Macro Lens Help

Whaler

Whaler

Senior Member
First off let me say hello as this is my first post here.
I have a D-7000 with the AF-S 16-85 for a primary lens and am using a Sigma 50mm f2.8 for macro work. The Sigma seems do be doing an OK job but I keep thinking that the Nikkor AF-S 60mm Micro would do a better job.
Input from all would be appreciated.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
Welcome. I don't have the Nikon or the Sigma macro, so I have no useful information. I do have the Tamron 60mm macro. What do you feel is lacking with the Sigma? Maybe post some pictures (with your settings) that you are not happy with.
 
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Ironwood

Senior Member
Hi Whaler, welcome to Nikonites.
I know you from a couple of the Pen Forums,

I came here over 12 months ago looking for help to improve my pen photography.
I got good help, and I am still here.

Is your macro lens used for your pen photography only, or for general macro work as well ?

The first lens I got for my pens is an old Nikon AF55D micro, I got good results using this lens, but my current favourite is my Nikon 35 f1.8G.

I just got myself a Nikon 105 f2.8G yesterday, but havent had a chance to use it much yet, and not on pens yet.

​I dont have any experience with the 60 micro, so cant comment on it. But I am sure there are members here who have that lens, and will probably comment on it when they see your thread.
 
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RON_RIP

Senior Member
My macro lens is the Tokina 35 2.8 with which I am quite pleased. I selected it and paid more for it so as not to have a lens from mainland China. But heh, that just me.
 
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Bukitimah

Senior Member
I am not sure your sigma has a micro feature but I have tried the Nikon afs 60 with micro and it is quite good. For Nikon, micro is macro so I hope we are on the same page.
 
Whaler

Whaler

Senior Member
The Sigma is a macro but it seems to have trouble aquiring focus much of the time when set on AF. Kind of bugs me but it is workable. I may just want a new lens and am trying to justify it.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
Single point focus? Focusing on an edge or area of good contrast? Got enough light on subject? I don't have experience with a lot of different macro lenses, but I know my Tamron focuses a little differently/slowly. I think between my movements and the shallow focus range, sometimes it blows through the focus point because of my movement just as it's trying to lock focus. I like af-c for handheld macro shots. Nothing wrong with just wanting a new lens though.
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
I don't use AF much since nearly all of my lenses are older. But I would switch to manual focus for macro shots anyway, to be sure to get the focus the way I want it. I use the 105mm micro listed in my signature, and I love how well it works for the price I paid! :D
 
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Watch72

Senior Member
+1 on using manual focusing when doing macro. the DOF is thin and only manual focus would get what you want more accurately. BTW, using a tripod would also be essential here. I do not have the Sigma f/2.8 and unable to comment why the problem of the OP about acquiring focus. I have a couple of macro lens and they are good when you really nailed the focus.
 
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kklor

Senior Member
Welcome! I went through this thinking and then I thought if 60 is good then 85mm is better so that is where I finally took the hook. I am happy with it but wondered if I should have bought the 60. I think we are always trying to talk ourselves in and out of lenses. I am currently in a long running battle to pick a nice wide-angle for DX.
 
Whaler

Whaler

Senior Member
Over the last few days I have done a lot of reading and playing with the lenses that I have and decided that I just want a new lens, I don't really need it. On Wednesday Fed X will be dropping of a shinny new 105mm f2.8 AF-S VR Micro, can't wait.
 
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kklor

Senior Member
Congrats! See the bigger is better theory works and yes that lens has good specs. I went to the pro shop in Portland today but walked away empty handed as I didn't feel ready to bite before I came home and checked out some options/prices on B&H. I think they may be putting another lens on the truck headed West.

Enjoy-
Kathleen
 
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Ironwood

Senior Member
I am sure you will be happy with your new 105. I have been putting mine to use in the last few days since it arrived and have been very impressed with it.

I took some shots of a couple of pens with it late yesterday, I was rushed and didnt spend as much time setting up as I should have, and it shows in the results, but all the same I can see it has a lot of potential for my pen photos.

f16, 1/15th sec, iso 100.

DSC_2864.jpg
 
Whaler

Whaler

Senior Member
Ironwood said:
I am sure you will be happy with your new 105. I have been putting mine to use in the last few days since it arrived and have been very impressed with it.

I took some shots of a couple of pens with it late yesterday, I was rushed and didnt spend as much time setting up as I should have, and it shows in the results, but all the same I can see it has a lot of potential for my pen photos.

f16, 1/15th sec, iso 100.

View attachment 54420
Click to expand...
Very nice, Brad. What kind of lighting do you use?
 
Whaler

Whaler

Senior Member
I got my 105 f2.8 AF-S VR lens late yesterday and have only had time for one quick shot. That is one amazing piece of glass.

105mm.jpg
 
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Ironwood

Senior Member
Whaler said:
I got my 105 f2.8 AF-S VR lens late yesterday and have only had time for one quick shot. That is one amazing piece of glass.
Click to expand...
Nice looking pen Dick. I havent seen that variation of components before, I like them.
​You are right about the lens, I have had mine for about a week now, it has hardly been off my camera since. Very nice.
 
Whaler

Whaler

Senior Member
That component set is called a Pensar and is available from Berea, Beartooth Woods & Exotic Blanks. It comes with a center band but if you use a Sierra tube and cut it to 2.08" you then throw the center band away and get a better looking pen.

Here is a pic from the Berea catalog.
Pensar600.gif


Here is a comparison with a Sierra
PensarSierra.jpg
 
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