Close up I’m thinking of buying a macro lens for my Nikon D700, but it’ll only get used half the year. Can you recommend a particular model for me?
I see a macro lens as a very important part of my lens collection, and while I don’t use it every day, I know that it will get a lot of use over the course of a typical year. The thing to bear in mind about a macro lens is that it’s much more versatile than you think. I use mine as much in winter as I do summer.
You’re right in thinking that the most obvious use of one is to shoot insects and flowers when the weather is warm, but to merely consider it only for this use is to underestimate it. In winter, there are still interesting macro details about that can make great images. It’s also worth noting that just because a macro lens allows you to shoot at a ratio of 1:1, it doesn’t mean you have to. I frequently use my macro lens to shoot still-lifes, as well as occasionally using it to double as a portrait lens.
I’d recommend you go ahead and invest in one, Phil. You’ll find the new subjects and extra potential that open up to you are all-year round. As far as which one to buy is concerned, that’s a little bit more difficult, and depends on your budget. There are various focal length macro lenses available to you from Nikon or from third-party lens manufacturers in a Nikon fit. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 G AF-S VR Micro Nikkor lens, but at over £600, I know it’s expensive. However, it’s beautifully made, its focus is quick and sharp, and it feels much more robust than some. I also prefer that focal length for working, although this is a very personal thing.
Sigma, Tamron and Tokina all make Nikon-fit macro lenses of a similar or identical focal length that you could also consider that are about £200 cheaper than the Nikon model. If I had to make that £200 saving, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM would probably tempt me.