Tokina 100mm f/2.8?

[acmerritt]

I'm looking at the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO 1:1 Macro lens as a possibility for my new D7000. Can any of you give me pros and cons on it? I'm seeing some good reviews...

[epayne]

Hi Ann, While I have never owned a Tokina lens this read regarding Tokina on the Nikonian's website is very interesting.

http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/tokina/Tokina_AT-X_M100AF/Tokina_AT-X_M100AF_1.html

While not a fan of Ken Rockwell he seems to have given it very good reviews on his site and all of the other reviews I have located on line rate this lens highly as well..

One thing to consider is buying a used older NIKON 105mm micro. The earlier manual focus only goes to 1/2 life size without a PK-13 extension tube and does not meter with the latest cameras without modification, However the first generation auto focus will go to 1 to 1 and meter with your camera..

If you located one of those for a similar or slightly higher cost than the Tokina it would represent a better investment in my opinion. 52mm filter size, NIKON build quality and it will hold it's resale value over time much better.

Just some ideas, The Tokina does look good to me from what I have read about it.

Best regards,

[acmerritt]

Thanks, Edgar. You always go "the second mile" with your responses, and they always make a lot of sense. I don't know yet if I'll even get a macro lens, but probably will go for the Nikon if I do. As much as I'd love to get deeper into macro, my body balks at some of the contortions required in getting low to the ground these days!

Thanks for your many contributions here on the website. I've learned much from you.

:)
Ann

[epayne]

Thanks for your kind comments Ann,

I have seen your photography and I think you would LOVE having a macro lens

As for getting down lower to the ground your D7000 can take a right angle finder on the eyepiece. That works for me and has saved my knees and back more than once.

The NIKON DR-6 works with your camera and there are others from third party suppliers that are very similar and cost much less.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Viewfinders/4753/DR-6-Rectangular-Right-Angle-Viewfinder.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-CompatibleWith

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SEAGULL-1X-2X-Right-Angle-View-Machine-Angle-Finder-D5000-D7000-D300-60D-/250876374535?pt=US_Viewfinders_Eyecups&hash=item3a6965ae07

[acmerritt]

Thanks again, Edgar. Do they make one of these viewfinders with a stem about a yard long or longer? Now THAT might be a best-seller! ;)

I can't believe Nikon wants so much for their version! I'll really have to start saving if I get that AND a macro lens. We'll see...

[epayne]

Ann for longer distance viewing (without your eye at the finder) you can plug a video monitor into the output on the camera and use "Live View" That could be extended as far as you would wish..