Hi all, subject says it all.
I want to get a macro lens - but I'm not MAJOR into macro - basically i'm using it to digitise slides at the moment - I say at the moment as I'm borrowing one from a work colleague - the 60mm f2.8 AF-D

I'd like to possibly do more with it though...

However I'm wondering if I would really be better off getting a long focal length? Might cause some problems with the slides digitising - but I could work around htat maybe with some more spacers between camera and lens (currently using 20mm i think - between D7000 and 60mm macro due to the aps-c sensor size 1.5X magnification)

really appreciate your thoughts

thing is - i could maybe get the 60mm at a decent price - 250-300 bucks not sure exactly
whereas anything else is gonna cost me big time - 105 VR is like 800+

thanks for all suggestions

Cheers
Jason

edit: p.s. other option is i get something completely different and try to keep borrowing this one....
currently have: Tokina 11-16 f2.8, Tamron 17-50 f2.8, Nikkor 35 f1.8, Nikkor 70-300 VR

would like to get another 18-200 or 18-300 walkaround lens for holidays as I don't have strong shoulders to carry a bunch of camera gear all day long on holidays... and kids are in your face or else at a zoom reach away - and bounce back and forth between those extremes - ergo a 18-200/300 would be VERY helpful on holidays/every day stuff... hmmm... now i'm really thinking i need to get the macro dirt cheap or get the ultrazoom

Don't forget about the older manual focus AI/AI-S lenses - the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5, 55mm f/2.8, 105mm f/4, and 105mm f/2.8 (that's 4 different lenses, total). You can pretty easily find the 55mm versions for less than $100 (I got my f/3.5 for about $35), and the 105mm are usually < $250. Downside is you need an extension ring to get to 1:1 reproduction (they go to 1:2 by themselves), and are manual focus; although when focusing that closely, manual focus is easier anyway. You can find some good reviews of all of them on Bjørn Rørslett's site.

If you have the time to search, you may want to consider getting the MF Micro-Nikkor 105/4. (usually about the same price as a used 60 AF/AFD) I have both the 60 AF and the 105 MF, find they both have their niches and both work quite well outside the macro/micro realms. Now that you've used the 60, do you find it a FL you like for macro? If you've not used it outside the studio, which is sounds like you've not... I would suggest taking it and shooting things other than slides and see get a better feel for if this is a FL you'd want.

BTW, I've found that borrowing a lens from a friend can cause problems down the road. It can get broken and then you've just bought (full price) a broken lens. Also, if/when that friend needs HIS/HER lens and doesn't have it available, that can put you in a poor light. Just things to consider...

Don't overlook the Tamron 90mm f/2.8. It's a fantastic piece of glass for a very reasonable price. It will give you nice results on your D7000. For me, the 60mm is a bit short.

I like the Nikon 105mm 2.8 VR micro. I rented a copy and really enjoyed how it worked as well as the results and ended up buying one recently. It might cost a bit much, but actually it ends up being the cheapest lens I own. lol

thx all for the feedback so far it's helping me to make my mind up
Seymore - you're right i've just used it for slides and a couple of test shots in the house - guess i should get out and use it in "anger" and see how i go

Well, don't get to "angry". You could end up buying a broken lens.

hehehe - will try my best

Originally Posted by Seymore Well, don't get to "angry". You could end up buying a broken lens.