Sigma 105mm or Tamron 90mm

[UFreefer]

I know there have been other threads about this subject in the past but I wanted to see if anyone had used both or has opinions on which one is a superior lens.

I would love to be able to afford the Nikkor 105mm but it's out of my budget so I need to choose from the Tamron or Sigma.

 

[BlueCorn]

Optically they're about equal and both have external focusing.

I'd let price choose.

 

[Misled]

Which camera are you using??? B&H has an AF in their used section. You most likely won't be using the auto focus for tank pics anyway.

 

[UFreefer]

I'll be using it on a D40

 

[xtm]

I am very biased but my choice is the Tamron 90. If you want a cheaper 105 Nikkor (old school, non-VR) you can get a used copy at KEH for around $350-400. This will be a manual focus on your D40 btw.

 

[UFreefer]

I picked up a used Tamron from a guy only a few miles from my house for only $270! I'm pumped. Any suggestions with the settings would be much appreciated. I just picked up a couple macro photography books that I'll be reading as well

 

[iceemn360]

Red Eyed Tree Frogs update

Red Eyed Tree Frogs update

some updated photos. these guys sleep a lot.

photos taken with the Sigma 105mm Macro

 

[iceemn360]

 

[Misled]

I really love your frogs!!!!!!!

 

[iceemn360]

oops! wow I was just reading this thread but I thought I made a separate thread for my photos.

moderator can delete those posts. Thanks Jesse!

Sorry!

 

[Misled]

moderator can delete those posts.

That would make my post look silly!!!!! :lol:

 

[xtm]

I picked up a used Tamron from a guy only a few miles from my house for only $270! I'm pumped. Any suggestions with the settings would be much appreciated. I just picked up a couple macro photography books that I'll be reading as well

1. Tripod is mandatory. Don't even think about handholding.
2. Don't freak out if your aperture starts to stop down by itself as you focus closer - this is normal.
3. Get as much depth-of-field as you can when focusing at 1:1. It's normal to stop down as far as f/22 (and more).
4. Use MLU (the D40 doesn't have one) or a remote shutter to avoid vibrations (get a Nikon ML-L3 for $17)
5. Turn off the pumps.. better yet, get a photo box for top-downs
6. Sometimes I use a polarizer to cut down the reflections from the MH when shooting down. It works.