Which Macro Lens...

bl4ckdr4g0n

bl4ckdr4g0n

bl4ckdr4g0n

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Hello all

I am going to invest in a macro lens for my Nikon D90 What would you go for:
  • Tamron 90mm
  • Sigma 105mm
  • Tokina 100mm

Will be spending around £250 on the lens so need to know which is best to go for. Would love any advice or personal recommendations so feel free :) Ta
 
My friend has the Tamron, seems to produce nice shots, I think they are all pretty similar image quality wise, when I was looking for a macro lens I think I had a hard time choosing between any of the ones you list.

Personally I bought a £100 Nikkor 105mm f/4 AIS manual macro lens, although it only does 1:2, not 1:1 like the newer models.
 
I have the Tamron, it's a very good lens but if they're all the same price I'd go for the Sigma.

The 15mm extra FL will give you a little more working distance.
 
I have the tokina and think its a fantastic lens, take a look at my blog for pics.

a friend has the sigma and I didnt like it as much as the tokina, it feels a bit plasticy and is not as weighty, it also seemed to auto focus a little slower than the tokina "if that matters to you"
another good thing about the tokina is it's clutch switch which lets you change from auto focus to manual focus by simply pulling/pushing on the focus ring. this makes changing very quick and you dont have to lower the camera to try and find the switch.

I've not used the tamron but it gets rave reviews about its sharpness.

All 3 get good reviews.
 
famas said:
I have the tokina and think its a fantastic lens, take a look at my blog for pics.

a friend has the sigma and I didnt like it as much as the tokina, it feels a bit plasticy and is not as weighty, it also seemed to auto focus a little slower than the tokina "if that matters to you"
another good thing about the tokina is it's clutch switch which lets you change from auto focus to manual focus by simply pulling/pushing on the focus ring. this makes changing very quick and you dont have to lower the camera to try and find the switch.

I've not used the tamron but it gets rave reviews about its sharpness.

All 3 get good reviews.
Click to expand...

Those macro shots are awesome !! did you use anything else besides the macro lens to get those shots of the bugs?
 
Usually you'll need a flash, as any movement will be magnified at that kind of magnification. Few of mine from the Tamron:

QT43m.jpg


hkuRi.jpg


SeETL.jpg


gwiiS.jpg


First two are with a single flash, third is natural light only and the final one was with two flashes.

To be honest, they're all fantastic lenses only bested by the Canon and Nikon equivilents, even then there's not much in it.
 
Bah :( been on the hunt this evening and basically:

Sigma 105mm £250 used / £340 new
Tokina 100mm £330 new
Tamron 90mm £240 new

So it looks like I will probably have to go get the Tamron as my budget doesnt really stretch beyond £300.

Is it really worth £100 for the extra reach on the Sigma though?
 
They also do the Sigma 105mm here: http://*******.com/index.php/lens/s...um-telephoto-macro-lens-for-sony-cameras.html

Going to do a bit of research on the company and then make a decision. Thanks for the info Raikiri
 
I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole, they've come up on other forums before. Have a look on TP, I think that's where a few are. Uk address is a terraced house and goods are grey imports obtained on order, most positive reviews are by guests as well which is always a worry. If you do order use a credit card so you get some cover :)
 
hahah you got me worried now.... !!

EDIT: where did you get the address? The one I have I got from companies house and it takes me to a small set of shops!
 
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They appear to be a bit dodgy this company:

http://www.photography-forum.org/showthread.php/51078-*******.com-Do-Not-Touch-Them!

I think I would rather pay a little more for something I know is UK based.
 
I'd always pay more for piece of mind. £261.44 for the Tammy macro sounds great though, I'll have to do some comparisons but I doubt the difference in quality is worth the difference in price for the Sigma.
 
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