Time for a lens change

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xerubus
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p.1 #1 · Time for a lens change

Hi all,

Unfortunately Nikon don't have the prized mp-e, so that's out of the list.

I currently have a Tamron 90mm, however I'm looking at either a Nikon 105mm or a Nikon 60mm. Reasons are I am trying to get my kit to all Nikon glass... no particular reason apart from that is what I want to do.

Now... I am trying to get my head around DOF. Obviously I know how shallow DOF is in the macro world, however I'm trying to figure out if there is a greater DOF in either of the above lenses? Working distance has never been an issue for me, so I'm not too concerned about getting close to subjects.

Any input at all would be appreciated. I seem to be going around and around in circles at the moment.

Hope this makes sense.

Nov 05, 2009 at 10:03 AM

LordV
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p.1 #2 · Time for a lens change

To any reasonable approximation, DOF in macro is just dependant on the magnification and aperture and not the glass/method/lens of producing that magnification.
One slight caveat is that shorter macro lenses will give more recognisable backgrounds (due to the wider FOV behind the subject) and so can be more recognisable even though they are OOF.
I actually don't think you will really gain any advantage changing your lens to the ones suggested apart perhaps from the image stabilsiation of the 105mm at lower magnifications.
You may be better off thinking about extension tube set (eg Kenko) for the Tamron to take you to 2:1 magnification.
Brian v.

Nov 05, 2009 at 10:33 AM

martines34
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p.1 #3 · Time for a lens change

For macro work that 60 mm f 2 Tamron is awfully tempting.

Nov 05, 2009 at 11:00 AM

xerubus
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p.1 #4 · Time for a lens change

Thanks guys. Tubes purchased... will give them a go when they arrive.

Nov 07, 2009 at 03:55 AM

Dalantech
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p.1 #5 · Time for a lens change

I'll vote for the Nikon 60mm (if it's a true 1:1 lens and not like Canon's lame 50mm 1:2) for the one reason: With that set of tubes you'll get more magnification out of the 60mm lens than a 90mm lens...

Nov 07, 2009 at 08:36 AM


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