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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Macro lens for Nikon with Ring Flash
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 07/23/2009 10:29:38 AM · #1
I have a friend (dentist) who wants to buy a Macro lens and ringflash. He hasn't asked me about the ring, so he must have one in mind, but was thinking about the Sigma 105. I thought the extending lens might be a problem there, and was thinking he might be better off with the Nikon 105 (which is very expensive now--used to sell for $750 or so a year ago, now $900!).

So the alternatives I was thinking:

1) Nikon 105VR
2) Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor (does this extend?)
3) Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED Lens
4) Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX APO Macro EX DG HSM

Or was he right to pick the Sigma 105?

Suggestions in general?
07/23/2009 10:43:14 AM · #2
Originally posted by nshapiro:

2) Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor (does this extend?)


I have this lens, and absolutely love it. Not sure if it extends, as I dont have extenders, but I believe it does. Here is the lens page, you will see a lot of great photos:
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=245

This is easily my favourite lens.

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 10:43:39.
 07/23/2009 10:45:02 AM · #3
Originally posted by VitaminB:
Originally posted by nshapiro:

2) Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor (does this extend?)


I have this lens, and absolutely love it. Not sure if it extends, as I dont have extenders, but I believe it does. Here is the lens page, you will see a lot of great photos:
//www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=245

This is easily my favourite lens.


Thanks. I've heard alot of good reports about that lens.

But by extends, I mean when you focus, whether the front end of the lens extends or not.
 07/23/2009 10:51:02 AM · #4
I also have # 2 and love it. Also, a cheap ring flash alternative is to get the ExpoImaging Ray Flash....if you already have a standard hot-shoe flash. It attaches and turns it into a ring flash and I find it works very well....only about $200
 07/23/2009 11:14:31 AM · #5
the Nikon 60mm extends
EDITit also requiers a special bracket when using the SB-R200's -- though i've used it without ..

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 11:19:44.
 07/23/2009 11:26:37 AM · #6
I think the newer 60mm f/2.8G macro is IF... (shouldn't extend)

I could be completely wrong, however :P
 07/23/2009 11:41:25 AM · #7
Originally posted by Anti-Martyr:
I think the newer 60mm f/2.8G macro is IF... (shouldn't extend)

I could be completely wrong, however :P


You're right on that...

Is he shooting teeth with this thing? If so, perhaps one of the 105mm~150mm lenses might be the go, to get working distance. I've used the 105mm VR, and the Sigma 150mm, both are fantastic lenses, you can't go wrong with either.
 07/23/2009 11:50:35 AM · #8
Originally posted by shalrath:
Originally posted by Anti-Martyr:
I think the newer 60mm f/2.8G macro is IF... (shouldn't extend)

I could be completely wrong, however :P


You're right on that...

Is he shooting teeth with this thing? If so, perhaps one of the 105mm~150mm lenses might be the go, to get working distance. I've used the 105mm VR, and the Sigma 150mm, both are fantastic lenses, you can't go wrong with either.


Yes, he's shooting teeth.

I don't know what the optimum distance would be for that and a ringflash; The downside of the Sigma 150 is that I wonder if it's too heavy to be practical like that hand held. Also, I am still wondering if an extending lens (for focus) is a problem for ringflash. Do they attach to the tripod mount and use a bracket or the lens front threads?
 07/23/2009 12:32:50 PM · #9
You can get a ring flash contraption with attaches to the hotshoe. The ring itself can be moved back and forth along the lens barrel. I saw someone shooting wedding photos with a contraption like this.

The Tamron 90mm might be an option as well. Very light. The barrel extends on this one.

eta: something like this //www.ringflash-adapter.com/buy-now?page=shop.browse&category_id=1
(I don't have one so can't vouch for the quality)

Message edited by author 2009-07-23 12:46:32.
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