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Nikkor Micro 60mm f2.8 AF-S OR Micro 85mm f3.5 AF-S

PM

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15 Dec 2007
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Location
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Hi all,

I'm about to buy one of these two Micro lenses for my Nikon D5000.

The lens will be use for shooting my shrimp, fish & snails in my tanks. I have other lenses for other uses.

My biggest tank is 30cm deep, and I have no interest in going full frame. I am set on a Nikon lens, as there is no barrel extension with focusing, and I like the way they look lined up on my shelf ;)

Which should I get do you think?
 
Re: Nikkor Micro 60mm f2.8 AF-S OR 85mm AF-S

The 85mm is a bit of an underperformer for a Nikkor prime, assuming you are talking about the f3.5 micro. There are a host of different Nikkor 85mm lenses.

The 60mm is considered good, but inferior to the Nikkor 105mm f2.8 micro, which is the one I use, although not for macro. The 105mm means you won`t have to stand so close to the subject. Nikkor prime lenses are generally pin sharp, and the 105mm is no exception.

The 60mm has no VR, but it shouldn`t be necessary on such a short focal length anyway, and definitely not for macro work. I rarely have VR switched on, on any of my lenses, anyway.

If money is a factor, go for the 60mm, if not, go for the 105mm. The bottom line is, the 105mm is the only one I can comment on from experience.

Dave.
 
Re: Nikkor Micro 60mm f2.8 AF-S OR 85mm AF-S

Thanks Dave, yes I mean the 85mm f3.5 Micro.

From what I can gather:

85mm Micro:
Pros: VR, longer working distance, lighter, 52mm thread.
Cons: Not as good IQ as 60mm, bigger.

60mm Micro:
Pros: Better IQ than the 85mm, smaller.
Cons: Shorter working distance, no VR, heavier, 62mm thread.

TBH I think they balance fairly well. My main concern is working distance, I have read lots of VERY differant 'facts' about the distance for 1:1 on the 60mm, one site said you have to be 5cm away, others say 18cm. Vs 28cm for the 85mm.

I'm confused about that, I just want to know the facts for both lenses (distance from end of lens to subject for 1:1), but they are different everywhere...

Paul
 
Nikkor Micro 60mm f2.8 AF-S OR 85mm AF-S

The Nikon 60mm is a fantastic macro lense, i use it quite a lot for underwater photography.
Here is an example http://www.dykkeren.dk/Galleriet/Red%20 ... _1002.html

Many more in the Gallery.

You Can get very close to the target but you dont have to.

I might buy the 105mm vr to get bigger pictures of small targets, unfortunately i need a New underwater housing to use it while diving.
 
PM

I wouldn`t say that no VR was a con for the 60mm. A lens of that focal length shouldn`t need it, and plenty of people switch VR off for macro work. I leave my VR switched off for all uses, and only use it when shutter speed dictates its use.

Dave.
 
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