[Bobinstow]

I know its an old topic, but I am looking for a bit of up to date advice. I have a Nikon D200 and I am looking for a macro lens. I have seen one advertised in Onestop Digital.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 ED Macro Lens - they are selling for £340.
Would anyone recommend this lens and is the price reasonable?

[Dave]

Price will always be good from OneStop, but have you also considered Sigma options for less money. Plenty of people have been pleased with Sigma macros

[Dabhand16]

I can't speak from personal experience, but most people who shoot macro seem to favour the 105 - 150mm focal lengths. I think the 60mm will require you to get very close to the subject where the longer lenses will allow more breathing space.

[Angela]

Bob, I have a Sigma 50mm f/2.8 DG Macro Lens which is only about 3 months old and which I'm looking to sell if that's of any interest to you? It's a lovely lens - I took this shot with it:



Only selling it because I bought Dave's Sigma 105mm macro and I really don't need two!!

[lcraft]

I have the Nikon 2.8 60mm Micro lens.. I like it very much. I don't do a whole lot of macro photography but I am occasionally called on to shoot images of jewelry for my wife or find the occasional bug or flower that I like.. Or have the occasional Lego masterpiece that must be given a full study (according to the 6 year old engineer who created it..)

It's razor sharp..

It is very nice for portrait shooting and I just used it to shoot a bunch of fireworks photos and they turned out wonderful with it - Though it was a little more challenging than if I had a wider angle lens. Fortunately or unfortunately I had to shoot from a location where I didn't have a full unobstructed view of the sky. Maybe next year and then I'll have an excuse to get the 10.5mm


Anyway, I use it way more than my 50mm. I was originally looking at the Sigma 105. I ultimately decided to stick with the Nikon Glass because it'd probably hold value better - not that I've ever sold a piece of camera gear I bought. After some of the photos I've taken with this lens I doubt I'd ever sell it.

[lcraft]

and yes - you do have to get pretty up close and personal with this lens for macro.. That can cause other issues like blocking natural light with the lens barrel.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by lcraft

I have the Nikon 2.8 60mm Micro lens..
It is very nice for portrait shooting and I just used it to shoot a bunch of fireworks photos and they turned out wonderful with it -

Good point re 60mm range, that is also useful for portrait work etc. If you haven't already got the 50mm f/1.8 it could be worthwile considering this range in either Nikon or Sigma, if you feel you could use the lens for dual purpose. Might be worth getting a price from Angela accordingly as a) the Sigma is going to be very near Nikon in quality terms b) a lot cheaper & c) less to lose if you find you don't get on with macro.

Just my 2p worth

[VinnyP]

It largely depends on what you use it for. A 90, 105 and 150 upwards is really good for the outdoor type macros where it's not always easy to get close to the subject. A 50 or 60mm macro is pretty useful in a table top studio as it gives more depth of field and works in tight spaces.