Which Lens Should I Get?

[Greg B]

OK, I know this is subjective, but I am just about to make a choice, so I am inviting input.

I have been looking forward to getting a dedicated 1:1 macro lens

The two lenses are different focal lengths. If I am going to get the 105, it might as well be the Nikon, hence this comparison rather than between the two 105s.

The Sigma 150 has the benefit of additional focal length (the effective 225mm with f2.8 is pretty impressive), and it has a lot of letters, APO, HSM, EX, DG.

The Nikon is a Nikon, and I know for some, no more need be said. At an effective 157.5mm at f2.8, it is no slouch either.

Gary, I know what your advice would be.

I have seen great results achieved with Nikon and Sigma macros, my quandry is whether the longer reach of the 150 (and hence greater min focussing distance in macro mode) is a strong point.

The Sigma is $900, the Nikon $750.

Feel free to vote and/or comment.

[Glen]

Greg, I made a similar choice recently except added the Sigma 105 to the mix.

My choice process went like this: 150mm gives me greater working distance but heavier weight. For the two Sigma's the weight is 450gms versus 895gms and 31cm versus 38cm minimum focussing distance. As I may take this lens travelling, I chose the lighter weight of a 105, whilst sacrificing a little working distance.

Betwwen the two 105s, they both get good reviews, they seem to be the equal of each other, and the Sigma is $520 v $750 for the Nikon. If it is just as good and 2/3rds the price, you can imagine my thoughts. Add the rumours of a VR macro, which I would imagine would mean a bigger drop for the Nikon if I wanted to sell it for a VR, plus the drop should be smaller on a lower initial amount, all made me choose the Sigma 105. Your situation will vary, good luck on your choice.

[Greg B]

Thnaks Glen, that is really useful information. Much appreciated

cheers

[fozzie]

Greg B,

I considered the 105mm, but decided on greater working distance, so I purchased the Sigma APO 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM, so you know where my vote is....hmmm. The Sigma 150mm may be heavier, but when on a Tripod for Macro work it does not matter.

I just entered my 895 gms worth.

Cheers,

[MHD]

Phew... that sigma is a serious lens!
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses ... avigator=5

[AlistairF]

Hi Greg,

I have the Nikon 105mm Micro F2.8. I have to say that this lens has perfect quality in it's images. Out of all the Nikon lenses that I own, it's by far the best and "optically perfect". I was interested when I opened a lens database that was supplied with Panorama Tools to remove distortion and chromatic aberation to find that this lens' parameters were all zero. This was told to me when I purchased the lens in the USA last year but I took the advice as sales pitch at the time.

Alistair

[sirhc55]

Considering that all micro/macro lenses are primes they all have to perform extremely well, otherwise they would drop from the market.

Nikon, Sigma and Tamron have all had very good reports and as such I would say it comes down to what you want in reach versus weight

[boxerboy]

I recently went through the same process, and like others here the weight of the 150mm just ruled it out. Then it was down to the 105mm Nikon or Sigma. Normally the Nikon badge would be enough, but having seen the results of the Sigma here and especially sirhc55's efforts, I went with the Sigma AND got a 50mm 1.8 Nikon for the same price as the Nikon 105 on its own.

Cheers
Peter

[yeocsa]

Go for the Nikon 105. Better constrast and sharpness than Sigma 150. Nikon 105 has a slight edge over Sigma 105 at larger apertures.

regards,

Arthur

[Onyx]

Greg, I know this isn't on your list of considerations, but the Nikkor 180mm has alot going for it IMHO. It's surprisingly compact - the gold box is not much bigger than the Nikkor 105's. Plus you get the greater reach.

I'm not sure if a 150 Sigma is in stock here, but the 105's in both flavours are - if you want me to test any aspects of either/both lenses and report back to you with the visual results I'm more than happy to do that.

[Greg B]

Thanks Onyx, but the overriding consideration is macro, and the 180 is not a macro lens.

Thanks for the offer on testing, I'll let you know.

[sirhc55]

Thanks Onyx, but the overriding consideration is macro, and the 180 is not a macro lens.

Thanks for the offer on testing, I'll let you know.

Greg - it would appear that Nikon does list the AF Zoom-Micro Nikkor 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D ED under their macro/micro section of lenses. I still prefer primes

[Greg B]

Yes Chris, I am after a prime macro here.

I know that whichever one I get - Nikon or Sigma 105 or Sigma 150 (or even Tamron, but they are not on Birdy's list), I'll be very happy. But you only get one chance to choose, so it is a time for agonising over every detail. I am really torn between the two in my poll above.

[Glen]

Greg, I think Birddy has access to the Tamron, he has it himself, I was going to suggest the 90 (or maybe 180) but as you were drawn to longer lenses I dropped it. If you don't mind extra weight, consider a second hand Nikkor 200mm. Both Ron Resnick and Bjorn Rorslett rate the 105 Nikkor as a compromise lens and the 200mm Nikkor as the bees knees. (Links at top of equipment section).

Whichever way you go, it will be good news for the rest of us because 10 minutes later there will be VR macro lenses everywhere

[Greg B]

Whichever way you go, it will be good news for the rest of us because 10 minutes later there will be VR macro lenses everywhere

Glen, you are sooooo right.

[kipper]

Bjørn Rørslett is a freak. Man, does that guy know he'd be a millionaire if he didn't have all those lenses?

[Nicole]

Greg, if you're into the bugs and butterflies, the Sigma 150 may be the way to go. Having said that I haven't used the Nikkor 105 so don't know what it's like in terms of scaring the critters off. The 105 would probably be easier to handhold...?? If it were me I'd go for the Sigma but that's because I already have the 60 micro.

[birddog114]

Greg,
Nikon is the way to go 105 or 180 they're brilliant macro lens and it's Nikon!

[Onyx]

Congrats on picking the Nikkor Greg. I'll just pre-test it to make sure it works...

[Glen]

Onyx, you should just send Greg what you like I would be happy to trust your judgement

[Greg B]

Wooooohhoooooo!!

[birddog114]

Onyx,
Please send GregB the box with the lens inside not the empty box you may left it behind after doing test.

[Greg B]

Excellent advice for Onyx thanks Birddog.

[Greg B]

Final result....

18 votes

Nikon 105 14 votes
Sigma 150 4 votes

Thank you all for your input. The Nikon is on its way from HK as we speak, my birthday will be extremely happy. I shall look forward to taking photographs of very small things e.g. my bank balance.

[Matt. K]

Greg
That lens is also very usable with a 2X tele converter. A supurb hunk of glass...and the price makes it a bargain!

[Greg B]

The price of the Nikkor 105 f2.8 went UP AFTER I BOUGHT IT. Everything else is usually cheaper the next day.

Yahooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

That's all.

[Glen]

Very pleased for you Greg