Which Lens Is A Great Lens For My Cameras?

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sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
As you know....I am shooting with both a D7100 and a D610. Which lens would be good for a 7100, and which lens would be good for a 610? I know I'm keeping the D610, but may sell the 7100. Please let me know. I want to get close but am on a limited budget. :cool:
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Since this is in the Macro section I'm assuming that's what you're looking for. I love my Sigma 105mm f/2.8. As sharp as the Nikon, IMHO (and Marcel's), and it will save you a few bucks. I use it on the D600 and D800, and also stick my Kenko 2X TC on there occasionally. Took this with the the D800 a couple days ago w/ the TC on, so you can see it keeps its sharpness. This is a Tomatillo husk that dried in the garden over the winter. The focus is on the point that used to hold it to the plant - that's about 1/8-3/16" across, to give you an idea of magnification. I could have easily gotten closer, but this was the crop I wanted.

20140528-D81_2038-Edit.jpg
 
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sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
BackdoorHippie said:
Since this is in the Macro section I'm assuming that's what you're looking for. I love my Sigma 105mm f/2.8. As sharp as the Nikon, IMHO (and Marcel's), and it will save you a few bucks. I use it on the D600 and D800, and also stick my Kenko 2X TC on there occasionally. Took this with the the D800 a couple days ago w/ the TC on, so you can see it keeps its sharpness. This is a Tomatillo husk that dried in the garden over the winter. The focus is on the point that used to hold it to the plant - that's about 1/8-3/16" across, to give you an idea of magnification. I could have easily gotten closer, but this was the crop I wanted.

View attachment 92266
Click to expand...

Of course, Adorama is out of stock on this, but one question, wouldn't you have rather had a zoom for macro, or is it really not necessary? Thanks Jake!
 
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aroy

Senior Member
Unless you are shooting skittish bugs, auto focus and zoom are not required. With higher magnification, manual focus is not only faster but results in better focus, where you want it.

The magnification in most of the zooms is achieved by the distance, the closer you are the more magnification (you may call it manual zoom). On the Nikon 105 AIS the magnification ratio is printed on the barrel itself.

D3S_8289-straight.jpg
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
My arms and body are the zoom for macro - or where I put the tripod. When you're getting that close, there's an inherent "zoom" just with the focus. I'm not sure how much you want to spend, but if you want sharpness then you're going to want to go with the fixed focal length stuff. The macro zooms will get you closer in some cases, but at the cost of quality. Most of them are really just zoom lenses that will let you focus close and not true macro.
 
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stmv

Senior Member
such an open question,, so,, I will throw out a good choice..

35-70 Nikkor 2.8 that has a built in Macro,, super sharp,, and can take nice macros..

OR

28-105 that has the macro also, which has nice range, and macro,, and still a decent lens.

or

105 macro (nikkor or sigma)

with say a one of the holy trinity to get you started,,,

laughs,,

or just throw in a few primes depending on your style.

choices are vast,, and really biased,, depending on your shooting style and price points.
 
hark

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
It's my understanding that a zoom macro lens is not a true 1:1 macro plus I've heard the zoom macro lenses aren't as sharp as a dedicated macro lens. Since you are on a limited budget, Tamron makes one without VR that is less expensive. Perhaps you can find a used one for even less. Or you might want to consider a manual focus macro lens as they shouldn't be quite as expensive.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF AF272NII-700
 
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ShootRaw

Senior Member
The Nikon 105mm 2.8D...Fantastic lens that can be bought for $350-$400 used...Here is a image I shot at F/11 due to the harsh sun..
untitled-1628-2.jpg
 
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wev

wev

Senior Member
Contributor
hark said:
It's my understanding that a zoom macro lens is not a true 1:1 macro plus I've heard the zoom macro lenses aren't as sharp as a dedicated macro lens. Since you are on a limited budget, Tamron makes one without VR that is less expensive. Perhaps you can find a used one for even less. Or you might want to consider a manual focus macro lens as they shouldn't be quite as expensive.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP AF Di Macro Lens for Nikon AF AF272NII-700
Click to expand...

Both @scott and I use this; it is an excellent lens, at nearly half the price of the 105.
 
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DraganDL

Senior Member
One more vote for Tamron 90mm f2.8 (any variation of it). Covers full frame, has an internal motor drive (so AF works even on cheap DX cameras), excellent in macro, capable in portraiture, nice bokeh, very affordable...
 
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Lawrence

Senior Member
Sometimes I hate this forum …
So many decisions so little spare cash!
Whatever you decide I will be envious but will enjoy the photos.
 
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