Macro lens recommendations for Nikon D90

[CTJohnny]

I'm looking for a macro lens for my D90. I want a prime lens and would like to stick with Nikkor. Any thoughts on length and why? I'm considering a 6mm F/1.8

[CTJohnny]

Originally Posted by CTJohnny

I'm looking for a macro lens for my D90. I want a prime lens and would like to stick with Nikkor. Any thoughts on length and why? I'm considering a 6mm F/1.8

Sorry Imeant to say 60mm

[Doug Sundseth]

I have the 60mm Micro. It's a very nice, crisp portrait lens and it can get quite a nice macro photograph. The biggest problem it has for me is that when it's at minimum focal distance it is very, very close to the subject.

"Great," you say, "that's just what I want."

Right up until you try to light the subject.

I've found that a ring light adapter works pretty well, but it's a fiddly business.

For real macro work, I'd consider one of Nikon's longer Micro lenses.

[CTJohnny]

Thanks Doug,
I was thinking the same thing but I'm not sure I want to spend the extra $$ for the 105mm. Ring lights are cheap by comparison.

[Doug Sundseth]

The 105 is quite a bit more expensive, but the 85 is about the same price. I haven't used it yet, but I've heard very good things about it.

It's a bit long for some portrait work in studio, but it's a nice length for that outdoors or if you have a larger indoor space. And it lets you go to 1:1 a bit further away.

[Aegea]

Nikkor 105 f/4 AI-S with focus lock. Great for macro, not so great for anything else.