Re: Nikon 70-180mm Macro vs Nikon/Tamron F4 lenses
Notwithstanding its deficiencies, the 70-180 still ranks today as a unique lens. I continue to use my copy on the D850. No other macro IME gives you the ability to frame the scene by zooming. The 55 f2.8's, 60 f2.8G and 105 f2.8G may be sharper but in practice this is negligible for the framing advantages - for snakes especially. Tamron's macros are good value, and so are Sigma's. But I sold on my 180 f2.8APO. The latter Sigma is a stunning optic, yet it weighs more than a 500 PF. It was yet more to lug with telephotos etc on flights for the 'just in case' events.
Yes, there is the focus-breathing and the AF crawls to & fro at testudine speed but I often shoot MF anyways (one has to on the Z7 because of zilch AFD support). The too small tripod collar is also rather feeble. (Not the first time Nikon have failed here?!?) I reinforced mine by carefully drilling and tapping into 2 by 2.5mm SS capscrews to strengthen / stiffen the neck and fix on an arca-swiss plate - permanently with epoxy.
Grays in London used to regularly have a couple of Mint lenses in their Used catalogue, albeit at a lofty price, but not seen one there for months... It's now many years since Nikon dropped out, but it seems to be scarcer than ever. Regrettable Nikon have not upgraded this to an E Nikkor with the new coatings and a robust tripod collar; if this new model ever arises, all the better if it's made detaching, as then Kirk, RRS could have rescued Nikon from their R&D folly- yet again ;-)
Apr 28, 2020 at 08:54 AM
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