results.

I used to have a sigma 90mm (1:2), but have since sold that off. Price of third party lens are very competitive, and give comparable results. However, in the long run, and if one can afford it, getting original lenses is a better investment.

Just my two cents worth,
Nik-enduser

[eawtan]

I am currently using the 105mm, and find it great. I personally don't find the 105 heavy, according to the specs, the 105mm is 100g heavier than the 60mm. I did consider the 60mm initially, but got a good deal for the 105mm, which is frequently used outdoors. Coupled often (outdoors) with the kenko pro 1.4x to get better working distance.

Some shots using the 105 at : http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=95265

Originally Posted by Nik-enduser Dear Gymrat76, I have two macro lens - nikkor 60mm and 105mm. They both have their pros and cons. They are both very sharp and give very nice pictures. I personally find the 60mm better for indoor work where conditions are more controlled and the 105mm is great for outdoor nature shots, especially at night. However, the 105mm is a tad heavy, but nonetheless gives very excellant results. I used to have a sigma 90mm (1:2), but have since sold that off. Price of third party lens are very competitive, and give comparable results. However, in the long run, and if one can afford it, getting original lenses is a better investment. Just my two cents worth, Nik-enduser

[Gymrat76]

Thanks guys for the feedback. The 105 micro would be nice to have, but is out of my budget. From the sites that I've seen and the reviews that I've read, the Tamron 90 Di is probably going to be the lens I'll get. I'll have the shop bring both the Nikon 60 and Tamron 90 and do a side by side comparison and see. Thanks again

[duckizz]

hey when r u getting it ? was tinking of it too. there was a thread in the nikon side abt this lens and a couple of prices....

but not sure if anyone did anything abt them

[Gymrat76]

Originally Posted by duckizz hey when r u getting it ? was tinking of it too. there was a thread in the nikon side abt this lens and a couple of prices.... but not sure if anyone did anything abt them

most probably this afternoon

[Gymrat76]

Update: Unfortunately no stock at the moment, but I did get to play with the Tamron 180 macro Not for long though, didn't want to get tooo tempted! Haha!

Anyway, compared the Tamron 90 non-Di with the Nikon 60mm.. the build quality of the Nikon is definitely nicer, feels more solid compared to the Tamron, but the 60mm is definitely pretty short. The Tamron 180 will be nice to have, but is out of budget So will wait for stock of the Tamron 90 Di to come in next week (hopefully!)

[bernardsia]

Something longer will be better. The 60mm is pretty short and when you shoot so near, things tend to get distorted. I got the 60mm really cheap, so I am keeping it forever.

[duckizz]

how much were u quoted? mscolor quote me $590
ap quote me $515 w/o GST
CP i tink ard $560

[Gymrat76]

Yup, I agree.. the 60mm macro is not a very versatile macro lens, you can't shoot most insects because of the short working distance -the Tamrom 90mm is still a bit short, but at least it gives a couple more inches, which might make all the difference. The Tamron 180mm though, is another matter altogether. If I had the $ I'd probably get that even over the Nikon 105mm macro

[Gymrat76]

Originally Posted by duckizz how much were u quoted? mscolor quote me $590 ap quote me $515 w/o GST CP i tink ard $560

I'll let you know when I find out next week

[sam_always]

the build qualify for tamron 90mm seems ok to me... for this 90mm macro, you only can get F2.8 if your object are 3 meters away. When you are in 1:1 the aperture is F5.6 instead. All the while i tot the this aperture on 90mm macro lens is constance at F2.8... seems like it's not... maybe all the macro lenses are like this...

[andy9110]

now really confuse liao..... dunno which one to get. had alway had the 60mm in mind but think twice abt the distance.

What the pro and con comparing the nikon105 with the tamron 180 ? which one is a better choice ?

[Gymrat76]

Having tried out both, I would say Tamron 180 if you're shooting subjects that tend to spook easily. It has a minimum focussing distance of about 1/2 a meter and is and IF lens (internal focussing). Picture quality is also very good, judging from reviews and sample photos I've seen taken with it.. and the price is *about* the same as the 105 Nikkor...

Still, its up to you. Some people rather have the more solid feel of the Nikkor, and I think slightly better optically, but you can't beat the range of the Tamron for its price

[nemesis32]

get tamron 90mm if your budget cannot be stretch.. i own the nikon 105mm and i don't find it that great...

in fact, a lot of good review was written for tamron 90mm (non-di) and i am sure the DI version should be better. Moreover, with D70, 90mm has a better working distance so you won;t be too far from the subject. using 105mm, you will probably be 1/2 - 1 feet away.

No point getting 60mm macro, might as well get 50mm plus the reversing rings for extreme macro.

[bernardsia]

Originally Posted by sam_always the build qualify for tamron 90mm seems ok to me... for this 90mm macro, you only can get F2.8 if your object are 3 meters away. When you are in 1:1 the aperture is F5.6 instead. All the while i tot the this aperture on 90mm macro lens is constance at F2.8... seems like it's not... maybe all the macro lenses are like this...

There is an article on Nikonians on why the apertures change when focusing closely.

http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID6/1927.html