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Macro lens for Nikon D80

Howe Creative PhotographyHowe Creative Photography Registered Users Posts: 98 Big grins
edited July 4, 2009 in Holy Macro
Looking for a good macro lens. I would love to hear about what you recommend and why? I would love to be able to take photos of bugs, plants, flowers...I love all the photos posted here. I want to be able to get some great photos also. Thanks so much!!

I have D80 body, Tamron 18-200mm, 50mm f/1.8, Nikon 55-200mm VR (given to me), and Nikon 70-300mm
Bridget:ivar

Nikon D80
Nikon D300s (on it's way)
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
Tamron 18-200mm
Nikon 50mm f/1.8
Nikon 70-300mm
Tamron 90mm macro
some lights and backgrounds

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    Chris HChris H Registered Users Posts: 280 Major grins
    edited July 1, 2009
    I have a D80 and bought the well aclaimed Sigma 105 DG Macro. It deserves it's reputation, awesome lens. Sharp, well made, easy to use. Well up to the job.

    Bug shot here.
    Chris Humphreys Photography


    Become a fan of Chris Humphreys Photography
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    Howe Creative PhotographyHowe Creative Photography Registered Users Posts: 98 Big grins
    edited July 1, 2009
    OK...that just threw another option in there.
    I was just looking on bhphoto.com
    I think it's between Nikon 60mm macro and the Tamron 90mm macro and now the Sigma 105mm.

    Which one would be the best choice? The live chat over at BHphoto said the Nikon, b/c the glass optics are better. They are all around the same price so...decisions?
    What length would be better??
    Bridget:ivar

    Nikon D80
    Nikon D300s (on it's way)
    Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
    Tamron 18-200mm
    Nikon 50mm f/1.8
    Nikon 70-300mm
    Tamron 90mm macro
    some lights and backgrounds
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    Chris HChris H Registered Users Posts: 280 Major grins
    edited July 1, 2009
    Depends on what you're shooting. If it's bugs then you'll want the longer focal length of the 105 or even a 180 so that your subject doesn't get scared away. Otherwise if it's just flower etc then the 60mm would be just fine.
    Chris Humphreys Photography


    Become a fan of Chris Humphreys Photography
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    Howe Creative PhotographyHowe Creative Photography Registered Users Posts: 98 Big grins
    edited July 1, 2009
    Ok...so many things to think about! Haha! I guess overall then the Sigma, just so I don't scare away bugs.
    Bridget:ivar

    Nikon D80
    Nikon D300s (on it's way)
    Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
    Tamron 18-200mm
    Nikon 50mm f/1.8
    Nikon 70-300mm
    Tamron 90mm macro
    some lights and backgrounds
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    thegridrunnerthegridrunner Registered Users Posts: 235 Major grins
    edited July 1, 2009
    If you get kenko tubes later, you also want a lens with a higher focal length because the kenko tubes allow you to focus closer. If you get a 60 mm and add kenko tubes, your lens will get too close.
    Nikon D800, D7000, 14-24,24-70, 70-200 Nikkor and stuff
    http://www.youtube.com/user/NYCFilmmakersGroup
    http://www.meetup.com/NYC-Filmmakers-and-Actors-Meetup-Group/
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    Howe Creative PhotographyHowe Creative Photography Registered Users Posts: 98 Big grins
    edited July 1, 2009
    Thanks for that advice! I am going to rent the Tamron 90mm for now and see if I like it!
    Bridget:ivar

    Nikon D80
    Nikon D300s (on it's way)
    Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
    Tamron 18-200mm
    Nikon 50mm f/1.8
    Nikon 70-300mm
    Tamron 90mm macro
    some lights and backgrounds
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    the supervillainthe supervillain Registered Users Posts: 177 Major grins
    edited July 1, 2009
    the tamron is supposed to be very very good!!
    i just picked up the amazing, but expensive 105mm VR, and i love it!
    no matter what you choose, pretty much any dedicated macro lens is going to be super sharp and it will open up a whole new world of shooting :)

    enjoy!!!
    --Craig...
    shoots things with a D80, an F1, and a Diana F+

    My Gallery
    Sign the guestbook :)!!
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    Howe Creative PhotographyHowe Creative Photography Registered Users Posts: 98 Big grins
    edited July 2, 2009
    Thanks so much everyone!!!
    Bridget:ivar

    Nikon D80
    Nikon D300s (on it's way)
    Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
    Tamron 18-200mm
    Nikon 50mm f/1.8
    Nikon 70-300mm
    Tamron 90mm macro
    some lights and backgrounds
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    HowitzerHowitzer Registered Users Posts: 94 Big grins
    edited July 4, 2009
    I have a D300 and shoot the Tamron 90mm Macro and love it..

    all the shots in my gallery were taken with it.

    http://3dogphotos.smugmug.com/gallery/8493776_4bt4M/1/558824794_wZU26
    http://3dogphotos.smugmug.com

    Equipment: a whole bunch of black cylinders full of polished glass that cost way to much that I just had to have...
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