macro lens for coin photography - old lens, on special?

jsf

I've been shopping for a new camera setup. I settled on a D90 Nikon camera body. I'm leaning toward getting the Sigma 150mm dedicated macro lens next. I thought I'd seen the lens for sale at $899, then just this morning I was shopping around and noticed a price of $729. I don't know if this is really a new price or if I overlooked something somewhere along the way (quite possible, with me). This was at B&H online camera store. They're expecting the new 150mm lens from Sigma, the one upgraded with their (Sigma's) version of OS, optical stabilization (aka VR vibration reduction). B&H may be trying to clear the shelves of the old models.

Is this a buying opportunity for all those wanting a "new" macro?

The new 150 (w/OS) looks like it might be about $1099, if the price listed is correct. The older model is just fine, for fewer bucks.

ed. for spelling, then for title corr., reword for clarity

coinkid855

I'm not really sure about the price, but I have that lens and I love it!!




-Paul

slipgate

Seems awefully expensive for a Sigma lense. Have you looked at all the Nikon and Tamson lenses?

jsf

Question is, have you?

slipgate

I have the Nikon Micro 105mm VR lense. It is great. I also have a Tamron with a macro function, it is pretty nice too.

jsf

what you have is one thing.

What have you looked at, yourself, lately? What have you priced, lately?

C'mon, you really think the Sigma 150 is overpriced, ...for a Sigma?!!!

slipgate

I have always been told by those into photography that Nikon is the best and everything else lesser with Sigma being at the lower end. Of course these were Nikon fans. But more than one camera shop has also said Sigma was at the lower end. I'm sure it is fine and will take great pictures, but if I was using a D90, I would almost certainly buy a Nikon lense.

TomB

You have your reasons for buying or possibly buying the lens that you want while I have my own reasons for purchasing the lens that I did back in December. I have a Nikon D70 and, after reading, looking at and thinking about the lenses, purchased a Nikon 105mm lens for numismatic photography instead of the Sigma 150mm lens. I am extremely happy with my purchase.

jsf

personally, I think most anybody can take fine pictures with whatever lens they get used to. Nikon, Sigma, Tamron, Canon, just use it and get good AT using it.

I shied away from the Nikon 105 macro because I shoot more than just coins and need a bit more room between my lens and subject, I think. I know I'm going to be trying different lighting setups too, so this also is a consideration for distance.

Anyhoo, I was hoping to point out a good price break on the old model 150 Sigma. The factory listed the new version with OS at $1600, originally. That is ridiculous.

lcoopie

I believe that vibration reduction is usually
turned off
for a pic on a tripod or copy stand

mrearlygold

messydesk

Short answer to the OP is that this is indeed a buying opportunity for those who want the Sigma 150 Macro, since you will not (and should not) use VR when on a tripod or copy stand. Might even be able to score good deals on used ones from people who are upgrading.

jsf

yep, like I said in the OP: "The older model is just fine, for fewer bucks."

I was all set to order the VR 70-300G IF ED Nikon lens for outdoor use, but with this price break I may order the Sigma macro first.

jsf

I'm afraid to admit it, but I just don't know what to do with the VR or OS type lens these days. I seemed to get a lot of nice shots in the old days with just my little Yashica w/50mm lens. I borrowed a big zoom sometimes. It was just a lot of basic action shots and some landscape stuff, no macro back then.

I've read what VR is supposed to do, but I think I'll be a lot better off once I see it put to use.

Have many of you found a use for VR? I know no VR is usually used taking coin macros.

messydesk

<< <i>I'm afraid to admit it, but I just don't know what to do with the VR or OS type lens these days. I seemed to get a lot of nice shots in the old days with just my little Yashica w/50mm lens. I borrowed a big zoom sometimes. It was just a lot of basic action shots and some landscape stuff, no macro back then.

I've read what VR is supposed to do, but I think I'll be a lot better off once I see it put to use.

Have many of you found a use for VR? I know no VR is usually used taking coin macros. >>


I have the Nikon 70-300 VR lens you are eyeing, and I really like it. It's not so large that it attracts attention or is a royal pain to carry on vacation as a second lens, and I can hand-hold stuff that would have been impossible otherwise (1/10 sec exposures at 300 mm).

jsf

heh, you aren't the first to comment about attracting attention. I don't know which is worse, the lens or the camera strap with the big, yellow Nikon logo.

I got a flat black one, real quick.

wow, 1/10th @300, that's bad.