Nikon 60mm or 105mm

[Felixc395]

Read some of threads on here about best macro lens to get. I would optimally get a 105mm lens from Nikon, but the 60mm fits in the price range. I've tried to figure out the working distance but still have some questions.

I have a 75 gallon tank, that's 18" deep. Simply put all I want to know is if I can get shots that blow up corals in the back of the tank and to what extent? What type of magnification are we talking about? Obviously not polyp, but I'm just trying to wrap my mind around what the pics would look like.

Thanks.

 

[Tron_954]

105 will reach more shots. 60 is limited.

 

[nemosworld]

105 will reach more shots. 60 is limited.

Very true, I have a 24-85mm macro and sometimes the 85mm is just not enough. Deff get the 105.

 

[Felixc395]

Very true, I have a 24-85mm macro and sometimes the 85mm is just not enough. Deff get the 105.

Tron and Nemo, seems like the 105 is the way to go. I would just like the clarification of not enough with the 60. How close up will I be able to get with the corals in the back of the tank? I definitely wouldn't want to have to move corals to the front of the tank to take pics of them, that's for sure. 105 probably would be safer too in regards that I hope to have a deeper tank eventually too.

Just wondering what pics with a 60mm would look like? From what it sounds like not what I'm looking for but examples would be great.

 

[frankyrivera]

I have a 75 gallon and the 105 macro nikon. You will not get macro like shots of corals in the back of the tank unless you crop. The 60 will not be enough. Plus the 105 is much better glass with the nano coating and the bright 2.8 aperture. The 60 will be short at times.

 

[frankyrivera]

Sample macro with 105

 

[3dees]

longer is better. if you want close ups of your fish you can sit further from the tank and not scare them. I use a Sigma 150mm macro with my Nikon D300. the 60mm can be used, but you will want more reach.

 

[Tron_954]

Remember, that also, with the macro lens, the photo from one step further away, is more crop-able and still sharp and in focus than if you smash the lens right up on the glass and distort the image...

 

[Felixc395]

Thank you franky for the visual. Last couple posts make it pretty clear to me. I've been doing some brief research and have looked into the Tamron 90mm. Even though it's a tad shorter than the Nikon 105, any thoughts on if it will suit my needs?

 

[Misled]

With my Sigma 50mm.

With the Nikon 105.

 

[Tron_954]

Last one is my favorite... And coincidently it's from the 105

 

[hatfielj]

I just got the Tamron 90 for taking macro coral shots and I'm very happy with it. Got it for almost 1/3 the price of a Nikon 105...Here's my first decent photo with it

 

[Tron_954]

While the colors are poppin, the focus seems off...

 

[westreef]

I have Nikon D7000. A year ago I sold my Nikon 60mm and got a Tokina 100mm instead.
No regret here.

By the way, there is a list of best Macro lenses in this Ken Rockwell link:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/best-macro-lenses.htm

It maybe helpful.

 

[Tenshoa]

I just got the Tamron 90 for taking macro coral shots and I'm very happy with it. Got it for almost 1/3 the price of a Nikon 105...Here's my first decent photo with it

I just bought the same lens. I love it so far. Just posted my first pics in another thread.

Very nice pic, btw!

 

[Felixc395]

Thanks for the pics! I think I'm going to go with the tamron 90mm. For under $350 it seems like a great deal. I'll be using it exclusively for the aquarium so it makes sense.

 

[Northside Reef]

good choice that's the one I purchased as well.

 

[frankyrivera]

While the colors are poppin, the focus seems off...

I agree it looks like it was either shot on auto focus and the camera focused on the bottom left portion of the frag disc. Or manually your focus was off just a tad which happens when shooting macro a little left or right and you missed. Happens to me all the time. Nice chalice though