Best Macro Lens for Nikon D5000?

[Jax172]

I just got a Nikon D5000 and would eventually like to get a macro lens. What would be a good one? Jewelry and flower shots mostly.

 

[IdLikeToBuyAVal]

I''m gonna watch this thread too because we just got a D5000 as well! We took it on our honeymoon and the pictures are amazing! I LOVE our new camera!

 

[kenny]

The Nikkor 60mm (about $550) has to be almost kissing the subject for max enlargement.
That sucks.
It blocks light for diamonds and scares away insects.

Buy the Nikon Micro-Nikkor Macro lens - 105 mm - F/2.8 - Nikon F (about $900) for this reason.
It can be much much further from the subject.
The specs say minimum focus distance is one foot but I think that is from the film plane to the point of focus.
Also get extension rings or a bellows for even greater enlargement.

Find out whether this new body is compatible with old Nikkor lenses.
If so buy an old 105mm Nikkor Micro like I have (about $200).
You do not want to use auto focus or vibration reduction (you'll be on a tripod) for macro work anyway.

 

[Karl_K]

one of the best is the sigma 150 macro if your going to be using a support.
It is a bit long and heavy for hand holding.

Otherwise the nikkor or tamron or sigma macro at around the 90-105 range are a better bet but you have to get closer.

 

[kenny]

Read this review.

If you scroll down you see all of the three Nikkor 105mm micro lenses.

Click

Here is Nikon's website with a 5 of their current macro lenses.

Click

Focusing distance increases with focal length, but the longer lenses intrude into that since I think they measure from the film plane not the front of the lens.
So you have to get your calculator out to determine working distance.

 

[nosirrah]

As a Nikon shooter, I love seeing these Nikon threads pop up. (Take some of that canon!)

Kenny brings up some good points. If you can afford the 105 VR, it's a pretty killer lens. I took all my Fred Miranda forum boards. usually have trustworthy people unloading their used gear. A lot more surety buying from there than fleabay.

Let us know what you get.

 

[Jax172]

Thanks everyone! I have a lot of reading and researching to do now!