Need Advice on Nikon Macro/ Micro Lens?

[sk66]

I have an opportunity to buy an older Nikkor 105mm 2.8 D lens. The price is "reasonable" at $500.00, but a bit more than I'd like to spend on such a limited lens.
I'd rather get something as fast but with autofocus and possibly I.S. More versatility would also be good, but not at the loss of sharpness and speed.
Macro is NOT my primary interest in photography. Price limit is in the $500 range.
Any suggestions?

[Cuchulainn]

What in particular do you find limiting about that lens? Is it the issue that it lacks auto focus? The focal length? The lack of VR? What are your primary interests in photography? What lenses do you currently own?

There are a lot of options that may be a better match to your interests, but hard to make recommendations without knowing more about you and your current gear.

If you have the possibility of extending your budget and want a lens with both Macro capabilities and VR for using otherwise, I would suggest the Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR. Unfortunately that lens runs about $850.

Originally Posted by sk66

I have an opportunity to buy an older Nikkor 105mm 2.8 D lens. The price is "reasonable" at $500.00, but a bit more than I'd like to spend on such a limited lens.
I'd rather get something as fast but with autofocus and possibly I.S. More versatility would also be good, but not at the loss of sharpness and speed.
Macro is NOT my primary interest in photography. Price limit is in the $500 range.
Any suggestions?

[sk66]

I guess I don't see the point in going "backwards". I'd rather have the option of autofocus. A zoom to cover more range would be nice, but probably too much of a compromise, VR might be nice as a fast lens would be useful for low light.
I do mostly people/architecture/nature type photography.

[Booh!]

Can I add a question to the thread? I'm extremely new to all this and on Craigslist in my area is a nikon sigma 105mm 2.8 Ex lens that I am contemplating buying. I have a Nikon d80 and would like to be able to take some real close up shots of various things (for fun - & is that micro or macro?).

Would this lens do the trick? I tried researching the lens and he says it only has an "EX" in it so I'm not sure which one it is exactly. He is selling it for $275.

Thanks!

[Nicole]

Booh! I have that exact lens and adore it. It's worked really well for me so far, and I got mine used as well. Here's a link to my shots with it.

[Booh!]

Thanks Nicole! I love the shot of your purple flower!

Does yours only have an "ex" after the numbers? I just want to make sure it's the same one, or at least one that is good and will work with my camera He told me the serial # is 1023430.

[Nicole]

Yep, it's just the EX on mine. I couldn't find much about that particular model online either, but I decided to take a chance because the price was right and I'd heard nothing but good things about the Sigma 105mm's

[BCP]

Originally Posted by sk66

I have an opportunity to buy an older Nikkor 105mm 2.8 D lens. The price is "reasonable" at $500.00, but a bit more than I'd like to spend on such a limited lens.
I'd rather get something as fast but with autofocus and possibly I.S. More versatility would also be good, but not at the loss of sharpness and speed.
Macro is NOT my primary interest in photography. Price limit is in the $500 range.
Any suggestions?

That price seems a little high IMO. You can find the newer AF version on ebay from reputable sellers for less than that. Ive been looking at picking up the AF version for a little while now, and have been watching them on ebay and local classifieds.

[Booh!]

Great, thanks again! I think i'll take the plunge and get it

[johnniejack]

I have a Nikon D80 and a Nikon 105 f/2.8 prime lens. An outstanding combo. If you want to do all your own settings, and control your photo input, this is a fanastic lens. Sigma makes good lenses, but I prefer keeping Nikon to Nikon and found mine on eBay for a lot less than $500. Whatever you get, try eBay listings. Lenses are a perosnal choice, so get the type you want, but shop a bit. If you find an older Nikon lens, be sure it will adapt to your D80. Older Nikons need to be Ai or AI-s. Also, check Ken Rockwell, the Nikon "Guru" - http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm/105mm f/2.8 -- Good luck and good shooting -- Johnniejack