Is is worth the wait? - DPChallenge Forums

06/08/2010 08:19:22 PM · #1

I am looking to buy a new lens. This is my issue. I am a college student with no money... I want a macro lens and I know what I want. But this is the catch the Nikkor 105mm 2.8 is WAY to much money right now. So this is my question, is it worth the wait to get it later? That being said I was also looking at the 60mm 2.8 but again I am very low on money so I would have to wait anyways but not nearly as long. So, what do you suggest? Should I wait it out for the 105mm or just wait until I can pay for the 60mm? Is the 105mm really that much better?

Thanks in advanced.

kenskid

Nikon D700

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

06/08/2010 08:24:50 PM · #2

I owned them both at one point ! Both are great. The 105 will allow you to be further from your subject and get pretty much the same macro as the 60mm.

As far as waiting...I would not. I would get the 60mm as soon as you can afford it. Then save a little more...take care of the 60 and sell it to help pay for a 105 if you like.

My lizard was taken with the 105mm. The shot would have looked similar with the 60 but I would have had to get closer to the lizard.

The fly was with the 60mm.

Message edited by author 2010-06-08 20:28:01.

fldave

Pentax K5II

06/08/2010 08:32:44 PM · #3

Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

I am a college student with no money...

How about less costly options? Lens reversing ring, extension tubes, bellows...

rooum

06/08/2010 08:32:47 PM · #4

Another option is to get a set of cheap Kenko extension tubes while you are waiting for the 105. These were all taken with the 50mm and tubes.. You'll be able to use the tubes with the macro lens as well when you get it.

kenskid

Nikon D700

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

06/08/2010 08:41:53 PM · #5

Yes...those were taken with extension tubes and some Kick-ass lighting ! ;-)

Originally posted by clive_patric_nolan:

spiritualspatula

06/08/2010 08:50:22 PM · #6

The extension tubes suggestion is definitely valid. I used that approach for awhile and was pretty happy with it. I've got a few entries that were captured in that manner.

I also really like the Sigma 150 2.8 macro I just picked up. Haven't had too much time shooting with it but am pretty pleased thus far.

06/08/2010 09:26:13 PM · #7

About the extension tubes, Would I be able to use it on my 18-55mm kit lens?

kenskid

Nikon D700

06/08/2010 09:30:39 PM · #8

Yes

Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

About the extension tubes, Would I be able to use it on my 18-55mm kit lens?

michaelmonn

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

06/08/2010 10:02:42 PM · #9

i have looked into different macro options for a while now and have determined that a reversing ring might be the most cost efficient option. heres the breakdown

-13 bucks, adorama, 52 or 58 mm reversing ring
- 40-50 bucks, KEH, manual focus used 50mm 1.8 nikon lens
- 40 bucks, BH, nikon BR3 (attaches to the bayonet of a nikon lens and allows you to screw filters onto a reversed lens)
- 10 bucks, 52mm tiffen UV filter

obviously you could use a lens you already own and skip the protective measures (filter and br3) in which case youd have macro capability for about 15 bucks. i err on the safe side and would want my reversed lens to function exactly like my non reversed lenses (safety-wise), therefore i personally would buy the br3 and filter.

-Max

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

06/09/2010 12:37:18 AM · #10

Ok. Maybe I will get an extension tube for the time being and wait it out for the 105mm then. This way I can use the extension tubes with the 105 as well.

Thanks again!

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

06/09/2010 01:15:59 AM · #11

You can always just get a broken lens and pull it apart, then hot glue the mount to the front of the lens... :) No need for anything fancy at all :)

I'll post some pics in the Macro SC

No auto focus, no aperture control, but.. It works.. :)

Message edited by author 2010-06-09 01:16:38.

aliqui

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/09/2010 06:16:17 AM · #12

I have the Sigma 105mm, and I also have the Kenko tubes. I loved the combo and still do, but recently I got a reversing ring for my 50mm. Now I seem to never use my 105mm. It's too easy to just carry the 50mm with the reversing ring permanently attached. If I find something cool to take a macro of I flip it around. See something further away? Flip it back around...

GiorgioBaruffi

Apple iPhone 5s

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS

06/09/2010 06:26:15 AM · #13

i have a Tokina 100mm 2.8, in Italy is not so expensive and is really a good lens...

rooum

06/09/2010 06:41:07 AM · #14

Originally posted by GiorgioBaruffi:

i have a Tokina 100mm 2.8, in Italy is not so expensive and is really a good lens...

Yea, i quite liked the look of the Tokina as i really like the 12-24. I want a macro lens at some point (although a fast wide prime is next on my list). I'm thinking now, though, that as i have the 85mm and Kenko tubes i might go for something longer like the aforementioned Sigma 150mm instead to give me a better range. I think i might just be complete with lenses then.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

06/09/2010 10:17:28 AM · #15

The Tamron 90mm is yet another choice. As if you needed another one. ;o)

06/09/2010 08:58:28 PM · #16

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

The Tamron 90mm is yet another choice. As if you needed another one. ;o)

Haha! I hate when this happens as you can probably relate to. You think you get it narrowed down to a few the people suggest 20 different lenses. Haha! It is ok though I want more options!

Citadel

Nikon D7500

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

06/09/2010 09:32:10 PM · #17

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

The Tamron 90mm is yet another choice. As if you needed another one. ;o)

IreneM used it to shoot this.

Then again, her shots with the 60mm f/2.8 Nikon were one of the reason why I bought that lens.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

06/09/2010 09:36:36 PM · #18

Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:
The Tamron 90mm is yet another choice. As if you needed another one. ;o)

Haha! I hate when this happens as you can probably relate to. You think you get it narrowed down to a few the people suggest 20 different lenses. Haha! It is ok though I want more options!

Here's one you can't add to your list.

Canon 100mm macro :oP

06/09/2010 10:20:55 PM · #19

I don't have a Canon, and if I were to get that I would have to buy the converter/adapter thing, to make it able to use.