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Thread: Nikkor 200mm F4 micro or 105mm F2.8 VR with TC?

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    Default Nikkor 200mm F4 micro or 105mm F2.8 VR with TC?

    A few posts back there was a discussion whether to go for a long prime lens or a shorter lens with TC. Basically, I have the same question, but then for macro lenses.

    I'm planning to purchase a Nikon D7000. I'm mainly shooting macro. I'm in doubt whether to go for the Nikkor 200mm F4 micro or the 105mm F2.8 VRII micro with a TC. For dragonflies and butterflies, I like the working distance the 200mm offers. Using the 105mm with a 1.7 or 2.0 TC will probably give me a similar working distance, but also offers me more versatility, slightly more magnification and VR (or does that not work when using a TC?).

    Sounds like a done deal, but maybe I'm overlooking something? Are there any quality issues or problems with VR or AF when using a TC in combination with the 105 mm micro? Do I lose more stops of light compared to the 200mm (although this is not a big issue given the great high ISO performance of the D7000)?
    Any experience or thoughts are very welcome. I'm also open to other lens suggestions.

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    BPN Viewer Charles Glatzer's Avatar
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    Personally,

    Defining what it is you want to photograph would help. However, for most living subjects I would opt for the longer focal length, the greater working room between lens and subject helps with lighting, skittish critters, and to isolate backgrounds.

    Chas

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    Hi Chas, thanks for your response.
    Basically, I'll be shooting all macro subjects, including stationary subjects like flowers and mosses, small creatures that are not easily spooked (ants, bugs) and the more skittish ones (butterflies, dragonflies). The long lens is the way to go for the latter, but I'm not sure how handy it is for the other subjects. A shorter lens with TC might give me the best of both worlds, but may come with other downsides.

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    I am a Canon shooter so obviously do not own either lens but still have some thoughts to share. Will you mainly be using a tripod? If so, then not having VR on the 200mm would not be much of an issue. You could pair the 200mm with a 1.4x and get greater than 1:1 magnification and still have great IQ. I imagine you would notice a drop in IQ with a 2x TC on the 105mm.

    Just so you know, I shoot a Sigma 150mm f2.8 (non IS) with a 1.4x TC and really like it for those small insects and such. I would go for the 200mm if you will be shooting live animals much of the time especially the spooky variety as you mention.

    Just my thoughts,

    Allen

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    BPN Viewer Charles Glatzer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry van Dijk View Post
    Hi Chas, thanks for your response.
    Basically, I'll be shooting all macro subjects, including stationary subjects like flowers and mosses, small creatures that are not easily spooked (ants, bugs) and the more skittish ones (butterflies, dragonflies). The long lens is the way to go for the latter, but I'm not sure how handy it is for the other subjects. A shorter lens with TC might give me the best of both worlds, but may come with other downsides.
    No real downside that I can think of with 105 and converters, except perhaps a slight loss in overall IQ over the 200 fixed. AS YOU MENTIONED...MFD of prime remains fixed, adding the converter will further increase magnification, and/or working distance. Over the years I have had a 50/60, 105, and now 180. I prefer the 180 over the others used. The 60 was great for copy work.

    Chas

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    Hey Allen and Chas, thanks for sharing your thoughts! Still undecided, but I think I'll visit the shop to try out both combinations. By the way, Nikon's website states that their TC's do not affect the VR function.

    Jerry

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