Macro Lens Recommendations

[Fallax]

Hi all, with Christmas coming up I'm looking into acquiring a macro lens so I can better do close up shots (especially would be useful for smaller animals).

My camera is a Nikon D5600 DSLR, which I have used for the last 6 or so years. I currently mostly use a Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR for my lens when it comes to zoo photography.

I don't have a fixed budget but ideally I'd like something which isn't too expensive but still worth the money and would pair well with what I currently use. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lafone]

I can't recommend a specific lens in the Nikon stable, but would just reflect on Macro lens length. I tried a Sony 30mm and then 50mm macro lens and found them a bit short for things like butterflies. Went in the end to 90mm and that's a good length for different shots, as well as close up.

The close working distance for the shorter lenses was ok for static subjects (flowers) but anything likely to move while you were looking for it (bees, butterflies etc) lead to a lot of hunting about. The 90mm was also 2.8 which is handy for lower light conditions. Not sure if that helps but I found the longer version of the lens more versatile.

 

[GalenMarek]

I purchased the 105mm f/2.8 from Sigma a few years ago for my Nikon D750. I use it now with the D500 and mostly with the z6II.
I'm not an expert in macro photo. I'm learning and trying to do my best. My next step/challenge is to have deep macro pictures (insect eyes) and do some focus stacking.

As Lafone mentioned the distance is important. I like the "long" focal distance; capturing insects or moving subjects is way easier.
One of my first try with the lens:

Surprisingly, I used it a lot in zoos. The lens saved my day multiple times in aquariums/reptile houses/... where you have glass, low light, and close subjects.
Here are some pictures shot with the lense :

IMHO: It's also a nice lens for a portrait if you don't have a 50mm f/1.8

 

[gentle lemur]

I use the 40mm DX MicroNikkor and the 105mm FX MicroNikkor on my D500 (you can use FX lenses on a DX body when the focal length is effectively about 150mm, but you can't fill the frame with a DX lens on a FX body). The 105mm is a beautiful lens and probably my favourite, but it is only available used now. I use the 40mm for very close work and for larger fish in aquaria etc, but overall less frequently the 105mm. There is also an 85mm DX MicroNikkor, which might be a better compromise, but I have never used one. Neither have I used the 105mm Sigma, but I'm sure I would be happy with it.

 

[Kibathewolf]

Hi all, with Christmas coming up I'm looking into acquiring a macro lens so I can better do close up shots (especially would be useful for smaller animals).

My camera is a Nikon D5600 DSLR, which I have used for the last 6 or so years. I currently mostly use a Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR for my lens when it comes to zoo photography.

I don't have a fixed budget but ideally I'd like something which isn't too expensive but still worth the money and would pair well with what I currently use. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there! I actually have the same telephoto lens, the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, and I’ve been using it for around 12 years now—it's been a solid choice for zoo photography! I just ordered the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, though it's on backorder for now. This lens isn’t a dedicated macro, but it has excellent sharpness and depth of field control, which can produce great detail shots, especially on a DX body like the D5600.

For true macro photography, I’d suggest looking into something like the Nikon AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED or the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro. Both are highly recommended for close-ups, with the 105mm giving you more working distance, which is great for smaller animals that might be skittish. Either option will complement your D5600 well and offer sharp, detailed shots. Enjoy the journey into macro!