I have been debating on purchasing either the Nikon AF-S 60mm or Nikon AF-S VR 105mm for my wife to use with her D90 to photograph flowers. Which one is better?
Nikon AF-S 60mm or Nikon AF-S VR 105mm - Which one is better?
(21 posts) (15 voices)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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105mm vr macro
Posted 4 years ago # -
Here are photozone.de reviews:
Tamron 90
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/283-tamron-af-90mm-f28-di-sp-macro-nikon-mount-lab-test-report--review
Nikkor 105
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/224-micro-nikkor-af-s-105mm-f28g-if-ed-vr-review--test-report
Tokina 100
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/269-tokina-af-100mm-f28-at-x-pro-d-macro-review--test-reportThis site isn't the ultimate truth but they give Tamron and Nikkor the highly recommended mark. You can see test shots of different subjects and compare them yourself. The quality improvement between the two isn't 2x as the price, but then again with photography equipment it almost never is.
The 60mm makes it simpler to include backgrounds into the shot while on the 105mm you will have to step down the aperture more to get the same result.
Nikkor 60mm
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/394-nikkor_60_28Posted 4 years ago # -
Here are photozone.de reviews:
Tamron 90
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/283-tamron-af-90mm-f28-di-sp-macro-nikon-mount-lab-test-report--review
Nikkor 105
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/224-micro-nikkor-af-s-105mm-f28g-if-ed-vr-review--test-report
Tokina 100
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/269-tokina-af-100mm-f28-at-x-pro-d-macro-review--test-reportThis site isn't the ultimate truth but they give Tamron and Nikkor the highly recommended mark. You can see test shots of different subjects and compare them yourself. The quality improvement between the two isn't 2x as the price, but then again with photography equipment it almost never is.
The 60mm makes it simpler to include backgrounds into the shot while on the 105mm you will have to step down the aperture more to get the same result.
Nikkor 60mm
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/394-nikkor_60_28Posted 4 years ago # -
Here are photozone.de reviews:
Tamron 90
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/283-tamron-af-90mm-f28-di-sp-macro-nikon-mount-lab-test-report--review
Nikkor 105
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/224-micro-nikkor-af-s-105mm-f28g-if-ed-vr-review--test-report
Tokina 100
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/269-tokina-af-100mm-f28-at-x-pro-d-macro-review--test-reportThis site isn't the ultimate truth but they give Tamron and Nikkor the highly recommended mark. You can see test shots of different subjects and compare them yourself. The quality improvement between the two isn't 2x as the price, but then again with photography equipment it almost never is.
The 60mm makes it simpler to include backgrounds into the shot while on the 105mm you will have to step down the aperture more to get the same result.
Nikkor 60mm
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/394-nikkor_60_28Posted 4 years ago # -
Here are photozone.de reviews for Nikon mount lenses:
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests
This site isn't the ultimate truth but they give Tamron 90mm and Nikkor 105mm the "highly recommended" mark. You can see test shots of different subjects and compare them yourself. The quality improvement between the two isn't 2x as the price, but then again with photography equipment it almost never is.
The 60mm makes it simpler to include backgrounds into the shot while on the 105mm you will have to step down the aperture more to get the same result.
I wonder if there is a limit on posting links? I tried posting 4 but it didn't make the post.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I opted for the 105VR. You get a bit moore working distance, and I WANT the bakground to be blurred - "easier" with the 105VR.
Posted 4 years ago # -
105 VR is probably better overall, can be used from hand and, if shooting flowers, will give you safer distance from bees ;)
Posted 4 years ago # -
105mm VR. It is built way better, (Mostly of metal) and is pretty useful as a general short-ish tele. And that extra working distance can come in handy... that is why I have a 200mm + extension tube.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I have extensive experience with both lenses. I use the 60mm Micro-Nikkor 2.8 lens in the studio to shoot flat artwork on a vacuum table. Have documented some 23,000 rare R&R posters using that lens. But I would not suggest it for macro shooting of nature, ONLY because it forces you to be very close to the subject.
With the 105mm Micro-Nikkor (any variety) you have more breathing room (distance) plus it is a good portrait lens, at least on FX bodies.
The 200mm Micro-Nikkor gives you a lot more room. The best macro lens I have is the Voigtlander 125mm APO F/2.5, which is an incredible lens, but expensive and hard to find.Posted 4 years ago # -
To All,
It would seem that the AF-S VR 105mm is considered the better of the two. From what I have read elsewhere this is also the same opinion.
I will need to buy one by July for vacation for my wife.
Thanks to all who have participated, you all and this web site have as always been great!
Henry Nikon Fan
Posted 4 years ago # -
I shoot macro with the 200mm EDAF...it has a tripod mount on the lens, which is nice for getting things lined up the way you want them, plus it has the unsurpassed ability to completely blow out any background detail you don't want in focus. In addition, you get a lot of working distance, you can add a TC-201 and get REALLY close, or simply screw on one of Nikons excellent diopters. With all that, you can photograph a gnats ass. The 200 is also an excellent butterfly lens because of the working distance.
If you can find the macro zoom, it is also excellent. The 105, no matter which one, has always been a great one as well. I would not waste my money on the 60.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I have not yet purchased the Nikon AF-S 60mm or Nikon AF-S VR 105mm for my wife and since my original post there is now the AF-S DX 85mm lens to consider.
Does anyone out there know where the AF-S 60mm is made? I assume the AF-S DX 85mm is made in China and the AF-S 105mm is too much to pay for what my wife is going to use it for. So now we are considering either the AF-S 60mm or the AF-S DX 85mm lens. I am concerned about having DX for the future.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have the older 60mm AFD (I do not think the AFS or Nano coating adds much) and the 105VR. Both are amazingly tack sharp. I have used the off brands as well and they are good but just are not built as well (excluding the Tokina).
The 60mm lived on my camera for a long time and honestly more versatile with DX bodies. The 105VR which I do love also, does get really tight on DX. That being said, the 105vr is now in my bag more than the 60mm since I carry the 50mm 1.4 afs as well.
My suggestion, if you have the 50mm afs or are shooting something like venomous snakes that can kill you in one bite, get the 105vr. If not, the 60, is a great lens.
The 85mm VR could be an option as well - I just have not tried it.
I wouldn't worry about where they are made - they are all made to high standards and the "where it is made" arguments seem to be more political than practical.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have used the 105 mm VR for a year after using the 105 2.8D. The pictures created by the VR are simply great. I know that lab results are used to compare lenses but Nikon has a nack for engineering lenses that produce wonderful images. I have also used other macro lenses and none produce pictures as vibrant and clear as the 105 VR and I highly recommend it. Of my many lenses this is my favorite lense for macro and portrait work. Aside from thid somewhat subjective assessment it is one of the best made lenses I have ever owned.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I think my 50mm macro is too short to be much use. I am thinking of getting something in the 150+ length for my D90 for macro shooting.
Posted 2 years ago # -
105vr is tight - you only need more if you are shooting bugs, or extreme closeups with a DX camera. Many times my 105 is too much for my D300 and I'll have to try to shoot at F11+ handhold because of this. If I had my 60mm with me at the time, I could shoot F4 with the same result.
Posted 2 years ago # -
i think after ready posts like this, i am just going to use borrowedlens service and just rent both for a weekend and see which one i like more.
:p also they might give me a discount because im a member of the NR fan Club. haha
Posted 2 years ago # -
Better have a tripod and a trigger! That 105 is TIGHT!
Love mine!
Posted 2 years ago #
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