Macro for Nikon D70?

[di_braun]

Looking at an AF macro lens and am curious about any suggestions. What are others using??

[djwixx]

I've been having fun with the Tamron 90mm 2.8 and and with a 1.4 teleconverter it's capability is extended further. One point to note - I asked someone the same question regarding AF and they said that with macro you'll probably use manual. TRUE. When you are focusing in such a tight area manual becomes a LOT quicker than waiting for the lens to hunt.
Here's an example with a TC - dof deliberate,
http://www.pbase.com/djwixx/image/80539396
Here's some examples without a TC,
http://www.pbase.com/djwixx/image/80426943
http://www.pbase.com/djwixx/image/78641142
http://www.pbase.com/djwixx/image/78726352

Be aware that a macro lens needs a lot of light and needs a lot more control than a standard lens.

P.S. If you go to Tamrons website they currently have a $90 rebate on the lens, which will cover the cost of a TC.

[jimcritchley]

I have the 105mm manual focus and it is amazing. The 105mm af is supposed to be as good, although with macro photography you may find that you are working in mf most of the time anyway. I picked mine up cheap from the UK.

[dang]

Macro lenses are one of the few where it's difficult to make a bad choice. As long as it's reasonably fast, and magnifies without accessories to 1:1 Life Size, you'll enjoy it. I shot Canon, so haven't used one branded as Nikon, but even after market lenses work fine. I'd do a search in the camera database to find people using lenses you're considering, and contact them direct. If you need some information on the different sizes, I have some explanations here: http://www.pbase.com/dang/howto
Hope it helps.

[glamourfish]

I'm using the Tokina 100mm Macro & I am very happy with it. You can see some sample shots in my gallery.

http://www.pbase.com/glamourfish/small_things

[eransh10]

This lens is as good as the Nikon 105AF VR if not better.
The AF is irrelevant in Macro since you almost always use MF.

You can see some of my shots with it here:
http://www.pbase.com/eransh10/floral_abstracts

If you have the money - go and buy the nikkor 105 VR, but the Tamron is not less good, and it goes for less then half then the nikkor glass.

[glamourfish]

In general would you say that Tamron lenses are inferior?

[djwixx]

"Tamron is not less good" - and based on experienced I would agree.

[dang]

On a side note, in the past I've seen many times where people have discussed the possibility that some Nikon & Tamron lenses are produced by the same factory, including the same elements and design. One such lens is the Tamron 70-300 LD 1:2 macro lens, but it might have only been this specific lens. The design is exact to the Nikon lens produced at the same time.

You might use google to do some research and see what you come up with on the specific lens you're thinking about. Sometimes you can find some very helpful information to base your decision on. There's some pretty old ties that go back several decades with a few glass maker/designers, and camera brands. Lens history is pretty amazing when you look into it, and pay attention to the names involved.

[inukshuk94]

Check out the Sigma 105mm f2.8. Great lens