Reef Central Online Community - View Single Post - Now that I've got a DSLR, which macro lens should I buy?

Ferguson1977 · 02/07/2012, 07:28 PM

I am shopping between the T3i and D5100. Since performance is so similar, I am trying to let the lens decide my decision. The 2 macro lenses I am comparing is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM versus the Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro. Both are in the $500 range. I realize the Nikon has VR but that isn't too important for macro on a tripod so my main concern is the f/2.8 versus the f/3.5 lens. I understand the difference but don't have any hands on experience between the 2 settings, so I am trying to find out if there is a big real world difference between shooting at 2.8 versus 3.5? Would I appreciate having the 2.8 or would it not be missed?

02/07/2012, 07:28 PM	#64
Ferguson1977 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Tampa Posts: 240	I am shopping between the T3i and D5100. Since performance is so similar, I am trying to let the lens decide my decision. The 2 macro lenses I am comparing is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM versus the Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro. Both are in the $500 range. I realize the Nikon has VR but that isn't too important for macro on a tripod so my main concern is the f/2.8 versus the f/3.5 lens. I understand the difference but don't have any hands on experience between the 2 settings, so I am trying to find out if there is a big real world difference between shooting at 2.8 versus 3.5? Would I appreciate having the 2.8 or would it not be missed?