Hello everyone,
What would be suitable replacement for Micro Nikkor 60mm/2.8 for Canon 5D? I am looking into Sigma 50 mm EX DG Macro. Anything else that you would recommend? It will be used for fish portraits primarily.

Many thanks.

Probably the new Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro is a nice alternative as well

Udo

That's an interesting question. Since all the Nikon digital cameras are 1.5x cropped, then there IS no equivalent. Nikon doesn't make a 40mm lens for digital use.

If you were used to using the 60mm on Nikon digital, then try the Canon 100mm USM, you'll love it. If you were used to using the Nikon 60mm on film, then try the Sigma 50mm or 70mm, they are both excellent lenses.

Cheers
James

I'd go with James's suggestion - the Canon 100mm f/2.8 usm is a stunningly good lens. Its AF is fast and accurate. On a 5D it should be a very useful fish lens - if you want something shorter try the 60mm EFS lens with a 12mm Canon Extension tube (the MkII version) it will focus from greater than lifesize to about 40cm making it useful for small fish (which I've used it for on a 1DS).

I see you guys are talking about the new Sigma 70mm macro lens. Has anyone actually housed it sucessfully?. I thought that the considerable extension with closeup focusing is going to make it difficult to match with a flat port. If someone has managed to do this I would be most interested in your setup as the lens itself is certainly getting rave reviews.

I think that housing this lens in my Hugy isn't going to be a problem at all since they work with extension rings for their ports. Other brands like Subal and Seacam, correct me if i'm wrong, do this as well. The only reason i'm not buying it is because i already own a 50 mm and a 105 mm macrolens and i think the same counts for many wetpixel-members.

cheers, Udo

Don't forget the Canon 50mm compact macro. While it doesn't go all the way to 1:1, it's a perfect lens for platter sized fish, etc. It's very sharp and resonably priced. This is the lens I purchased when I converted from film (Nikon N90S with the 60mm micro Nikkor) to digital (Canon 5D).

Mark

The problem is that with a lens requiring that much extesion for focusing at different distances you may get vignetting from the port itself when not focusing close-up. So my question again - has anyone tried the Sigma 70mm macro in a port yet?

Is the 70 mm coming out so much more then the 50 mm then? With the 50 mm there are no problems at all although it comes out 37 mm. I must say that hugyfot has got quit wide flatports (diameter >9cm). The 70mm has an even narrower angle, so it'll provide more room for extension. However, i can't speak for the manufacturers.

Udo

This was my thinking, but I would prefer Sigma as it can focus all the way to 1:1 so it gives more options on a single dive. I already have 100mm/2.8, while it is perfect for critters and clown-fish sized fish, it is too far away for bigger fish and closed apertures IMO.

I should have said that I do also use the 50mm macro Canon lens which most certainly has its place. It IS good for fish but lacks the real versatility of the 60mm Nikon as it only focuses to half life size. It isn't the fastest focusing lens either (not if you are used to the 100 anyway). Its very good optically and personally, given the fact that it is pretty cheap I'd buy it in preference to a none Canon lens. My wife uses this lens a lot, really likes it, and has taken some excellent photos with it.

The 50mm Sigma EX Macro is a good bit of glass and has the 1:1 benefit, but it's not a good focuser unless you've got some serious illumination and subject contrast. When it focuses the image quality is good, but the AF is often frustrating.

Martyn