Lenses that do Double Duty. Suggestions?

[Photologyst]

I like things that do double and triple duty: The studio or office that doubles as a guest room. The Nordic ski pants that can be worn as exercise pants. The little black wool dress that can be worn daytime, evening and in 3 seasons, etc. That way, I get more for less money, less space, less fuel—whatever.

With the Holidays coming up, and my going to sell an old digicam, I am thinking about talking to “Santa” regarding a macro lens that can also be used for portraits or. . .

I am a Nikonian.

Got any favorites to suggest?

How about other lenses that you use for various purposes?

Would you suggest renting before I purchase?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[vandergus]

Seem to be bringing this guy up a lot lately.

Tamron 60mm f2 macro. Good length for portraits, maybe a little short for some tastes. Large aperture for low light and fuzzy backgrounds. And just all round pretty pictures. Unfortunately, it's been known to be a little temperamental with some Nikon bodies. May want to try before you buy. For the entry level motorless cameras I think it's one of the better options, since it'll auto-focus on the d40 and its ilk. For higher level cameras, there are a lot more options that may be better.

[ravncat]

Well, as far as versatile nikkor favorites -

I find the 70-180 f4-5.6 micro nikkor - to be a great multi role lens. It's not got a really wide aperture - but It's a very sharp, flat field, contrasty, glass, and I think it is par-focal. (you can adjust the zoom without affecting focus which makes it great for macro composition) - it's a nice telephoto in addition to being a nice macro (1 : 1.3) give it a 5 or 6t or some tubes and it will easily go beyond 1:1. The aperture isn't really a drawback in the macro realm as you usually stop down for depth of field anyway... If you're gonna take a tele-zoom and a macro into the field - this does both.

The real drawbacks are rarity and weight. It's not light - but is lighter than a 70-200, and is not cheap because of the rarity - You'd have to go used market - but there are deals to be found.