Test Driving New Nikkor 105mm VR Lens

[TxPhotoShooter]

Got this lens the afternoon. While taking some pics of the grandkids in the swimming pool, these two critters showed up. So I decided to see how close I could get to them while learning about the lens. All the shots were hand held.

#1


#2


#3


#4


#5

[LWimages]

WOW... I got goosebumps just by watching the first one. Very nice.

[TheFantasticG]

100% cropped?

[jfoureyes]

You're off to a nice start! Robberflies are fun to shoot! My old AF 105/2.8D is my most used lens...I start off with it on the tripod every trip to the woods and usually don't switch unless I need to shoot shy critters with the 75-300 and tube setup. I think you'll be glad you got it!

[revjvegas]

#2 is like he was posing for you; great shot.

Is that pretty much SOOC? Or did you crop in? Also, how far would you say you were from the critter? Just wondering as I've been thinking about adding a macro to my bag, but have been debating which length to get.

[jfoureyes]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

#2 is like he was posing for you; great shot.

Is that pretty much SOOC? Or did you crop in? Also, how far would you say you were from the critter? Just wondering as I've been thinking about adding a macro to my bag, but have been debating which length to get.

I would suggest that if you're going to do a lot of shy critters that you get a lens that gives you some working distance like a 180 or 200 mm. The working distance of the 105 at 1:1 is about 6" from the end of the lens hood and with the 180/200 it's about a foot...just something to consider.

[revjvegas]

Originally Posted by jfoureyes

I would suggest that if you're going to do a lot of shy critters that you get a lens that gives you some working distance like a 180 or 200 mm. The working distance of the 105 at 1:1 is about 6" from the end of the lens hood and with the 180/200 it's about a foot...just something to consider.

Excellent.
That's the sort of info I was looking for to get an idea.

Thx.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Originally Posted by TheFantasticG

100% cropped?

Okay, let's see. This is macro forum. 100% crop? So much to learn! Quick research. Uh, no this is not 100% since I resized to 300 resolution. (Just a habit) But if I understand this correctly, 100% crop is cropping the original but maintaining the resolution size. If so, this is a 100% crop from the original.

[TxPhotoShooter]

I appreciate the comments Louis.

Thanks Jim. I am considering getting a good tripod. What kind of setup do you use for your shooting?

John, thanks for the comment. I was close enough that I thought I could have scooped him up with the lens hood. The anole let me get pretty close as long as I approached him very slowly.

[jfoureyes]

David I use a very lightweight tripod and ballhead the tripod is a Gitzo 1227 CF with a Kirk BH-3 ballhead. I'm using it in my avatar and use it 100% of the time...it's a pain to use sometimes but I'm not any good at HH a camera

[snidow]

Good work David!

[TxPhotoShooter]

Originally Posted by jfoureyes

David I use a very lightweight tripod and ballhead the tripod is a Gitzo 1227 CF with a Kirk BH-3 ballhead. I'm using it in my avatar and use it 100% of the time...it's a pain to use sometimes but I'm not any good at HH a camera

That is a nice setup. That could be just out of my price range but I really like the looks of that Kirk ballhead. Thanks for the info.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Originally Posted by snidow

Good work David!

Thanks Laurie

[Shadow]

Love the Anole! Look into the Kenko Auto Tubes for it. They are terrific. An R1C1 flash kit makes a nice addition too.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Originally Posted by Shadow

Love the Anole! Look into the Kenko Auto Tubes for it. They are terrific. An R1C1 flash kit makes a nice addition too.

Thanks Bruce! I will definitely check out your suggestions. Herre is another shot of the Anole I got later.