Which Nikon 60mm Macro lens

[Scooby00 0]

Hi all

 

So .. I am looking to start some macro work and the 60mm seems to be the best starter lens over the 105mm

 

Both versions are still avaliable to purchase so optically which one should I buy .. the older f2.8D version or the newer AF-S GED version ?

 

With the D version I can also manually focus with the correct port .. AF only with the new version .. does that cast any views as well ..

 

Thanks

 

Simon

[ehanauer 37]

The new 60mm macro lens offers manual focus, autofocus, and autofocus with manual fine tuning.

[sdingeldein 0]

Depends . . . on what housing and port.

 

If you are shooting Ikelite and want to do manual focus, the older lens is best, as Ikelite doesn't make a manual focus port for the newer 60 mm lens.

 

If you are shooting autofocus only, the newer lens is much better.

 

SD

[Robin-D 11]

when I first started UW photography I got myself a nice manual focus subal port for the 60 mm, which I actualy tried once for testing and never again. Even in murky dutch waters the autofocus sees much better then me! If I had to buy a new short macro lens it would be the AF-S version.. and a nice focus light I do have to say I still like the sharp images the "old" 60 mm produces, so wont upgrade.. I think!

 

greetzz Robin

Edited October 7, 2008 by Robin-D

[Scooby00 0]

Depends . . . on what housing and port.

 

If you are shooting Ikelite and want to do manual focus, the older lens is best, as Ikelite doesn't make a manual focus port for the newer 60 mm lens.

 

If you are shooting autofocus only, the newer lens is much better.

 

SD

 

 

 

So autofocus seems to be the way to go ..

 

I have a D300 with an Aquatica housing but have not purchased a port yet .. the autofocus only port is cheaper and I cannot see the point of spending the extra cash if I am never going to manual focus.

 

This means I could still choose either lens so it's just a case of picking the best optical choice of the two ..

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Robin

 

Which focus light would you recommend ?

 

Simon

[Lionfish43 0]

I have both the new AFS and older D versions. Since I purchased the new one my old 60mm has been relegated to the closet. The only disadvantage I see for the new AFS lens is the lack of compatibility with any existing teleconverters. Since I don't use teleconverters on my 60, it's not an issue for me, YMMV.

[davephdv 0]

The new one.

[Scooby00 0]

Thanks all

 

The new one looks like the one to go for ..

[Pfiffikus25 2]

Thanks all

 

The new one looks like the one to go for ..

 

Hi!

 

I also got the new one (AF-S). I just started on the D200 with the Aquatica housing, 2 dives with the 60mm so far. And the focus is spot on. BUT I got myself the macro port with the manual focus gear, to be prepared for the 105mm macro lens just in case. I was told that the 105mm lens is hunting much more, so manual focus seems worth having on that one. The port is a bit more expensive, but cheaper than buying both in the end.

 

Cheers, Wolfgang

[Trevor Rees 1]

The new AF-S Nikkor 60mm looks nice but I've read that there is about 1 inch less working distance at 1:1 on this lens compared to the previous version.

 

As I frequently try and get down to the min focus of my 60 mm I was wondering if the reduced working ditance of the new lens would make life harder.

 

Is this a good enough reason to avoid the new lens

 

Anyone any experience

[lou f 0]

really a 105 is easier to get 1:1, which is kinda the point.

[Lionfish43 0]

The new AF-S Nikkor 60mm looks nice but I've read that there is about 1 inch less working distance at 1:1 on this lens compared to the previous version.

 

As I frequently try and get down to the min focus of my 60 mm I was wondering if the reduced working ditance of the new lens would make life harder.

 

Is this a good enough reason to avoid the new lens

 

Anyone any experience

I'm not sure about the measured distance but actually using the lens underwater (and above) I don't notice any real difference in the working distance.

[davichin 18]

The new AF-S Nikkor 60mm looks nice but I've read that there is about 1 inch less working distance at 1:1 on this lens compared to the previous version.

 

As I frequently try and get down to the min focus of my 60 mm I was wondering if the reduced working ditance of the new lens would make life harder.

 

Is this a good enough reason to avoid the new lens

 

Anyone any experience

 

 

The working distance at 1:1 has to be the same because both are 60mm, which implies that they both have the same angle of view that delivers 1:1 at the same distance.

 

I have both old and new and this is a summary of pros and cons:

 

Old: Pros: works with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters

Cons: slower focus, longer needed port (because it "grows" when focusing close) so more difficult to light, very hard to change from manual to autofocus underwater.

 

New: Pros: Fast focus, does not grow so we could use a very "tight" flat port for it, automatic manual/autofocus underwater.

Cons: Does not work with any teleconverter.

[LyN 0]

The working distance at 1:1 has to be the same because both are 60mm, which implies that they both have the same angle of view that delivers 1:1 at the same distance.

Well, I am not so sure. To be able to focus, the "old" lens changes its focal distance so, effectively, it becomes more than 60m. This is why the minimum focus distance for both lenses is not the same. it is 185mm for the AF-S one, 220mm for the "old" one.

 

David, from your Pros & Cons I would highlight the fact that the lenns does not work with teleconverters. For me, the 60mm+1.4x is one of the macro and portrait lenses I like more. I love it in fact!! Better than the 105mm...

[ATJ 1]

I can't comment on the new one, but I have the old one and it focuses very well in AF mode. I also use it on land for macro work with a PK-13 tube. As it has an aperture ring, you can set the aperture. I believe you can't with the new one.