Nikkor 60mm vs Nikkor 105mm for macro photography

[Xevious]

I've never owned a macro lens before and I'd like to get one. I have both DX and FX Nikon bodies. What are the advantages of getting a Nikkor 105mm versus a 60mm (or vice versa)?

[bluerob101]

I have the 60mm micro and can tell you that it takes fantastic macro shots of spiders!

I don't know anything about the advantages/disadvantages, but I really like my 60mm.

I am going to try it as a portrait lens this weekend.

[Xevious]

With the 60mm how close does the end of the lens have to be from the spider? Or should I say, how far away can you be so that you don't scare it away and yet be able to take the macro shot?

[bluerob101]

Golden Orb spiders seem pretty cruisey for you to get close. I don't recommend that you get too close to spiders.....

[bluerob101]

And other....

[Xevious]

oh very nice!

[MATT]

The extra working distance of the 105 is useful. I currently have a Tammy 90 on my D700 and find working distance a little short, especially for moving subjects.

If your considering the 105 Nikon , even look at the Sigma 105 or the Sigma 150. Both good lenses.

MATT

[dsaini]

60mm is good but extra distance from 105mm is better.

[GlennSan]

I have a 55mm manual focus nikkor with a PK13 tube and if you are at minimum focus distance, the gap from lens to subject is very small, around 30-50 mm or so.

The 105, as mentioned, will allow you to work further away from the subject and for insects at least, this would be helpful. Not having a 105 though, I can't comment as to any changes of angle of view, bokeh, depth of field etc.

[nedim]

Could anyone be able to tell me where to find a Nikon 105 Macro lens. I have a D300. Thanks.

[Wayne]

You can get the 105 (micro as Nikon call them) almost anywhere that sells brand name camera gear.
Plenty crop up on Feebay as well.

I am also looking for a macro for my Nikon bodies, but after reading reviews of the 10, and both my bodies being FX, I am leaning heavily towards the Nikkor 200mm F4 Micro which is reported to be possibly the best Micro lens going.

[NikonUser]

Which macro lens you get will really depend on what sort of macro photography you want to do.

If it's closeups of flowers, documents, jewellery or other non-moving subjects then a shorter length will be ideal.

If you want to take photos of living, moving objects that might not like having a lens poked in their face then you might need something a little longer. The longer the focal length of the lens, the further the front element will be away from the subject at any given magnification (working distance).

The 90mm to 105mm range macros offer a pretty good focal length that can be useful for many things and is the place I would recommend that you start looking.

I have the Sigma 180mm macro that I use for insect photography (often with extension tubes to get even closer) and even then some insects can be afraid of how close I need to get.

Good luck!
Paul

[Blueywa]

I use the Nikkor AF-S Micro 60mm f/2.8G ED with both my D70 and D300s; I havent got a bad thing to say about it - it obviously has limitations, but dont they all?
I bought it from a local Pro, saving a few dollars.

[kiwi]

May I humbly suggest that you should not buy a macro for the macro - all macro lenses by design are good. Unless you have lots of funds get a macro for what else it can do


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[Xevious]

May I humbly suggest that you should not buy a macro for the macro - all macro lenses by design are good. Unless you have lots of funds get a macro for what else it can do

I see, so you're saying look for the secondary purpose and then decide on which macro lens to get?

[kiwi]

Yes, and I think 100-150mm and 2.8 is handy as a portrait lens for example


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[Pine]

I have just acquired a Canon 100 Macro lens which is driving me nuts.
The depth of field is simply ridiculously short.
My photos are similar to the first spider and in my opinion the spider and my photos are out of focus.

Am I wrong?

Based on this I think a lens with a longer focal length of say 150-180 is better
Regards