Nikon Macro Lens...which?

[Ella1267]

I would like to purchase my first macro lens for my D5000....the only problem is I have no idea which would be a good one to start with. I would like an autofocus. I do have a 50mm 1:1.4D Nikon macro but it is not compatible with my camera. I am willing to sell this one or trade. This lens was bought for $369 and has never been used. Any help would be appreciated.

[OsmosisStudios]

The 50/1.4 AFD will get you about half way to a macro lens.

If you're looking only at Nikon lenses, then you've got the 60mm f/2.8 AF-S, the 85mm f/3.5 VR DX AF-S and the 105mm f/2.8 VR AF-S

[kirbinster]

The 105 is the "best" in it will allow you to be the furthest from the subject which allows light to get on the subject.

[Gumboots]

I am also looking to get a Macro lens for my Nikon D90. So far I have found the Nikon lenses to be really really expensive...

I was recommended this one (Sigma 105mm f/2.8): Sigma Macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG Lenses

The Sigma is more in my budget at the moment. But have also heard mixed reactions on the Sigma lenses.

Is it preferable to stick to Nikon Lenses for use with a Nikon camera?

[Jo.T]

i am also getting a new macro lense for my D90 have settled on a Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 cheeper and lighter than the Nikon 105mm with some good reviews here is one site i found if you would like to have a read.
Tamron SP AF90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Lens - A Nikonians Product Review - Nikonians.org -- Worldwide Home of Nikon Photographers

[Gumboots]

Thanks for that one.
I was actually just looking at Tamron lenses on a few sites and noticed that they were much much cheaper!

I was about to ask about them and see if the quality is as good because the price difference is huge!

[Ella1267]

Thank you for all the help. Is your Tameron lens an autofocus?

[Jo.T]

Originally Posted by Ella1267

Thank you for all the help. Is your Tameron lens an autofocus?

yes it is autofocus. I have another site for you, i have a D40x which requires an AF-S for auto focus and used this for a quick reference to what lenses were avaliable as it covers all brands. I dont have my lense yet waiting for it to arrive as soon as it gets here it will get a work out and i will let you know what i think. i have gone from my 18-55mm with +2, +3 close up filters to a 50mm with extention tubes. Both have been great starters but found the 50mm has a very small focus range and was constantly changing tubes. i must say i have had good results with both but looking forward to the new lens getting here.

Lenses with built-in focusing motor

[vandergus]

For the Tamron 90mm f2.8, you want to make sure you get the newer version with the built in focus motor. The older one is just a regular AF lens and won't autofocus on you D5000. The newer lens can be identified by the lack of a physical aperture ring and the designation "Di" in the title.

Tamron also makes a 60mm f2 macro with a built in focus motor. Despite the shorter focal length, it actually has the same working distance as the 90mm f2.8 because the lens doesn't extend at close focusing distances. They both end up about 4 inches away from the subject at maximum magnification. The main drawback to the 60mm lens is that it is DX only, so it won't work on full frame cameras. They will both give you fantastic image quality, though. The 60mm runs about $450-$500.

[Jo.T]

Originally Posted by Ella1267

Thank you for all the help. Is your Tameron lens an autofocus?

It here yaaa !
had a super quick play and im impress so far. very clear and sharp and to change between manual and auto focus is simply pull the focus ring back or forward no more finding switches. I have taken these photos with manual focus something i wouldnt normaly do as i usually dont get great results.i have tried it on my d40x which requires autofocus and works great as well, as i said just a quick play so not perfect all hand held with some wind but thought you might like to see some results. These are as taken quick tweek in PS but no cropping.
Yellow rose is on my D40x @ f/11 auto
Mini rose D90 @ f/32 manual
white daisy D90 @ f/5.6 manual

Hope this helps