Macro Lens Decision 60mm or 105mm

Hello All,

I'm trying to decide which Macro Lens to buy for my D70, 60mm or 105, this will be my first Macro lens so I'm not sure of the pitfalls/benefits or each lens.

I'm using an Ikelite housing with a dome port, so I figure I'm going to have to get a new flat port which lens I decide to buy.

The difference in cost isn't an issue, more the usability of each lens.

For reference, all my photography is done in the Caribbean.

Thanks for any advice.

Mark

Hi Mark,

The first lens you'll want to buy is the 60mm. It shoots >1:1 on a DSLR and is more flexible so you can get full fish photos and bigger fish portraits.

Eventually, you'll end up getting the 105 - I'm sure of it - but I wouldn't recommend it as your FIRST macro lens.

Cheers

James

I second the recommendation of the 60mm. I did not give it a fair shake at first, but honestly, I love it now and use it more and more. They don't call it the "sweet 60" for nothing!

I think that there is room in your lens arsenal for both lenses. When I am not sure which lens to use on a particular dive, I use the 60mm. The 60mm is also good for shooting macro in bad viz or if there is alot of particulate in the water. The 105 is great in clear water and for shooting skittish subjects.

I echo what the others have said about getting the 60mm first, but plan on getting a 105mm too.

Dave

The 60 is also easier because of its greater depth of field, but you can also easily blurry the background with it. And if you do macro photographs of fish, an added bonus of the 60 is that the camera's autofocus is much faster with the 60 when compared to the 105. For corals/slow moving invetebrates this is a non-issue.

OK. Well that's some great advice from you guys, 60mm it is. And then I'll be a good boy all year and see what Santa brings!!!

Thanks

Mark

Hey Mark! I can highly recommend the 60 as well. I have been shooting with mine for years now. I can also agree with having both. I bought my 105 yesterday and added an extension ring....going in the water with it tonight!!! The 60 is the choice for the first macro lens though....

Aurabest

john

Well thanks again for the advice and some interesting alternative opinions. I think I'm still going to go with the 60mm (unless I can't get one in St Thomas this weekend) and then I'll get the 105mm at a later date.