Is 105mm the best macro lens for Nikon D80? Does it matter if its not capable of AF?
by Felixx on Sunday, November 13th, 2011 | 3 Comments
Is it a big deal that the 105mm macro lens will not auto focus on my nikon d80? Is this normal and its much better to use manual focus on macro pictures? Any suggestions would be fantastic. I truly like this lens more than the 60mm simply because you dont have to shoot up close and scare the objects away.
I have a D-80 and a 105 Micro-Nikkor, and I nearly always use manual focus, especially for close-up shots. Manual focusing is the smart way to go with almost any lens -- unless you have to react immediately, as with sports or a wedding, etc.
Unlike the cheaper D40 bodies, the D80 supports autofocus in Nikon AF lenses that lack internal autofocus motors. The 105mm and 60mm will autofocus on the D80.
Regardless, you need to get up close if you want 1:1. I have the 60mm and have had no problems.
The Nikon AF-S 105 mm macro VR does auto-focus ... but as stated above, macro shooting requires the photographer to set up the image to subject ratio before focusing, so if you are shooting at 1:1 the only way to focus is to move the lens toward or away from the subject or you risk missing the required ratio
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2160/AF-S-VR-Micro-NIKKOR-105mm-f/2.8G-IF-ED.html