- Macro Lenses -

[gqtuazon]

Are you saying the bokeh is better with the Nikon 105mm af-s vr?

To my eye, yes, but that's just "my" preference. The Nikon D has seven blades vs 9 blades with the VR version. You will be able to notice that on the bokeh.

Sample with the 105mm D version

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/16343/white_pelican.JPG

Sample with the Tamron (not bad) but I hate the focusing mechanism

 

[Kodiak]

•

Glen is right, there… that's why I bought it! My clients want to pay for this…

But you… do you really need this? I mean, if money is no concern then no question!
See first if the difference in price makes a "difference" for you purpose…

 

[dapper.image]

With the macro lenses is quite difficult to go wrong, all of them are very sharp but slow focussing and of course they can be used for portraiture as well.

The best value for money is the Tamron 90mm, a lens that is slightly sharper than the Nikon 105mm (both the D and the VR) and has the best bookeh of all macro lenses, but the one that should be chosen is the "272ENII" type since that one has an internal motor so that your D5200 will AF. The last version has VR, more precisely VC as they call it, but then is more expensive.

The next one might be the Tokina 100mm, good construction good quality of image.
Then there is the Sigma 105, but Sigma always had some issues with quality control... but sigma when is good is really good.
Now the Nikon 105 VR has the newest optics. VR is not a deal breaker since at 1:1 VR is useless.

So if budget is not an issue then the Nikon 105 VR, but if not you might consider the Tamron.

That's the thing. Budget is an issue, but...... is it worth it to just save up more and wait to get the nikkor 105 instead of the Tamron?

To my eye, yes, but that's just "my" preference. The Nikon D has seven blades vs 9 blades with the VR version. You will be able to notice that on the bokeh.

Sample with the 105mm D version

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/16343/white_pelican.JPG

Sample with the Tamron (not bad) but I hate the focusing mechanism

Hmmm well it's kind of get an idea of differences in bokeh when two different images are used with the different lenses.

 

[Skytalker]

It is worth buying the Nikon 105 VR for the fact that it will hold better its value, it is better built, having VR it will help when shooting portraiture or other stuff than macro, but IQ wise the Tamron wins hands down since it is sharper and the bokeh is nicer and softer. Nikon lenses do not have an exquisite bokeh by default, of course apart from some exceptions. IQ wise even the 105D, is slightly better.

I hope it helps.

 

[gqtuazon]

That's the thing. Budget is an issue, but...... is it worth it to just save up more and wait to get the nikkor 105 instead of the Tamron?

Hmmm well it's kind of get an idea of differences in bokeh when two different images are used with the different lenses.

Sorry but I am not in the business of convincing people what to buy or how they should spend their money. I think we are all mature enough to make our own decision. Everyone here has their own unique financial situation, so, your decision on which lens to purchase is all up to you at this point.

 

[Kodiak]

Oriental wisdom has spoken!

 

[dapper.image]

It is worth buying the Nikon 105 VR for the fact that it will hold better its value, it is better built, having VR it will help when shooting portraiture or other stuff than macro, but IQ wise the Tamron wins hands down since it is sharper and the bokeh is nicer and softer. Nikon lenses do not have an exquisite bokeh by default, of course apart from some exceptions. IQ wise even the 105D, is slightly better.

I hope it helps.

​Ok thank you.

 

[evan447]

one other major point to be aware of re the tamron; this lens will double in length when used at minimum focusing distance, minimum focus distance is measured from the subject to the film plane/sensor.
the nikon 105 vr is internal focusing and will not increase in length at any distance. this will give you a big advantage when shooting bugs.
the better option for bugs is the sigma 150mm, it also has its own tripod collar.
also, bare in mnd that vr has minimal effect at macro distances, i consider it a mere placebo! best to work on technique.

 

[Scott Murray]

one other major point to be aware of re the tamron; this lens will double in length when used at minimum focusing distance, minimum focus distance is measured from the subject to the film plane/sensor.
the nikon 105 vr is internal focusing and will not increase in length at any distance. this will give you a big advantage when shooting bugs.
the better option for bugs is the sigma 150mm, it also has its own tripod collar.
also, bare in mnd that vr has minimal effect at macro distances, i consider it a mere placebo! best to work on technique.

I manually focus mine at the minimum focusing length and then move forwards or back to my subject. This negates the extension as you already know where the end is .

But I am looking at getting maybe another lens or some extension tubes and raynox filter for my 90mm tamron.

 

[evan447]

I manually focus mine at the minimum focusing length and then move forwards or back to my subject. This negates the extension as you already know where the end is .

But I am looking at getting maybe another lens or some extension tubes and raynox filter for my 90mm tamron.

you are missing the point of my post. when the tamron extends the distance between the subject and the end of the lens is reduced giving less working distance than the 105vr.
this has the disadvantage of scaring bugs and casting a shadow/reducing light. it also makes the lens less stable as it is longer.

 

[Scott Murray]

you are missing the point of my post. when the tamron extends the distance between the subject and the end of the lens is reduced giving less working distance than the 105vr.
this has the disadvantage of scaring bugs and casting a shadow/reducing light. it also makes the lens less stable as it is longer.

Guess I did mis-read it.

I just found this and thought it may be of help...

Three Super Macro Rigs You Can Build At Home | DIYPhotography.net

 

[Ironwood]

I just found this and thought it may be of help...

Three Super Macro Rigs You Can Build At Home | DIYPhotography.net

Some interesting reading there Scott, thanks for posting it.

I am still trying to find the macro lens that is right for me.
I was keen on the Tokina 100 f2.8. But I am starting to shy away from it because of the front of the lens extending right out, like my Nikon 55 f2.8.
The Nikon 105 f2.8 is looking good because of its internal focusing, but more than I was hoping to spend. Am I right to think that this type of lens will be better for focus stacking ? Because of the focus breathing of the other type ?

 

[evan447]

why not do a bit more research on the nikon, i am sure it also breathes a little at minimum distance. the new sigma 105 os is a cracker by all accounts, rated a little better than the 105vr nikon by most reviewers.
using the sigma with the d7100 may require you to manually switch off preview on the lcd after viewing. (a minor system glitch between sigma os lenses and the d7100), but a very fine lens nonetheless.
if you are into bugs i would look for a used, non os copy of the 150mm sigma and use the money you save for a sigma 1.4tc. an excellent combination. best used with a monopod though!

 

[Ironwood]

I would love a Sigma 150, but the price is a little out of reach for me. I watched one get sold on ebay just recently, unfortunately it was local pick up only, and at the other end of Australia from where I am.
​The price was still the same as a new Nikon 105VR though.