For macro on a Nikon D90, should I choose a 60mm or 100/105mm lens?
Asked 4/12/2011
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I shoot with a Nikon D90 (DX) and want a macro lens. I’m considering the Nikon 60mm Micro, but I’m wondering whether I should instead choose a 100/105mm macro lens.
My main concern is how crop factor affects this choice. A 60mm on DX gives a field of view similar to a longer lens on full frame, but does that make it a good substitute for a 100mm macro? I’m interested in practical differences such as working distance and suitability for subjects like insects versus static objects.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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When I started doing macro work (back in the film days) I started with a 90mm Tamron (good lens BTW). What I found was that the working distance was too short. I could not get close enough to bugs and the field of view often included too much background. As soon as I could afford it I bought a Nikon 200mm f4 Micro lens. The field of view is great for framing and the working distance is long enough that I don't scare away bugs every time.
In your case a 60mm may have the field of view of a 90mm on a film camera but the working distance for minimum focus does not change so your working distance will be even worse than what I experienced. I do not think you will be happy.
I recommend that you consider a longer lens like the Nikon 200 or the Sigma 180 (I have experience with the Nikon but not the Sigma so I have nothing to say about how well the Sigma performs). You will get an working distance that will be as good as you can get and even narrower background framing than what I get on my D700. A lens like that can be a bit pricey, so, alternatively look at a Tamron 90mm or a Nikon 105mm instead. My experience with the Tamron is with the older MF version but what I have heard is the newer ones are even better.
Ian
Originally by user20973. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user20973
15y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Crop factor changes field of view, not the lens’s minimum focusing distance or working distance. So a 60mm macro on your D90 may frame more like a longer lens would on full frame, but you still have to get very close to the subject.
That’s the key issue in macro. Short macros like 55/60mm can work well for static subjects, but for insects and other skittish subjects they often put the front of the lens too close, making lighting harder and increasing the chance of scaring the subject away.
Based on the answers, a 100/105mm macro is the better all-around choice on DX, and longer options like 180mm or 200mm give even more working distance if bugs are your main subject. The Nikon 105mm VR was specifically praised as a very good match for the D90, especially for handheld use.
So: if you mostly shoot coins, stamps, or tabletop subjects, 60mm is fine. If you want insects or more comfortable working distance, go with a 100/105mm macro or longer.
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