New macro lense

[franky]

Hi,
I would like purchase a new lense for my Nikon D80, a macro lense...
I want to shot insects and flowers in extreme details
I saw this lense recently at a fairly good price:
105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro - Macro Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com
I wanted to know if I will be able to achieve a good result with that lense just like those kind of photo here: Insect/bug Macros 2005/2006 - a set on Flickr

Thank you for your advice and I wish you all a nice day!

[scootermcq]

Some of those in flickr are larger than 1:1 ratio (ie. the fly head on the first image) for those, they have added extension tubes, filters or merely cropped. The reviews I have seen on the Sigma are positve, but I have no personal experience myself.

[Fraucha]

I am such a Tokina freak :-( 3 reviews: about $400.

Tokina
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro AT-X PRO D AF
Tokina 100mm Macro Review | Tokina Lens Review

I myself love this lens, it is built like a tank and I attach the Nikon R1C1 with three strobes on it and it still extends smoothly. I double it as a portrait lens also, but not as often as I could. It is a little heavy for a walk around, but when I am in macro mode weight is not an issue. I have had little CA but that is usually happens when I am just shooting walk around and is fixed in-camera or PP if I need it.
Attached to a solid tripod and mount and you are in business for either FX or DX. It is a FX lens, which means the center sharpness really shines in DX. No VR on this, as you really don't need it in tripod mode anyway, this glass is not made for sports and fast moving objects. But there are times when I go hand held and I wish it had VR :-/, but I seriously can't hold still, even VR isn't gonna save me.

A lens well worth considering.

Tokina was started by some defecting Nikkor engineers, they have had many hits and misses, when they hit they hit solid home runs, when they miss they soon drop the line and start over. I have not found any bad reviews of this, much like the Tokina 11-16, it is a home run.

I have the 11-16, 100 macro and 50-135 and I swear by them.

[franky]

Thank you for the advice! It is well appreciated!
My heart balance between Sigma and Tokina... Fraucha, before your post, my idea was clear: I wanted Sigma but now... I will have to read more on those lenses
Any more though would be appreciated!
Thank you guys and we'll keep in touch!

[Jo.T]

have you looked at the tamron SP 90mm f2.8 the review were great and i am very happy with mine, i use it on a nikon D90. Flickr has a group if you want to see what it can do

[Nicole]

I had the Sigma 105mm, and it worked really well. However, it got to the point that I actually got quite frustrated with the amount it extends at 1:1. So I eventually moved to the Nikon 105mm. There the difference is actually quite night and day. Some examples with the Sigma 105mm from my Flickr: Flickr: Search -Nicole-'s photostream

[franky]

Thank you all for the advice... About Nikkor-micro 105mm, the price stopped me, unfortunately... Near twice of the price I was willing to pay. I chose Sigma. Purchase it at 450$. Tamron and Tokina was a very good options too. After reading some reviews, I can't really tell witch one is better :-/ Chose Sigma because I already have one (70-300mm) and I'm really satisfied with!
I can't wait to try it now!
I wish you all a nice weekend full of photographic opportunities!

[Thunder_o_b]

Originally Posted by franky

Thank you all for the advice... About Nikkor-micro 105mm, the price stopped me, unfortunately... Near twice of the price I was willing to pay. I chose Sigma. Purchase it at 450$. Tamron and Tokina was a very good options too. After reading some reviews, I can't really tell witch one is better :-/ Chose Sigma because I already have one (70-300mm) and I'm really satisfied with!
I can't wait to try it now!
I wish you all a nice weekend full of photographic opportunities!

I think you will be happy with that lens. I have the Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro and it is a fine, sharp, very well built lens from the EX line.