Best Macro lens for Nikon DSLR

[elmar]

Being new to SW, I'd love to be able to take the best possible pictures of my tanks. What macro lens would you recommend for aquarium photography?

[CarmieJo]

This is what I use Nikon USA: AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED. It's a great lens!

[elmar]

Definitely a nice lens but perhaps a little more than I want to spend. My budget would be from $400 - $500, but man, that looks like a killer lens.

[V]

Originally Posted by elmar

Being new to SW, I'd love to be able to take the best possible pictures of my tanks. What macro lens would you recommend for aquarium photography?

i welcome you to TR bud, & to the salty ways.
i do find it irronic though, new to SW, meaning you'll have the best Macro shots of bactera turning your tank into pea soup on the converstion path to clear visions.

[Amphibious]

Originally Posted by CarmieJo

This is what I use Nikon USA: AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED. It's a great lens!

I can vouch for Carmie's Nikon Macro. For what ever reason, I left my Nikon at home while at MACNA XIX. There's always things to photograph at those shows. Not having my camera was agonizing, so borrowed Carmie's. Her Macro is definitely a great lens. That being said...

In your price range, 4 to 5 hundred dollars there are many models to chose from. Most lenses, now days, are of a quality that will take great pictures. To the average eye, one could not tell the difference in pictures from one lens to another. What you get with the Nikon over say a Sigma is legendary Nikon quality, attention to detail and innovation toward advanced technology. That all comes at a price. Nikon prices are also legendary. I would chose a Macro lens in the 100mm area and go with a known brand. I mentioned Sigma above, they are good.

Dick