105 Micro or Sigma 150 EX HSM Macro

[marcotrov]

OK guys discussion number 2 what lens would you get?
Pros/ Cons
105 cheaper by $100
105 better resale although I don't plan on selling it
105 Nikon name and reknowned quality
105 easier to handhold and lighter
150 Sigma longer reach
150 Faster HSM autofocus not that I use autofocus for macro but tele yeah
150 very sharp throughout range from what i read
150 tripod collar
150 i believe 77mm thread on lenshood. Therefore same filter thread as my 80-400VR and 80-200 F/2.8
Any other comments on their choice?
As you can see I'll be making a grand Xmas investment between this choice and my eventual D200 +grip purchase.
cheers
marco

[birddog114]

I like both, so get both

[sirhc55]

Marco - don’t think about the lens without thinking about how you want to use it

[mitedo]

Get the 150 Sigma its a top bit of glass i used it on a trip to China a few months ago have some great pic form this lens

[johnd]

150 i believe 77mm thread on lenshood. Therefore same filter thread as my 80-400VR and 80-200 F/2.8

Marco, it's got a 72mm thread, at least on mine.
Cheers
John

[Greg B]

marco, just as a matter of interest, this was exactly the decision I had to make. In the end, I went for the Nikon 105, and of course, I have been happy with it. But at the same time, I am sure I would have been happy with the Sigma 150 if that had been my selection.

The good news for you, in my view, is that there is no wrong decision.

[Onyx]

Also 105 - ideal focal length for portraiture, if that's of any use to your shooting style.

[marcotrov]

Thanks for the advice guys it's one of those hard decisions but as mentioned by Greg B it'll be a winner either way I should imagine the 150 Sigma will also be a good focal length for portraiture which I do enjoy. Mind you the psychology of shifting to sigma when all my other lenses are Nikon is an interesting one for me.

Mitedo said:

Get the 150 Sigma its a top bit of glass i used it on a trip to China a few months ago have some great pic form this lens

love to see some examples of macro and landscape work with it
cheers all i'll continue to struggle with the decision for a couple more days before I make the move.
Marco

[cameraguy21773]

Marco -
Here are few lower resolution but I think you can glean some info on the 150 macro from them.

http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/38385211
http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/38514461
http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/39973494
http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/39973615
http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/image/45666735

[marcotrov]

Thanks Mike. Nice images as you say lower resolution but still a good indication. And your personal opinion or have you not owned a 105 Micro to compare? Anyone direct me to a site with a full head to head comparison?
cheers
marco

[cameraguy21773]

I used a Nikkor 105 only briefly and did not save the test files. It is a fine fine lens and you would not regret the purchase. The issue, in my opinion, is the standoff distance, feature set, and utility as a first rate mid-range telephoto that the Sigma 150 has at a very attractive price.

[birddog114]

Marco,
Echo from Chris, you have to define what are you going to use this lens for? definitely these lenses are not for landscape or architecture works.

The 50mm focal lenght in difference are a big say in macro and tele works if this is the field you're looking for, otherwise 105 is more than suitable for macro + portrait works, Nikkor 200/f4 macro lens is another example.

I don't think anyone own two lenses as you're after, but you can research and review each lens in this forum.

[marcotrov]

Don't know if you saw these pictures guys but I also want to start some large copy work now that I have been given this copystand as well as primarily macro and some telephoto. So I suppose once again either would be fine. Of the 2 which would give better results at the small fstops?


cheers
marco

[greencardigan]

I can recommend the Sigma 105.
I cant compare it to any of the others but it does the trick for me. A bit slow focusing but that's rarely a problem.

[birddog114]

I can recommend the Sigma 105.
I cant compare it to any of the others but it does the trick for me. A bit slow focusing but that's rarely a problem.

When shooting macro, fast or slow focussing won't be an issue, coz you will have to use manual focus.

In tele, the 105 is not bad with AF speed.

[sirhc55]

Marco - from looking at your setup for copying, and assuming the side lights are not fluoro’s, be carefull with regards to WB with mixed lighting.

I use fluoro’s in my work but the light box I use, although it has fluoro’s, are of a different temperature and this can cause problems as well.

[johnd]

When shooting macro, fast or slow focussing won't be an issue, coz you will have to use manual focus.

So what is the trick to accurate manual focus with the tiny little viewfinder the D70? Are there any magnifier type thingys to more accurately judge the manual focussing. Manual focus is a whole new area for me. I'm looking forward to this weekedn to start playing in this area.

Cheers, John

[big pix]

Doing straight copy work, you will find on an average that the 105mm lens too long, unless it is a small item you are shooting. I have found that the best all round lens for copy work is the 55mm or 60mm micro nikkor.......which should do 80 to 90 percent of your copy work

[birddog114]

When shooting macro, fast or slow focussing won't be an issue, coz you will have to use manual focus.

So what is the trick to accurate manual focus with the tiny little viewfinder the D70? Are there any magnifier type thingys to more accurately judge the manual focussing. Manual focus is a whole new area for me. I'm looking forward to this weekedn to start playing in this area.

Cheers, John

AF with macro is harder, the lens hunts alot before it locked on to subject if it's a non static subject then it's sick about keeping your eyes on & off the viewfinder.
No at this time, as I known none of anything of magnified viewfinder which you can have on the D70, apart from the DR-5 angle viewfinder.

[marcotrov]

Chris said:

Marco - from looking at your setup for copying, and assuming the side lights are not fluoro’s, be carefull with regards to WB with mixed lighting.

I know what you mean Chris. But I intended to use either or ( i als believe they were special fluros and the whole lighting set up was balanced . Things requiring backlight or the tungsten (i think) anyhow will have to get electrician to set it up but hell not bad for FREE

Big Pix said:

Doing straight copy work, you will find on an average that the 105mm lens too long, unless it is a small item you are shooting. I have found that the best all round lens for copy work is the 55mm or 60mm micro nikkor.......which should do 80 to 90 percent of your copy work

Yeah I suspected as much but then again I still have my 55mmMicro f/2.8 AI-S lens and once I get the D200 with its manual lens metering capability I should be fine.

Birddog said:

Marco,
Echo from Chris, you have to define what are you going to use this lens for? definitely these lenses are not for landscape or architecture works.

The 50mm focal lenght in difference are a big say in macro and tele works if this is the field you're looking for, otherwise 105 is more than suitable for macro + portrait works, Nikkor 200/f4 macro lens is another example.

True birddog. I have made my decision 150 Sigma it is! Thanks for the help

cheers
marco

[cameraguy21773]

When shooting macro, fast or slow focussing won't be an issue, coz you will have to use manual focus.

So what is the trick to accurate manual focus with the tiny little viewfinder the D70? Are there any magnifier type thingys to more accurately judge the manual focussing. Manual focus is a whole new area for me. I'm looking forward to this weekedn to start playing in this area.

Cheers, John

The DR-6 angle finder is very handy tool for tabletop and macro. The DK-17M and a 2370 adapter will work with the D70 as will the new, yet-to-be released DK-21M.

[birddog114]

When shooting macro, fast or slow focussing won't be an issue, coz you will have to use manual focus.

So what is the trick to accurate manual focus with the tiny little viewfinder the D70? Are there any magnifier type thingys to more accurately judge the manual focussing. Manual focus is a whole new area for me. I'm looking forward to this weekedn to start playing in this area.

Cheers, John

The DR-6 angle finder is very handy tool for tabletop and macro. The DK-17M and a 2370 adapter will work with the D70 as will the new, yet-to-be released DK-21M.

The DK-17M and a 2370 cost heap overhere!
The DK-21M don't know when it's available?

[el nino]

I've just started thinking about buying the 105mm (or 60mm Nikkor), just about to do a mandatory search on the forums for comparos between the 60mm and 105mm.

It will be used to photograph mostly inanimate subjects (food). Even thought the majority of the shots will be on a tripod, I would like to be able to hand hold the lens comfortably.