Marco lens for Nikon d5200

[defugium]

Looking for a Marco lens for my Nikon 5200 that's not too crazy expensive anyone have any recommendations?

 

[PatW]

If you want auto focus, you will need an AFS lens or its equivalent. I would suggest such a lens if you are photographing fish. For corals and other stationary objects a manual lens would be fine.

Nikon makes two superb macro lenses: the 60 mm f 2.8 AFS and the 105 mm f 2.8 AFS. For most aquarium photography, I would go with the 105. It has more "reach" and superb bokeh.

But you mentioned being price sensitive. There are third party manufacturers that make macro lenses that have high quality : tamron, tokina and sigma. These lenses are far cheaper than Nikon glass. You may even look at Adorama or B&H for used lenses. Often even somewhat beaten up lenses perform just as well as new lenses for a considerable discount.

 

[DaveMorris]

I agree with the above post regarding a 105mm vs a 60mm. I bought a 60mm and while it is a great lens, it doesn't have the reach into the tank that I would like.

 

[defugium]

Thanks guys for the advice!!

 

[ahmed.boomer]

If you're serious about macro, usually autofocus isn't a huge issue. Getting an AF/ AF-D is the route I'd go. Get a used nikkor 105mm 2.8 AF-D and save a couple hundred or a 100mm Tokina. The Tokina is almost as good as the 105mm Nikkor but less than $400 new!

Neither of these will autofocus on your body though. They will meter though so you don't have the worry too much.