Nikon 105mm Micro AF-D

Mestre

Senior Member
I am currently looking for a dedicated macro lens and several options are around.
The first was the 105mm VR micro but I think in the hand it's too much money to use from time to time. As the 105mm AI-S won't meter in my D90, I found a couple old generation AF-D at a very affordable price.

Has anyone ever used on of these? Is the manual focus good to work with? Any thoughts or suggestions are wellcome.
 

Mike150

Senior Member
I have the 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR micro. I've found it a bit tricky to get a good handle on, but I'm making progress. I agree it was a rather costly, but at the time, I had some surplus money, and it was either buy myself a new lens or my wife would buy more shoes and purses.

A less expensive route might be using a good extension tube with your regular lenses.
 

Mestre

Senior Member
The 105 AF-D costs less than half of the actual VR model, so that's within my budget.

Let's see other opinions.
 

Berkerk

Senior Member
Sorry to hijack, but Mike do you have any tips for a new 105 owner?
Also if you are worried about not having autofocus then you shouldn't, I've found that I've composed most shots manually, getting the focus pinsharp while zoomed in using live view.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
It has been my experience that most....if not all..........macro shots are taken using a tripod, or some kind of stabilizing apparatus. That's not to say that you can't take a macro shot hand held, but it's much easier and the results are much better using one. Therefore, a VR lens is not an absolutel necessity, as you don't use VR when it's mounted on a tripod anyway, so manual focusing is the norm in macro shots. Think about it.......VR is Vibration Reduction. If you're using a tripod, there is no vibration, right? :) So go ahead and get your D lens. I believe you'll really enjoy it. :) Let us know how ya make out.
 

Mike150

Senior Member
Sorry to hijack, but Mike do you have any tips for a new 105 owner?
Also if you are worried about not having autofocus then you shouldn't, I've found that I've composed most shots manually, getting the focus pinsharp while zoomed in using live view.

Only tip I can give you is to practice. My biggest problem has been balancing the F-Stop with the distance from the subject. Both have a noticable affect the depth of field. I'd found that the online calculator at Online Depth of Field Calculator helped me a lot in understanding the relationship between the two.
 

Mestre

Senior Member
Well, finaly got one at a good price in ebay. For now my set up is closed with the micro 105mm VR :)

Now is bug-hunt time.
 

evan

Banned
i use this lens on my back-up camera, (a d90). i picked it over the vr version as, reportedly, it stops down better, weighs less, and being on my back-up camera takes up less room in my bag. lack of vr is no problem, the closer you get, the less effect it has. ie; next to nothing at minimum focusing distance. it also has two circular threads. one for a filter, and one for the hood, (i use this one to mount my ring-type macro flash). it is a classic lens, enjoy!
 

Scott Murray

Senior Member
It has been my experience that most....if not all..........macro shots are taken using a tripod, or some kind of stabilizing apparatus. That's not to say that you can't take a macro shot hand held, but it's much easier and the results are much better using one. Therefore, a VR lens is not an absolutel necessity, as you don't use VR when it's mounted on a tripod anyway, so manual focusing is the norm in macro shots. Think about it.......VR is Vibration Reduction. If you're using a tripod, there is no vibration, right? :) So go ahead and get your D lens. I believe you'll really enjoy it. :) Let us know how ya make out.

​Jack I never use a tripod for my insect photos and my Tamron doesn't have VR or any stabilisation. ;)
 

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
I also do not have VR on my Sigma and all of mine are handheld... (Not saying don't get one, just some people have been able to make do)

Mine are typically hand held as I am out in the woods walking... I would like to try some with a tripod to see how much better I can do.. (I believe I can)


Pat in NH
 

nmccamy

Senior Member
If you are more of a "perfectionist" photographer (I know I am), there is no doubt that you can do better macro photography if you use a tripod. Your shots will be noticeably sharper, and using a tripod forces you to slow down and set up your shot.

Some of us seek more perfection than others. Unfortunately, the extra effort and attention I give to my photography goes unnoticed by most people. Only other perfectionists notice.
 

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
If you are more of a "perfectionist" photographer (I know I am), there is no doubt that you can do better macro photography if you use a tripod. Your shots will be noticeably sharper, and using a tripod forces you to slow down and set up your shot.

Some of us seek more perfection than others. Unfortunately, the extra effort and attention I give to my photography goes unnoticed by most people. Only other perfectionists notice.

Nick, while I do not disagree with your tripod assessment (affects of tripod, not the "perfectionist" stuff) as most of my insects are out in the wild, it is difficult at best (and normally impossible) to keep them sitting still while I jostle the brushes with a tripod. I am usually standing in the brush edges and leaning as best I can...

I have tried a couple times to set up and wait (like with bees) but it has not worked, I just need to get in there.
For other stationary items, I agree... Better and more practical.


Have a great day!

Pat in NH
 

Scott Murray

Senior Member
If you are more of a "perfectionist" photographer (I know I am), there is no doubt that you can do better macro photography if you use a tripod. Your shots will be noticeably sharper, and using a tripod forces you to slow down and set up your shot.

Some of us seek more perfection than others. Unfortunately, the extra effort and attention I give to my photography goes unnoticed by most people. Only other perfectionists notice.
I agree that being a perfectionist helps, but it does not mean you 'need' a tripod. If you use proper settings and technique then amazing results are possible... All my insect and spider macros are handheld/holding my breath/leaning in or under bushes/tracking that subject/ I have tried a tripod and found them very cumbersome and near impossible to use on active insects, if you manage a way please let me know ;) check out my flickr page if you want to see some of my un-perfect macros :)
 

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Obviously moving targets don't benefit from a standard tripod. I use a monopod in those situations. To each his own.
Even a monopod would be pushed to get into the spaces that are required with some of my photos lol but yes they have their place and are very handy at times. I was using a pole today but even found that limiting to where I could place my camera. Even my little bit of foam diffuser gets in the way hehe.
 

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
Obviously moving targets don't benefit from a standard tripod. I use a monopod in those situations. To each his own.

Nick, are your macro shots posted somewhere (or can you upload a few)?? A lot of people would be interested in seeing some of you work...

Thanks

Pat in NH
 

nmccamy

Senior Member
Pat,

"Nick, are your macro shots posted somewhere (or can you upload a few)?? A lot of people would be interested in seeing some of you work...".

Gee, a lot of people would be interested in seeing my work. I didn't know I was that "important"! ;)

Fair enough. I will provide my link below. BUT!!!! I do not own Nikon, I have rented, but not really done any serious photography with Nikon gear. ALL of the photos at this Flickr link, were shot using Canon gear. So by definition, Nikon owners viewing my Canon shots will not be impressed! :sour:

I will create a Nikon gallery here once I get my gear in the following months. This is a very small sampling of my work. Below that is a link to some tutorials I started to make.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickmccamy

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl_MBKzYNWL4Z55z5O6EvjQ
 
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nmccamy

Senior Member
Pat,

By the way, I lived in New Hampshire for more than 25 years. Lived in Derry, Concord, Manchester, Allenstown. Worked at Digital Equipment Corp. in Merrimack many years ago.
 

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
Pat,

"Nick, are your macro shots posted somewhere (or can you upload a few)?? A lot of people would be interested in seeing some of you work...".

Gee, a lot of people would be interested in seeing my work. I didn't know I was that "important"! ;)

Fair enough. I will provide my link below. BUT!!!! I do not own Nikon, I have rented, but not really done any serious photography with Nikon gear. ALL of the photos at this Flickr link, were shot using Canon gear. So by definition, Nikon owners viewing my Canon shots will not be impressed! :sour:

I will create a Nikon gallery here once I get my gear in the following months. This is a very small sampling of my work. Below that is a link to some tutorials I started to make.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickmccamy

Nick McCamy - YouTube


Nick, EXCELLENT work... Very impressive, I loved the macro's. I cheated and looked at the other images :) and they are also very nice. I care not what you shot them with, I am impressed with the images... (and wondering why you want to switch gear!)

Thanks for sharing!

Pat in NH
 
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