Macro Walk-Around

These won’t be first impressions (as I still need to work more on the Series-E zooms) of the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Micro AI-s. Instead, I’ll just share a few pictures taken recently. All handheld (working on using a tripod more!) with the NEX-7:

Blue Dragonfly
105mm, ISO 100, f/8, 1/100
50% crop, this little guy is about two inches long

Field of Yellow
105mm, ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/500
Sweep Panorama–horizontal orientation

Tiny Details
105mm, ISO 100, f/8, 1/1600

So Much to Choose From…
105mm, ISO 100, f/8, 1/200

Mr. Bolt
105mm, ISO 400, f/8, 1/80

And finally, just for fun, via the PN-11 extension tube from Nikon, you can heavily increase the (already close) reproduction ratio of 1:2 all the way to 1:.88. That’s mumbo jumbo for REALLY close, about…this close:

Ball-Point
105mm, ISO 100, f/11, 13 seconds, PN-11 Extension Tube

Macro’s a lot of fun, no doubt about that. Take care guys and gals, and thanks for dropping by! I’ll try to have some first impressions of the Nikon 75-150 E up as soon as I can. So far I’m liking what I see from this zoom. 🙂

11 comments on “Macro Walk-Around”

Thanks for this review..Trying to decide between the 105 or a 60mm….what do you think?

mwdurr on August 7, 2012 at 4:53 PM said:

Welcome (though, keep in mind, this is nowhere near my full review!)!

Of the three macro ranges (55mm, 105mm, 200mm) I prefer the 105mm length. Here’s my reasons:
1. Good working distance compared to the 55mm, I couldn’t get the dragonfly shot with a 55mm, he would have flown off.
2. Great flattening perspective (APS-C or smaller sensor of course)
3. Not too heavy like a 200mm macro would be
4. Makes a great walk-around lens as long as it has a fast aperture (f/2.8 or faster)

That said, there’s nothing wrong with a 55-60mm macro, I just really would hate having to get so much closer to subjects.

Reply
- zannyro on August 7, 2012 at 5:00 PM said:
  
  That’s what I was thinking..don’t want to lose a subject by scaring it off. Thanks!
- mwdurr on August 7, 2012 at 5:03 PM said:
  
  Though if you “really” want a macro with good working distance a 200mm will suit you well. But the only 200mm macro worth getting for your Nikon is the 200mm f/4 AF-D. And it runs about $1300 used. Ouch. Supposedly the much cheaper AI-s version has bad longitudinal fringing. If you do any PP, it should be easy to take out.
- zannyro on August 7, 2012 at 5:04 PM said:
  
  They are pricey…I was looking at them yesterday, and going to look at some others on Friday.
- mwdurr on August 7, 2012 at 5:05 PM said:
  
  Keep in touch if you have any questions. Don’t forget about the deals you can get on eBay. It’s where I get all of my lenses.
- zannyro on August 7, 2012 at 5:13 PM said:
  
  Do you really? And you’ve good luck?
- mwdurr on August 7, 2012 at 5:17 PM said:
  
  Yep, so far I’ve purchased about 12 lenses from there so far, and any problems with them have been clearly noted in the description (loose focus ring, for instance).
  
  Key thing is to buy from USA sellers with a good feedback rating. A good rating is at least 99.8% if they have well over a few thousand ratings. For those with less ratings, at least 99%. That said, just take a look at some of their negative feedback to see if it was a legitimate complaint. Buying from those that post many pictures and answer your questions clearly are also good. Finally, some form of a return policy (except for “as-is” items) is great to see.
- zannyro on August 7, 2012 at 5:24 PM said:
  
  Super! Thanks for all of the advice 🙂
- mwdurr on August 7, 2012 at 7:12 PM said:
  
  Anytime, btw, love the beach shots you’ve been posting, numerous they may be. 😉
- zannyro on August 7, 2012 at 7:23 PM said:
  
  LOL! Thanks! Easy to get carried away 🙂

Matthew Durr Photography

Because great photographs don't make themselves