I need a macro!

I do not own a D80 so cannot comment on Nikon's remarks in the Warnings and Warranty issues. Many years ago I purchased a Tamron 90mm macro and it goes to 1-1 without tubes, has long helix. I couldn't be happier with it's build quality and performance. With an AIS mount it should fit any Nikon DSLR however it may not meter with some. The one I have is manual focus! It's a keeper in my stable of lenses and cameras.

Although I have the Nikon 105/2.8 macro it is not the AF G version. Yes it was expensive and it works fine on my Nikon and other cameras (because it is NOT the G version, ie it has an aperture ring). However I also own the older Tamron 90/2.8 macro (not AF) in an Adaptall II mount, so I can use it on a variety of cameras, including my Nikon D100. No, it doesn't meter, nor autofocus. But for macro work, I generally find those features useless anyway. I personally don't think you could go wrong with either. I do strongly recommend you try to avoid the G version because of the lack of aperture ring. I know they were designed with the novices in mind, but many novices grow attached to good lenses and want to use them on other gear they acquire as their expertise improves.

I used a D80 with a Tamron 90 2.8 macro lens (the newer "digital" one, model # 272, I believe) and it was a good combination, worked fine. The Tamron is a very sharp macro lens. My only complaint with it was the autofocus hunting; it does have a limit switch and that helped a lot. I usually focused it manually for macro but also used it for a general 90mm lens (which also worked fine) and the non macro use is where the AF hunting occurred.

I'm not sure of the current list price for new but you can probably get a good one from KEH for less than $500.

Have you checked for used versions on-line? I've done business with both KEH and B&H buying used lenses and have been pleased with both sites.

I was not really satisfied with the Sigma on my camera, because you'd touch the focus ring involuntarily, and the shutter will block immediately... eventually I got the Nikon version. But yes, see if there are used ones on the market, which can save you up to half the price.

+1 for Tamron. But there are some good alternatives too:

a) Tokina 100mm/f2.8 - the advantage is that for a similar IQ offers a much better BQ

b) the new Nikkor 85mm/f3.5

No matter is your final decision, be sure that you don't go wrong with any of these choices...

Finally - for a telezoom, maybe the most versatile at this stage is Nikon 70-300VR. You can get a used copy at quite decent costs.

Good luck with your studies!

Joanne, Bite the bullet, if at all possible, to make the stretch. Get the 105 mm. You won't be sorry. The extra working distance alone is worth it. A much sharper lens.

Have you tried to find a used one on the web?
If you are planning to use it primarily as MACRO you should also consider the older AF 105 f/2.8 D Micro. For macro work you don't need AFS, a G type lens or VR. You will most probably be shooting on a tripod. I used to have one and it was a great lens. The only reason I changed to the VR version is because more than for macro I use it for portraits and shooting birds at close distance handheld.

Hi Joanne,

I have the Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX Macro AF non DG version which I used to have almost permanently set up on a copy stand in my studio. The lens is very well made and very sharp. The new DG version supposedly has a special lens coating on the rear element to prevent stray reflections due to camera sensor and rear element proximity. I have used my non DG version on my digital bodies and have not noticed any loss of contrast, reflections, or any other negative effect, so I can recommend this lens in either version. You might be able to purchase a mint non DG version for very little. Even if you buy the new version, it's within your budget. Either lens will allow you to excell in your class. ;-)