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Impression when I first got it out of the box: Wow... this is a lot of lens. Very heavy, good build quality!

I love the window that shows the reproduction ratio!

Even has (admittedly will be seldom used) a focus limit switch!

One of my first shots
f/25 handheld, SB-80DX lighting from the side, incandescent from top and weak onboard flash from front


I never realised my wedding ring was so scratched!

100% crop


Some things I have learnt:
This is not a simple thing, this macro photography... At 105mm You need to use a tripod in all but the brightest of light!

yes, Manual focus is the way to go! and most of the time this is by moving the camera in and out.

I have a lot of technique to improve on now!!!

And it is great as a non-macro 105 too!!

yes the play shots I have done so far show it as being nice and sharp!

another sample:

and my cuppa handle from lunch

Some more tests
Hand held

100% crop


Yumm

Nice choice on the beer there!

The colour rendering on the leaves is quite eye catching.

Like that last one Nice choice of beer....
The coffee cup is a CSI sort of shot.

Scot - really nice first shots - wait til your wedding ring is 50 years old

Congratulations MHD !

You are about to get lost in the universe of macro.
I'm looking forward to seeing that lens during another meet.
You raised some very good and important points regarding macro photography.
(manual focus and moving the camera in and out)
You need a slider ...

That is what is putting me a little bit on hold regarding macro.
Not only do I need to purchase the lens but also a new tripod, head system plus macros stuff like slider etc ...

This is called the I've taken the first step to do something.
Quite often it is a new lens.
Then comes the snowballing effect.
Actually it is the D70 purchase snowballing effect !!!

Beware everybody, the journey has just begun ...

Cheers
CD

Yes, The journey has just begun, and the long winding road is lying ahead.
- Macro Focusing rail & stage
- Macro off camera flash bracket
- Light amd small tripod for macro work as the G1027 and BH-25
So having fun, BTW.

Congratulations on the new toy One ring to rule 'em all

I am considering macro now. I just don't know which one to get! All I know is I want at least a 90mm. Someone help me!!

Neeper, Scott's obvious enjoyment of the Nikkor 105 equals mine. It is a beautiful lens.

Someone (sirhc55?) has the Sigma version and has produced some excellent shots from it.

Tamron has a 90 (Birdy has it), and there is a Sigma 150 which would be excellent (all these are macro of course).

In order to validate my decision, I suggest the Nikkor 105!

It is a beauty.

or Tamron 180Di and Nikon 200/f4
They are all excellent lenses in Macro including the Sigma 105/ 180.
Neeper,
They produce excellent pics and can be use as long zoom lens.

Neeper,

Have you come to any conclusion thus far

No I haven't. I don't think I should spend anymore money until after my trip to Europe. But I am leaning towards the Sigma 105mm. I've tried using the macro feature on my Tamron 70-300, and they didn't really look all that good. But it will have to do for now, until after my trip.

I might just go to the Camera Store and play with a few and see what I like.

All I can say is:
I expected a lot from the 105/2,8 I have been pleasantly suprised that my expectations have been well and truly exceeded!