Micro-Nikkor 105mm VR Focusing Distance

[Michael R]

I'm confused as to the minimum focusing distance at 1:1 of this lens.

This website claims that it's 154mm or about 6 inches, while the pdf file 'download specs' on this
page claim it to be approx. 12 inches.

Those of you who know:

What is it!? 6 or 12 inches?

Thanks a lot!

 

[maxalmon]

I use the 105VR on just about all my macro work and find that 6-8" is the minimum

 

[stdreb27]

depending on the lighting it is about 6 inches.

 

[BlueSohal]

12 inches from the camera, but 6 inches from the Front of the lens.

 

[maxalmon]

LOL,...mystery solved.................never thought about it that way

 

[Michael R]

Thanks!

And just out of interest, for comparison, what is the minimum focusing distance of the 60mm from the front of the lens?

 

[maxalmon]

I have no idea on what the minimum distance is on the 60mm, but thats a tough lens to use, A friend has one and you have to be so close to the subject and the tank glass gets in the way. Not a problem if you can move the corals around and station them close to tank front...

 

[Michael R]

I've had the 60mm before and I ended up selling it because of the same problem you described.

I was just wondering how much of a difference the 105mm would make.

 

[Phyl]

That's the difference between the focus distance (12) and the working distance (6).

On the 60mm the min focus distance is 8.75" and the lens is roughly 2.75" long leaving 6" working distance, give or take 1/10. Any working distance greater than that will not give you the 1:1 reproduction.

 

[Michael R]

So the minimum working distance for both the 60mm and 105mm is the same?

 

[maxalmon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11915892#post11915892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Michael R
I've had the 60mm before and I ended up selling it because of the same problem you described.

I was just wondering how much of a difference the 105mm would make.

I have no problems, my 215 is 28" front to back with most of the corals about in the middle of the tank and sloping to the front glass. I've never experienced any issues and find the 105 to be just about the perfect general use macro.

 

[Phyl]

With the 105, it will work, but you'll only get reproduction ratio of 1:1 in the first 6" of the tank. Beyond that, you'll need a longer focal length/working distance to get the 1:1 ratio that you're looking for with macro.