Macro lens 105mm-autofocus or manual

[simplyjoed]

Hi,
I'm trying to buy a 105 mm lens that I can use for macro. I'm deciding if I should get an auto focus or manual (which is cheap). I know that it is also good on portrait. I think both are not fast to shoot. But what is the advantage of auto focus against manual.
Thanks in advance.

Joe D

[Bluenoser]

When shooting Macro (I have a Canon 100mm) I always use manual focus. Especially at shallow depth of field. Quite often auto-focus will not focus on the exact spot you wish it to.

[Elmo]

+1 micro -> manual focus

[jim greer]

I was in the same boat as you about six months ago. I went with nikon 105mm 1:2.8 vr AF-S What really sold me that the lens was nano- crystal lens. It's great for walk around lens because VR . When I get serious using tri-pod with focusing rail. You set it to manual focus mode shut the VR off. Hit the limit switch to full. Set the lens to 1:1 reproduction Ratio. Your ready to rock-n-roll. It's also one of nikons best portrait lens also. I'm very happy with it. Hope this helps.

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by simplyjoed

Hi,
But what is the advantage of auto focus against manual.

It makes the lens more versatile. I use my Canon 100mm macro for portaits and action shots of bikes too.

However, the focus ring on my Canon 100mm is geared for speed which makes it more difficult to make fine adjustments manually as a litle movement on the focus ring can move the focus quite a lot. In contrast the autofocus on the Canon 180mm is pretty slow but it's much easier to make fine adjustments using the focus ring.

For what it's woth my favourite macro lens (Canon MP-E 65mm) is manual focus only but the only thing it can do is macro so it's not an issue. It's a specialised lens rather than a lens for general use.

[simplyjoed]

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

When shooting Macro (I have a Canon 100mm) I always use manual focus. Especially at shallow depth of field. Quite often auto-focus will not focus on the exact spot you wish it to.

Bluenoser,
Thanks for your reponse. I appreciate it. I think I'm tempting to buy one.

Originally Posted by jim greer

I was in the same boat as you about six months ago. I went with nikon 105mm 1:2.8 vr AF-S What really sold me that the lens was nano- crystal lens. It's great for walk around lens because VR . When I get serious using tri-pod with focusing rail. You set it to manual focus mode shut the VR off. Hit the limit switch to full. Set the lens to 1:1 reproduction Ratio. Your ready to rock-n-roll. It's also one of nikons best portrait lens also. I'm very happy with it. Hope this helps.

jim greer,
Thanks and it helps a lot. But VR is more expensive and can not afford it for now. I think I'll try manaul for now and save for the VR. It can give you I think 2 or 3 stops.

Originally Posted by daft_biker

It makes the lens more versatile. I use my Canon 100mm macro for portaits and action shots of bikes too.

However, the focus ring on my Canon 100mm is geared for speed which makes it more difficult to make fine adjustments manually as a litle movement on the focus ring can move the focus quite a lot. In contrast the autofocus on the Canon 180mm is pretty slow but it's much easier to make fine adjustments using the focus ring.

For what it's woth my favourite macro lens (Canon MP-E 65mm) is manual focus only but the only thing it can do is macro so it's not an issue. It's a specialised lens rather than a lens for general use.

daft_biker,
Thank you for reply. I appreciate. I'm going to use it for macro for now. I don't have a good macro lens right now. But gathering all this info. I think I'm going to buy it and see what awaits me.
Thanks again.

[simplyjoed]

Originally Posted by Elmo

+1 micro -> manual focus

Elmo,
Thanks. I guess Macro is manual in order to focus on the subject that you want.

[equilution]

Originally Posted by jim greer

I was in the same boat as you about six months ago. I went with nikon 105mm 1:2.8 vr AF-S What really sold me that the lens was nano- crystal lens. It's great for walk around lens because VR . When I get serious using tri-pod with focusing rail. You set it to manual focus mode shut the VR off. Hit the limit switch to full. Set the lens to 1:1 reproduction Ratio. Your ready to rock-n-roll. It's also one of nikons best portrait lens also. I'm very happy with it. Hope this helps.

I'm on board with Mr. Greer, here. I've got the same Nikkor 105 VR. I love it. I took the shot below using AF (AF-C, 9-point). But it also affords you the opportunity to shoot manual. I was actually thinking about moving to the 200mm Micro, but the only advantage I can see is the longer working distance. Someone on the "For Sale" forum is selling a 105 Micro for $450. Smokin' deal. I paid $900 for mine. Check it out!

[LoveDSLR]

What is macro photography?

If you plan to shoot stamps or coins then you don't need auto focus. You should be more concern about corner to corner sharpness and flat field.

If you plan to do general closeup photography then auto focus may come in handy. Again, it depends on how you use the lens.

The 105 micro has the right focal length but 85 f/1.4, 105 f/2 DC and 135 f/2 DC are Nikon's best portrait lenses.

Originally Posted by equilution

I was actually thinking about moving to the 200mm Micro, but the only advantage I can see is the longer working distance.

Look out for possible refresh with AF-S and VR. Nikon AF Micro 200mm f/4D IF-ED also discontinued? | Nikon Rumors

[equilution]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

What is macro photography?

If you plan to shoot stamps or coins then you don't need auto focus. You should be more concern about corner to corner sharpness and flat field.

If you plan to do general closeup photography then auto focus may come in handy. Again, it depends on how you use the lens.

The 105 micro has the right focal length but 85 f/1.4, 105 f/2 DC and 135 f/2 DC are Nikon's best portrait lenses.


Look out for possible refresh with AF-S and VR. Nikon AF Micro 200mm f/4D IF-ED also discontinued? | Nikon Rumors

I heard rumors of a rumor that it was going to be discontinued.... Thanks for the head's up! Stay tuned!!