Nikon lens for taking pictures of CPU and such things

[aznsniper911]

So right now I have a D5000 with the stock lens (18-55mm). I am extremely annoyed by how hard it is to take pictures of small or close up things. I basically want to take a picture of the CPU and the words ontop of it clearly without struggling a lot. That or taking micro shots of memory ic and things. I was thinking of buying the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED which fits into my budget and seems to work for my needs. Any suggestions or comment on the lens?

[itznfb]

It's a great lens. The 85mm f/3.5 DX is a little better and you might be able to find it for about the same price. Either way you'll get what you want. Can't go wrong with Nikkor micro. If you don't mind manual focus the 60mm f/2.8D is a little cheaper.

[uOpt]

Do you have a real flash? Or other studio lighting?

That makes a big difference. If you don't have real light sources you would need a lens with a pretty wide aperture. f/2.8 is rather the minimum than ideal.

[1ke]

Those are all good suggestions. The lens is only half of the equation. As said earlier, an external light is a better choice. If you want a lens too then I'd recommend that 60mm manual. You never need auto focus for macro stills.

Take some pictures with what you got and we may be able to make suggestions.

[itznfb]

You can use any lamp from around the house or just buy a cheap one from walmart. Or buy two if you want to look more professional lol. I think there was actually a thread a while ago about DIY light boxes done with cardboard and cheap lights.

Large aperture isn't important since you should be shooting f/8 or smaller on a tripod or stable surface in most scenarios.

[Lestat]

105mm Micro (macro) f/2.8 VR

but that depends on how much cash you have. its about $900 i think.

[1ke]

Overpriced in my opinion. If you gunna get a lens like that, just buy the Sigma version.

[Kallenator]

The Sigma has a double clutch solution, really annoying.

[itznfb]

Overpriced in my opinion. If you gunna get a lens like that, just buy the Sigma version.

The Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 is one of the last lenses I would call overpriced. The comparable Sigma is the 150mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM Macro which is the same price as the Nikkor and not as good. If you want a direct comparison in terms of focal length from Sigma it's the 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro which doesn't have all the features of the Nikkor, costs 1/2 and gives you about 1/2 the performance. As I said, if you're looking for a less expensive option then go with an older D version from Nikon. 3rd party lenses just aren't going to compare with Nikon/Canon options when you're talking about macro.

[nuclearjock]

The Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 is one of the last lenses I would call overpriced. The comparable Sigma is the 150mm F2.8 EX APO DG HSM Macro which is the same price as the Nikkor and not as good. If you want a direct comparison in terms of focal length from Sigma it's the 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro which doesn't have all the features of the Nikkor, costs 1/2 and gives you about 1/2 the performance. As I said, if you're looking for a less expensive option then go with an older D version from Nikon. 3rd party lenses just aren't going to compare with Nikon/Canon options when you're talking about macro.

Don't know if you visit the Nikoncafe', but many of the more advanced shooters there very much prefer the Sigma 150 macro. I've seen some spectacular images taken with it. It appears to be the exception to the rule when it comes to Sigma lenses.

I have the nikkor 200mm f/4 micro but that's out of the op's budget range (I think).

[itznfb]

Don't know if you visit the Nikoncafe', but many of the more advanced shooters there very much prefer the Sigma 150 macro. I've seen some spectacular images taken with it. It appears to be the exception to the rule when it comes to Sigma lenses.

I have the nikkor 200mm f/4 micro but that's out of the op's budget range (I think).

Yea it's a great lens. I don't think it's an exception. Sigma produces a lot of great glass and produces some focal lengths that fill gaps that need filled. But the Nikon 105 is just about the best macro lens money can buy. I was wrong about the price though. The Nikon is about $100 more street price. In my opinion it's worth that extra cost but I'd guess that people prefer the Sigma since it's cheaper. If the Sigma was closer to $500 I'd probably start leaning towards it if one was on a budget. I've used both extensively but I don't own either. The owner of the Nikon obviously swears the Nikon is 1000 times better and the owner of the Sigma swears the Sigma is 1000 times better... there will never be an end to that debate.

Where have you been by the way? Good to see you still hanging around this section.

[W1zzard]

i'm using a sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro on my full frame canon camera for all my reviews, it's also available with nikon mount. on a crop sensor it's 85 mm effective which should still be fine

[Lestat]

i will go back and restate my comment of the nikon 105mm 2.8
you can EASILY get it $700-$750 on fredmiranda and sometimes POTN.

it is not 2.8 thru the entire focal range, it does jump to f/4.5 at the closest range i believe but thats ok, because at such a close focal range, at f/4.5, your FOV is VERY narrow.
i cant imagine f/2.8 at the minimum focal distance

and on a FF it is a fantastic portrait lens. oh and the image stabilizer is great.

[itznfb]

i will go back and restate my comment of the nikon 105mm 2.8
you can EASILY get it $700-$750 on fredmiranda and sometimes POTN.

it is not 2.8 thru the entire focal range, it does jump to f/4.5 at the closest range i believe but thats ok, because at such a close focal range, at f/4.5, your FOV is VERY narrow.
i cant imagine f/2.8 at the minimum focal distance

and on a FF it is a fantastic portrait lens. oh and the image stabilizer is great.

At minimum focus distance especially on crop bodies it becomes impossible to focus when the lens is that open. That's why shrinks down the aperture automatically. All macro lenses will do that.

[warmage]

how about u try a close up filters befor u buy a new macro lens , they dont cost much

[1ke]

Or try the inverted lens trick.