Which macro for close up coral shots w/D60

[gawf4fun]

Hey Reef Central Photo types,

I've purchased some close up lenses that just aren't doing what I want them to for getting good close up shots of corals in my tanks. Part of the reason is that the corals in my tanks are mostly mounted and fixed on the rockwork too far from the glass.

I'm looking for recommendations on the best bang for the buck macro lens for my Nikon D60.

If you have some preference, and wish to reply, I'd appreciate hearing the model and what particularly you like/dislike about it.

I've read a bit about the Tamron DI units, Nikon, and Sigma. I'm looking for something that will allow me to shoot corals up close, from as far away as 12" -18" away.

Thanks in advance for your expertise and guidance. BTW, I'm a little budget restricted (I can spend about $ 500), so factor that into your suggestions as well.

Best to you all.

Mark

 

[smb2]

IMHO the Nikon 105 is the lens you want. The new VR is out of your stated price range but that also means there are a lot of older 105mm 2.8 micro on the used market and you would be very happy with that. The Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro gets good reviews and I have used it as well with good results.
All my shooting is UW and some of the folks who take amazing tank shots may want to add something to the above.

 

[Hookup]

Nice photo SMB... i like the low contrast..

 

[sandiegan]

Gawf- I second a nice used 105mm Micro 2.8. You can find one for around $250ish on that big auction site.

SMB- what do you mean all your shots are UW? Meaning not in tank?

 

[smb2]

Correct. Instead of starting a new reef tank I moved to an island with reefs !!
So I am continuing a life long hobby of underwater photography.

Nice photo SMB... i like the low contrast..

Thanks. I don't do a lot of post processing and rarely use PS. I also rarely crop
[from old school film days]. Some shots from nature to me seem a little overcooked and are just not what we see with the naked eye. Just one photographers point of view.