Thoughts on two macro lenses for Nikon

naturebyeric

I'm in the market for a good macro lens and don't quite have the money to afford the Nikon micro 105mm w/VR (or even without VR). I've been reading reviews on both the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 and the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 and they seem to be about equal. I recently purchased my first third party lens from sigma (17-70) and it seems to work pretty well. Technical specs from photozone (http://www.photozone.de) seem to favor Sigma slightly and user reviews from B&H Photo Video seem to favor the Tokina slightly.

Does anyone use these lenses and have any feedback on which would be better to go with. They are about the same price. I have a Nikon D7000 if that's of any help.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!
-Eric

Overfocused

I haven't used either specifically, but I can say Tokina has amazing physical build quality over Sigma.

MileHighAko

Have you considered also the Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP AF/MF 1:1? I've used the Tokina and really liked it, but ended up purchasing the Tamron because the focus ring seemed more comfortable. I haven't used the Nikon, so can't comment.

Matthew Saville

Unless you're shooting 24 megapixels on full-frame and analyzing the extreme corners at 200%, all three of those 3rd-party lenses will be RAZOR sharp. The Sigma 105, the Tokina 100, and the Tamron 90. (Did I get it right, ?)

The difference will be, I believe Sigma now has an HSM version of their 105mm out now, and HSM will be handy if you plan on using the lens for anything else OTHER than macro. (Such as a medium-length telephoto candid lens, a small-and-light alternative to a 70-200...)

However, if this is ONLY ever going to be a macro lens, then you can safely decide between all three based on a few other priorities... Get the Tamron or the Sigma if size and weight is most important to you, maybe if you do a lot of backpacking etc. Or get the Tokina, for sure, if you are the opposite, an abuser who needs rugged gear.

PERSONALLY, my lens of choice would be neither. In 2005 I ponied up for the then-new Sigma 150mm f/2.8 HSM. It's the longest focal length macro lens out there that still hits 1:1 reproduction AND f/2.8... ...AND it's also razor sharp, and it has HSM for normal telephoto work, and it's built very ruggedly. I've abused that lens for five years and have found it to be a total workhorse.

I think they're going for about $400-600 used, though I'm not sure.

Either way, good luck deciding! You can't really go wrong; most all macro lenses in production today are tack sharp. I never use autofocus when shooting true macro, so that's a non-issue unless you plan to use the lens at more normal distances too, like I mentioned.

Take care,
=Matt=

naturebyeric

Thanks everyone! I went with the Tokina, should have it on Thursday