Over the weekend I had the use of a Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR macro lens which I rented from LensRentals.com. I will be writing up a review later this week but thought I would share a few teaser photos now.
The Nikon 105mm VR Macro lens is sharp and build quality is tight. If you own a Nikon dSLR and are in the market for a Macro lens, you would be very happy with the 105mm VR. Sure works well for product photography as these two photos show in a studio setup I did using a Nikon SB-600 Speedlight as an off-camera flash.
Ford Mustang emblem key chain. Nikon D700/105VR, 1/250s, f/11, ISO 200, EV +0.7, off-camera flash at -1 Power.
My exercise partner, an Orange Ipod Shuffle. Nikon D700/105VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 2800, EV 0, off-camera flash at -1 power.
As fun as it was finding stuff to photograph at home, I wanted to see how the lens would work out in the field. It’s a bit early for wildflowers around here. Instead, I went to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York. Their indoor displays have glass enclosures with both small and large animals. Like this Mojave Black-collared Lizard who posed for this 1:1 Macro portrait.
Mojave Black-collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York. Nikon D700/105VR, 1/50s, f/3.3, ISO 3200, EV +0.3.
The Nikon 105mm Macro doubles as an excellent portrait lens. The ocelot was the most alert I have seen him. I was shooting with a monopod as it is less bothersome in a busy public location like a zoo. It helped a lot in getting this photo which is cropped from the original.
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York. Nikon D700/105VR, 1/10s, f/2.8, ISO 3200, EV +0.3.
The Nikon 105mm VR macro lens is a very versatile prime lens and I had a hard time sending it back.
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Ocelot must’ve been watching Lizard. I really like the portrait. (Also the orange iPod. Go figure.)
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Thanks, Gerry. The ocelot was watching something. I could not see what it was as it was very dark. Since ocelots are nocturnal, the zoo switches night and day so the animals are awake when people are visiting.
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Love that lizard shot! Very cool Scott!
Sorry I forgot to send macro shots. 😦 I’ve been a bit distracted lately.
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Thanks, KD. It’s okay. I know people can get busy or take girlie trips. 😉
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I love the lizard shot! That’s some lens!
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It sure was, Terry. I know I barely got to see it’s full potential.
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Wow, these are all excellent shots, the lighting is great too. I have a 105 lens too and I rarely use it but I should 🙂
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Is the 105 a macro lens, Consuelo? If it is, show us some macros for my assignment this month: Close Up Photography.
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It would be hard for me to send it back also, I really need to stay away from these lens. 🙂 Love the iPod image and the Lizard looks very cool.
I’m glad that I’m not the only one taking a closeup image with a high f stop. I discovered that it gives me a sharper overall image when photographing the eggs last Summer.
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Even at high f-stops, macro lenses do not have a lot of depth of field when focusing so close. I should have tried some at f/32 when I was using a flash. Next time!
Don’t forget Karma’s mantra: Big number, big focus area, little number, little focus area.
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I participated in a Scott Kelby photo walk at the San Diego Wild Animal Park last summer. The leader arranged for a special showing up close and personal with a trainer and several animals (armadillo, macaw and alligator). I got some amazing macro shots like this close up of a the eye of a blue hyacinth macaw: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barrywallis/4845145883/
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Whoa, now that’s a close up photo! I wonder if I could ask our local zoo or nature center for a group shoot of some captive animals.
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Doing nice things with that lens there, Scott. The animal shots are superb! The odd lighting on the Ocelot is fantastic and makes it a real standout!
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Some people didn’t like the lighting on the ocelot. I didn’t have much choice as that was what was left after adjusting the white balance. The lighting was very red. Good for ocelots but not to good for photography.
This lens is going on my eBay robot search list for sure.
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Eh, what do they know?? That lighting is FANTASTIC and makes the wildlife shot artsy and VERY frameable!! 🙂
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Great lizard and Ocelot. I have a fine and dandy Canon macro lens that hasn’t seen much use lately. I hope to shoot a lot more with macro in the coming months. Macro makes for some wonderful and expressive images. 🙂
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Or maybe sooner for this month’s assignment? 😀
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Really nice, Scott. I’m not sure which one I like best… the lizard or the ocelot.
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Like them both, Robin.
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These are great Scott, I like the Mustang shot a lot, very cool look to it !!
Personally I use the Sigma 150 doesn’t have the VR but I really have liked the results I have gotten with it.
You ready for the Tourney..I know I am really hoping for a Big tourney out of the Big East teams especially my Cards 😉
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Hi, Bernie!
I read where if you get a macro lens, you should try and get the longest possible for better working distances. Especially with animals and insects. The Nikon 200mm f/4 macro is VERY expensive. I liked how versatile the 105mm length was on my full frame camera. Lensrentals.com also has the Sigma so I will probably try it out too. Make a good comparison article.
I am just glad Louisville is not in Syracuse’s bracket. They have had our number the last couple of years. I don’t like it that we could play Marquette in the second game. I thought they were supposed to avoid Big East matchups until the Sweet 16 round.
Let the madness begin!! I got Louisville and Syracuse in my Final Four. I think the other Big East teams are going to run into match up issues or other Big East teams. We will see just how strong a conference it turns out to be.
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Ouch, did not see that coming. That part of my bracket is now trashed. Sorry, Bernie!
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WOW….That’s all I can say !!
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