Deciding on lens

Seniornewbie

Seniornewbie

New member
Hi all, senior newbie here! Want to do some macro work and purchased an excellent
Used Nikon 105 lens from Adorama , more than I wanted to spend. Issue is that it’s heavier than I realized, and connected to my d3400 really difficult to hold.
Any suggestions on a lighter macro lens to used on flowers, fruit and insects!
Was told by salesman that there is an 85mm model that works well for the above.
Advise please!
 
Needa

Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
I have a 60mm AF lens I like but it will not auto focus on your camera. I can make no recommendations but point out two other lenses.
DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G and DX Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G VR both of these will auto focus on your camera. Maybe others have some non Nikon lenses they could point out.
 
Clovishound

Clovishound

Senior Member
The 85mm DX lens mentioned above is only 12.5 oz. Of course the 105 is only 26 oz, so I'm a little surprised you find it too heavy. Of course, you may have health issues that preclude heavier equipment. Perhaps it is a matter of balance vs actual weight. A lighter lens will affect the balance, and the D3400 is a light camera, at around a pound with batteries, which will mean it will be more front heavy with a heavier lens.

As I see it, there are several options. If you are able, some moderate weight training may solve the issue. You could certainly go with a lighter lens. The 85mm DX runs about $600 new, so it's cheaper than the 105, but still not pocket change for most folks. MPB has used one in stock in
excellent" condition for around $250, which is less than the 105 you have used. Not sure what kind of deal you could get with a trade in.

The other option is to use a tripod or monopod. I do a lot of macro work, and sometimes use a tripod, and sometimes handheld with diffused flash. I don't really like using a tripod due to the time required to set it up, as well as having to haul one around. It also makes it more difficult to quickly change angles. The upside is it allows more use of available light, and makes focus and composition easier. Monopods are much easier to deal with in the field, but still slow things down, and don't provide the stability of a tripod.
 
BF Hammer

BF Hammer

Senior Member
I have a Z105mm and I used to have 2 different Tamron 90mm macro lenses. There is a lot of glass involved with getting a 1:1 macro focal length, so they tend to be heavy.

You can drop down to a 60mm or 40mm macro, and there are versions for DX cameras like yours. But there is another issue with that: you have to be physically closer to the subject to get that 1:1. So not really much help, but at least an explanation why you may have a difficult time getting a lighter macro.

I don't know how you wanted to actually use the lens, but there are some of the 1:2 "macro" lens types, and they may do what you want. They tend to be zoom lenses. With a crop sensor D3400, instead of a half-size reproduction on sensor it gives the appearance of about 75% reduction.
 
Seniornewbie

Seniornewbie

New member
Thanks everyone for your help. I decided to go with the Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G VR and I’m waiting for it to arrive. Hope I enjoy it!
 
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