favorite Nikkor macro lens

[Anne12343]

Hi, I would like to get a Nikkor macro lens, and I really don't know a lot about them. Can anyone suggest a good one without going into the thousands of dollars? I have a Nikon D90 and SB800 flash. Does it need VR or auto focus. I don't really want to use a tripod all the time. Thanks!!

[Anne12343]

I also wanted to say I already have an 18-200 zoom and a 50mm. Should I look for a 1:1 lens? What else? Thx

[OsmosisStudios]

You're in luck: none of the current Nikkor macro lenses is over $1000 (the 105 f/2.8 VR is just under $900). The older (and discontinued) 200mm f/4 was well over $1000, but cant be purchased new.

If you want to do macro work, youre likely going to be on a tripod aboit 90% of the time.

Essentially it all boils down to what kind of working distance you want. If youre going to be shooting outdoors with natural light, you'll want a longer working distance. If you're working in a studio with flashes or strobes, then you'll be fine with something shorter.

Also, dont look at the wide-open performance of a lens: you'll almost never use it wide-open for macro work. Try f/8 or f/11.