Need a New Macro Lens

[ngn8dogg]

Im new do dslr cameras and am looking for a macro lens for a nikon d80. Im on a budget though and cant afford more than $300 . Anyone have any suggestions on a decent lens in this price range. Is this a good lens for the price? any input appreciated thanks.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...p=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960

 

[brians4671]

i bought the nikkor 105 f2.8. but wasnt comfortable with the price i paid. reconsidered and purchased a sigma 105 f2.8 online brand new 340 bucks and very satisfied. hth

 

[ngn8dogg]

what website did you get it from? I was told by someone to get the sigma 105 or tamron 90.

 

[nickb]

In the 100mm range, all of the macro lenses are excellent: tamron 90, Tokina 100, Sigma 105 and Nikkor 105. B&H photography is a great source for these lenses. They are selling the Tamron for $360 after a rebate and the Tokina for $400 (no rebate). The Sigma is $450.

If you want to stay under $300, you could look at a set of close-up lenses or bellows extensions. These can be used with your existing lens. Cheaper but the effective f-stop will be higher and you have to focus much closer than with the 100mm macro, leading to lighting problems in some cases.

The Sigma in your Bestbuy link isn't a true macro (it doesn't get down to 1:1 magnification).

 

[ngn8dogg]

thanks Brian

 

[JHemdal]

Also, check the minimum focus distance on Sigma on the Best Buy link, I bet its pretty long - like 3 feet?

For "el cheapo" macro shooting, what about a $100 50mm AF 1.8 with a $30 set of 52mm close-up lens attachments? The neat thing about that is the prime 50mm is a great lens to use without the close-up attachments.

I have a 60mm micro, the above 50mm with close-ups, and I still get my best shots with my 18-200 VR - probably because its more forgiving of my poor macro skills., it is not a macro of course, but the minimum focusing distance is only 18", and I can use an on-camera flash at that distance (as opposed to a ring light or my SB-600 on a sync cord for the other two lenses). The resulting images are crisp enough on my D300, that I can crop them to "macro size" and just go with that. The benefit is that the 18-200 also serves as my main lens for just about every other shot I need to make.

Jay

 

[Misled]

I agree with Jay. I had that lens at one time, it only macro focuses between 200 and 300mm. Doesn't work too well for tank macros.