Macro Lens for Nikon D5300?
- Thread starter JB63
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d2mini
Premium Member
+1
Or for quite a bit cheaper, the Tamron 90mm 1:1
That's what I use. I bought it way back when i first started photography and it's so good for the price that I haven't been able to justify selling it and spending the extra on the 105.
Here's an article that talks about both.
www.bythom.com/105AFSlens.htm
Or for quite a bit cheaper, the Tamron 90mm 1:1
That's what I use. I bought it way back when i first started photography and it's so good for the price that I haven't been able to justify selling it and spending the extra on the 105.
Here's an article that talks about both.
www.bythom.com/105AFSlens.htm
d2mini
Premium Member
It depends on the lens when it comes to third party lenses. Some are total dogs or they are "ok" and reflect the price you are paying, while others are optically as good or sometimes even better than their major brand (nikon/canon) counterparts. I'm not familiar with the Sigma for Canon, but it just so happens that this tamron 90mm is a real gem. You give up the VR, a little reach and the professional build quality of the Nikon 105, but optically it's just as good.
dkeller_nc
New member
Regardless of brand, you will want to consider a macro lens with a focal length of at least 90mm. The primary difference between the 100 mm + macro lenses and the much less expensive 60 mm lenses is focal distance. With a 60 mm lens, you need to be very close to your subject to get a high reproduction ratio (such as 1:1 or 1:2). Sometimes this can be so close that you scare your subject, and for terrestrial photography, that you block your light.
I have 3 macro lenses - the 60mm, 105mm and 200mm Nikkor lenses. I most often use the 200mm lens.
I have 3 macro lenses - the 60mm, 105mm and 200mm Nikkor lenses. I most often use the 200mm lens.
3dees
New member
no need to spend the money on Canon or Nikon macro's. while they are great lens's, Tamron and Sigma are right up there for less. I use a Sigma 150mm 2.8 on my Nikon D300. the new Sigma's and Tamron's have vr although I focus manually. if you go with less than 90mm your going to have to get really close to the glass for true macro.
I use the Tamron 90mm its a great lens,
DSC_6071 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_5776 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_4316 by chopsie326, on Flickr
Thanks
Mick
DSC_6071 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_5776 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_4316 by chopsie326, on Flickr
Thanks
Mick
I use the Tamron 90mm its a great lens,
DSC_6071 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_5776 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_4316 by chopsie326, on Flickr
Thanks
Mick
Are you shooting RAW or JPEG?
Ken
dkeller_nc
New member
Nothing wrong with Tamron or Sigma lenses (I have several). But in this case, the price differential between a Tamron or Sigma with equivalent features and build quality is less than 10% from a Nikon. So it largely boils down to a preference.
This. If you use a body with a screw drive, you used to be able to get them cheaper. Now with newer Tamrons and Sigmas having motors in the lens, the price has got much closer.
I shoot raw, But I only use the free view NX software
DSC_4237 by chopsie326, on Flickr
Dragonfly_zpsbde12798 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_3281 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_0414 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_2672 by chopsie326, on Flickr
Feckingthings1_zps97d0a5b1 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_4237 by chopsie326, on Flickr
Dragonfly_zpsbde12798 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_3281 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_0414 by chopsie326, on Flickr
DSC_2672 by chopsie326, on Flickr
Feckingthings1_zps97d0a5b1 by chopsie326, on Flickr
d2mini
Premium Member
This is the one I own and it's MUCH less expensive than the Nikon 105.
As I said earlier, you give up a few things but IMHO those things are necessary. If you need those things, then definitely go for the Nikon for better resale.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=330643&Q=&is=USA&A=details
Don't even bother with the 60mm. It's too short and optically it's not all that, definitely not worth the money over the Tamron 90mm.
PatW
New member
Nikon makes 2 superb macro lenses: a 60 mm and a 105. You have to get right on the subject with the 60, so the 105 is better for getting some working distance like critters in a fish tank.
The three major third party manufacturers make fine macro lenses for about half the price, sigma, tamron and Tokina. Also, you can buy lenses used for a substantial discount. I once bought a Nikon telecom renter in ugly condition. It looks beaten up, but it works like new. For 25 percent of new, it was a great buy.
Now, your camera does not have a focus motor. So if you want autofocus, you need to get an AFS lens or it's equivalent. Many people only use manual focus for macro.
The three major third party manufacturers make fine macro lenses for about half the price, sigma, tamron and Tokina. Also, you can buy lenses used for a substantial discount. I once bought a Nikon telecom renter in ugly condition. It looks beaten up, but it works like new. For 25 percent of new, it was a great buy.
Now, your camera does not have a focus motor. So if you want autofocus, you need to get an AFS lens or it's equivalent. Many people only use manual focus for macro.
dkeller_nc
New member
Unfortunately, no. The nikon 60mm micro-nikkor f2.8 G lens is $549. The sigma 70mm macro f2.8 EX DG is $499. The Tamron SP AF60mm F2 IF lens is $524. The nikon 105mm micro-nikkor AFS VR F2.8 is $899. The Tamron 90 mm F2.8 VC is $749. Sigma doesn't really make a comparable lens to the Nikon 105mm.
But the thought of a used lens is a good one. Particularly if the OP lives in a city with an old-school camera shop that deals in used lenses.
