I have just ordered a Nikon D7000 from B & H that will replace my old reliable D70. In the past, I have been primarily shooting landscapes and wildlife but want to take up macro in a limited way. I would like some help with lens selection. Originally I figured on buying a Nikon 105 macro but I have spotted a nice used Sigma 180mm F3.5 Macro D EX HSM for $500 (which is pretty much the max I want to spend). I figure that flowers and insects will be my subjects in this category. What do you think of that 180 as a choice. I know it isn't the 2.8 but it still seems like a top of the line choice.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on February 21, 2011 at 6:18 PM
If you plan to shoot insects, the 180. It isn't even a choice.
With insects, you want as much focal length as possible. Working distance from the subject is an important factor in insect work. A lot of insects/amphibians/snakes spook easily as you get close and the 180 keeps you a bit further away. Also, you may find with the 105 that you will be close enough to start casting a shadow on your subject. With flowers, you'll find that background control is much easier with the longer lens - this helps in giving that "pop" of the subject from the background.
Probably the biggest disadvantage I have run across with the longer macro is working indoors, especially conservatories where there isn't enough space to back up. I have a lot of headshots of butterflies because of this.
Posted by Vincent Nobel on February 21, 2011 at 7:06 PM
Congrats on the new D7000! I agree on the 180mm for insects and at that price it's a good deal. Two other good lenses to eventually look at are the Sigma 150mm which replaced the 180mm and the Tamron 90mm. Overall, I'd be content with that 180mm for awhile. - Vince
Posted by Luke Ormand on February 21, 2011 at 10:44 PM
The 180 is probably best for you - especially if you are on a budget. I have the Nikon 105 f/2.8 which is a fantastic lens especially because I can add my 1.7X TC and make it a 180 for things like insects when I need it. But if you don't already have a TC then I think you are best going w/the Sigma
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on February 21, 2011 at 11:31 PM
If you don't buy the 180 then I will for all the reasons mentioned above. I have the sigma 105 and love it, but I don't really do bug work (yet, partially because of the working distance). Happy shooting!
Posted by Nathan Buck on February 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM
I love, love, love my Sigma 180 macro. I cannot think of many times at all that I have been sad to have that amount of reach. I do not regret buying it at all.
Nathan
Posted by Bill Fach on February 23, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Don: Size matters if you're shooting critters. I have both a 100mm and 200mm macro. Both lenses are very sharp but the 100 is certainly the sharpest lens in my bag. However the reach of the 200 is so superior that even when I'm shooting flowers I reach for it 90% of the time or more. Another huge advantage to the longer lens IMO is the tripod collar which makes adjusting comps a breeze. I have an L-bracket for my cameras so going from vertical to horizontal with my 100 is pretty easy but the collar lets me rotate the lens to any orientation for comp effortlessly. The longer lens also has a narrower field of view which helps control BG elements. Don't concern yourself too much regarding the slightly larger minimum aperture. You should still AF very well if you even use AF much. I shoot all my flowers with manual focus but do use the AF when chasing butterflies and my f4 200 works fine. Congrats on the new gear and looking forward to the results. >=))>
Discussion
6 repliesWith insects, you want as much focal length as possible. Working distance from the subject is an important factor in insect work. A lot of insects/amphibians/snakes spook easily as you get close and the 180 keeps you a bit further away. Also, you may find with the 105 that you will be close enough to start casting a shadow on your subject. With flowers, you'll find that background control is much easier with the longer lens - this helps in giving that "pop" of the subject from the background.
Probably the biggest disadvantage I have run across with the longer macro is working indoors, especially conservatories where there isn't enough space to back up. I have a lot of headshots of butterflies because of this.
Nathan