AF mount macro lens solution

[Meche]

I need a Macro lens for my new Nikon D80.

Anyone know of a good lens?

I have a life outside of photography (like my tank for example) and I really can't see spending a fortune on a few pieces of curved glass, so I'm sorta in the market for a bang-for-the-buck type lens. Not a cheapie though, either.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[matts125]

The best micro AF lens is the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Close-up Lens

check out this link... and go to lenses, then slr lenses then nikon lenses it is the second lense down..

http://kitscamera.com/

Hope this helps...

Matt

 

[Meche]

You talking about the $900 one?

Does one have to spend that to get a decient macro lens?

 

[gman0526]

You can check Sigma lenses too. They're cheaper but not a nikon lens. You can expecto pay anything within that range for a good macro lens. Also for aquatic photography you should look for remote flashes too.

Photography is not a cheap hobby either

 

[matts125]

what ever you do, dont get sigma or quantaray lenses, THey are not good quality and break very easy.
look on ebay, I bout mine 105 mm micro on there for 350 in mint cond. and the lense I got sells at kits for $979

Matt

 

[matts125]

BTW you can get the 65 mm micro at kits it is a very good lens too just not nearly as good as the 105 mm and it is $450 new at kits.. (I bought one and took mine back and bought the 105mm though)

Matt

 

[Meche]

I bout mine 105 mm micro on there for 350 in mint cond.

Dats what I'm talking about. How is the 65mm different from the 105mm? Just focal length?

I'm not lookin' for a professional lens, but I don't want something that is going to crap out for no reason. Is there a peticular lens that is less "refined" then your suggested lens but with similar build quality?

 

[gman0526]

what ever you do, dont get sigma or quantaray lenses, THey are not good quality and break very easy.
look on ebay, I bout mine 105 mm micro on there for 350 in mint cond. and the lense I got sells at kits for $979

Matt

Sorry bud but I gotta disagree with you on that one, like I stated we're not talking the same quality of a Nikon lense, but they're (Sigma) pretty good for the price. I know a couple of professional photographers that reccomend them. Then there's E-bay, but be very wary of the gray market there.

If in doubt go here and ask www.aquatic-photography.com

 

[Beakerbob]

I have a D70 and use the Tamron 90mm macro extensively with excellent results. It is a great alternative to a new Nikon 105mm AF micro in terms of cost and sharpness. However, I would watch e-bay as the new VR lens is replacing the Nikon 105mm AF micro. You might be able to find a good deal on a used one.

Here is a good link to read a review on the Tamron macro lens:

http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/tamron/90_macro/index.html

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=249

 

[Meche]

Cool, thanks guys.

 

[Meche]

Matt is this the same lens? ebay

 

[matts125]

That is the exact same lens I have, (kits camera sells it for $979.99 However it is not the VR (vibration Reduction) which is a new feature.
I would say at the price it is at jump on it!. I paid $350 for mine but my aution had a mint condition guarantee on it so just be carefull on ebay and read every last word on their add.....

Good Luck

Matt