Lens Suggestions

[nubbinator]

So, I've been looking for a nice macro lens for a while, but all the quality ones are stupid expensive.  Does anyone have any suggestions for an F-Mount macro lens that's $350 or less?

[jchan94]

So, I've been looking for a nice macro lens for a while, but all the quality ones are stupid expensive.  Does anyone have any suggestions for an F-Mount macro lens that's $350 or less?

If you can stretch a little more, the Rokinon lenses are very well regarded. I've seen some photos done by them, and they are tact sharp without much color fringing. Most Rokinon lenses are manual focus however.

The one I'm referring to is the Rokinon 100mm F2.8. 100mm is the ideal macro lens IMO. I have a Canon 100mm F2.8L, and have used the 70-200MM F2.8L I, and overall, I like the 100mm more. The macro on the 100mm is much sharper and the bokeh / depth of field is much wider on the 100mm F2.8L.

I'm not sure what the AE chip is (been out of the photography gear game for a little while). Photo exchange says that it allows the lens to use the camera's AF system, if it supports it. If you have an F-mount, you probably own a newer Full Frame camera (D810, or similar)

Here's the answer from: photo exchange

http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/61141/what-does-the-built-in-ae-chip-for-nikon-do-on-a-rokinon-lens

I've also heard great stuff about the Sigma 105mm, but the build quality is a little lacking on it with their plastic finishing imo.

If you want to look at quality 2nd hand gear from people who know what they're doing, I used to buy photography equipment from fredmiranda.com. Membership is required ($$$), but it is very worth it. I believe my friends + family have purchased 5 L lenses + 3 Canon bodies from the site.

[Photekq]

Look out for a Nikkor 105mm AF or AF-D. The old ones. They sell around that price on ebay sometimes.

[rowdy]

General question about lenses - do nost lenses (macro or otherwise) fit most DSLRs?

[Spopepro]

Nubbs, what are you shooting? At this price, I think this is your best bet: https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-200mm-f-4-micro-if-ai-manual-focus-lens-52.html

It's manual focus, but for macro that shouldn't matter. It only stops down to f/4 which is all you need if you're shooting products or in a studio environment, but if you're shooting things like portraits outside its not an optimal choice. The newer AF version is a much better lens, but costs like 5 times more.

[tp4tissue]

What's that lens that makes females look hotter called.. /serious question..

[Spopepro]

What's that lens that makes females look hotter called.. /serious question..

Serious answer: a 100-140mm portrait lens with good studio lighting.  Longer focal lengths flatten features slightly, giving faces a little bit softer, more pleasant look.  Shoot from eye level or slightly above.

[tp4tissue]

What's that lens that makes females look hotter called.. /serious question..

Serious answer: a 100-140mm portrait lens with good studio lighting.  Longer focal lengths flatten features slightly, giving faces a little bit softer, more pleasant look.  Shoot from eye level or slightly above.

is this portrait only ?

Is there a whole body hotter lens ?

[nubbinator]

Look out for a Nikkor 105mm AF or AF-D. The old ones. They sell around that price on ebay sometimes.

I found a couple for under $300 (if just), but was also looking at a Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di since I found one for $200.

[Photekq]

Tamron doesn't hold a candle to anything Nikkor. You could go for it, but you will notice the difference.

The Nikkor 200mm f/4 micro that spopepro mentioned, while having a longer focal length, won't focus as close as the 105mm. It has a 1:2 reproduction ratio compared to the 105's 1:1. Also, 105mm can be very useful for regular keyboard related shots, while 200mm isn't so much. With the 105mm you have plenty of room between the front of the lens and the subject in order to get good lighting, etc.

[jchan94]

Try the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100. Their glass quality is pretty good. Their 16-28mm F2.8 was very good when I used it.

The barrel itself feels really well built.

$380.

[nubbinator]

Long time since I posted, but I finally grabbed a lens.  I waited too long on the Tamron (which actually had some great reviews), but I ended up grabbing the Nikon 105mm F/2.8 AF-D Micro Nikkor for $300.

[Photekq]

Long time since I posted, but I finally grabbed a lens.  I waited too long on the Tamron (which actually had some great reviews), but I ended up grabbing the Nikon 105mm F/2.8 AF-D Micro Nikkor for $300.

Brothers