Please Recommend a Nikon Macro Lens for Me

[joeychitwood]

I am looking for a macro lens to use with my Nikon D-70 camera at work to take close-up photos of injuries, surgical procedures and other oddities. (I am an Emergency Physician.)

I would also use the lens to take photos of the tiny creatures in my reef aquarium. My everyday lens is a Nikon 18-200 mm F/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF DX VR.

My budget is up to $1750. I don't want a ring-flash type of lens, just a regular macro lens or general lens with great macro capabilities. Can you recommend a Nikon lens for such purposes? Thanks.

 

[joeychitwood]

The lens doesn't have to be made by Nikon. I have looked at these two lenses. Any comments?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/472574-REG/Zeiss_1424_665_100mm_f_2_ZF_Manual.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/472573-REG/Zeiss_1424_664_50mm_f_2_ZF_Manual.html

 

[BlueCorn]

It's hard to fault any Zeiss lens but my understanding is that that the Nikon 105mm 2.8 is tack sharp and you'd have a lot more money still in your pocket.

 

[joeychitwood]

If you are talking about this lens, the people at the Nikon Cafe forum recommended the same lens.

 

[BlueCorn]

Yup. That's what I had in mind.

 

[VoidRaven]

And those folks know what they are talking about Doc. Can't go wrong with the Nikon 105VR. It's on my list for some day. I've seen many great images come from that lens and heard lots of highly positive reviews.

Zeiss glass is most excellent as well but I think you will get what you want from the 105VR.

 

[joeychitwood]

I received some great information on the Nikon Cafe forum. I ordered the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR lens and the Nikon R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight sytem. The next time someone blows their face off with a shotgun, I'll be able to take much better before and after photos. (At least that's what I told my employer when I ordered the lens and flash using my "use-it-or-lose-it-by-October-1st" continuing education funds.) Who knows? I might even be able to take a few macro tank photos.

 

[VoidRaven]

NOW I'm *really* jealous! The 105VR AND the macro flash unit! Nice purchase Doc!!! Can't wait to see some non-gory shots that you take with that setup!

 

[latazyo]

just saw your thread on NC

that looks like an awesome setup

I also think its pretty cool that you're an ER/EMS

 

[BlueCorn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13379487#post13379487 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by latazyo

I also think its pretty cool that you're an ER/EMS

Don't let him fool you. He's still a fish tank dork just like you and I.

:lol:

 

[joeychitwood]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13379537#post13379537 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beerguy
Don't let him fool you. He's still a fish tank dork just like you and I. :lol:

And I've got the shirt to prove it.

 

[Misled]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13379114#post13379114 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by VoidRaven
Can't wait to see some non-gory shots that you take with that setup!

Too sweet Doc, show the gory ones too though!!!!!

 

[latazyo]

that is an awesome shirt

sent you a PM, doc