BackdoorArts
Senior Member
I've never been someone who considered Macro photography as something I really wanted to get into - and I probably still don't. That said, this month's flower assignment has me assessing some of the shortcomings of my prime lenses and I'm wondering whether I'd be better off having something in the bag? My thing is, I could easily look at the 105mm f2.8 and say that it's likely the best lens, and the best fit given that my current lenses have a gap between 85mm and 150mm. But I figure at some point a 70-200mm will fill that nicely, and I'm not in a position to just drop a grand on a lens I might not use much. So, I'm looking at the 60mm and wondering if I'd be better off with that? I could sell my 50mm 1.8 to cover some of the cost, but given it's barely over $200 new I may just be better off holding onto it. I've considered trying the extension tube route, but most of what I've read points to AF and/or metering issues, and at worst broken lenses.
Anyway, I've done a fair amount of reading and I'm pretty settled on the 60mm f2.8 with the idea that if I ever want to go better than 1:1 a 60mm extension tube will be cheaper than a 105mm. It's not something I think I'll do a lot, but I've found myself enjoying some of the flower stuff and would like something in the bag that lets me get closer. Looking into the eyes of a bug doesn't necessarily interest me, but that doesn't mean I don't want to do it at some point. The 60 will only cost me 1/2 of what the 105mm will run me, and that's a good thing.
So, what I'd like to know from you all is if I'm overlooking something? Is there another lens I should consider? Will the lack of VR on the 60mm bother me (with the D600 I can go pretty high on the ISO with minimal noise, so I should be able to keep the shutter speed above 1/60sec)? You have 24 hours to twist my arm. LOL
Anyway, I've done a fair amount of reading and I'm pretty settled on the 60mm f2.8 with the idea that if I ever want to go better than 1:1 a 60mm extension tube will be cheaper than a 105mm. It's not something I think I'll do a lot, but I've found myself enjoying some of the flower stuff and would like something in the bag that lets me get closer. Looking into the eyes of a bug doesn't necessarily interest me, but that doesn't mean I don't want to do it at some point. The 60 will only cost me 1/2 of what the 105mm will run me, and that's a good thing.
So, what I'd like to know from you all is if I'm overlooking something? Is there another lens I should consider? Will the lack of VR on the 60mm bother me (with the D600 I can go pretty high on the ISO with minimal noise, so I should be able to keep the shutter speed above 1/60sec)? You have 24 hours to twist my arm. LOL