Macro lens questions

That's the one I would recommend for an APS-C sensor, like the D5200. I shoot with a D610, which has a full-frame detector, and I use a 200 mm Micro-Nikkor for most shots. The 200 mm is an incredible lens, but too long for the D5200. I also have a 105/4 Micro-Nikkor and a 55/2.8 Micro-Nikkor lens that I use for larger items and full-slab shots.

 

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The Sigma 150 is a far better choice for coins than the 105VR. It offers much more working distance, and a tripod mount. The 105AFD has most of the same issues as the 105VR, though it's a bit smaller in diameter. The old 105/4 is a better choice vs the AF options as it does not change FL (AFAIK), but it still has no tripod mount. You can use it with the PN-11 extension (which has tripod mount) but the minimum magnification with the PN-11 is 0.5:1, so you can't frame larger coins on APS-C with the PN-11 in place.

Note that you can get pretty much the same performance as any of these options in terms of sharpness and color fidelity with a 75mm EL-Nikkor enlarging lens. Mount it on a 35-90mm helicoid and the combo can image up to a bit bigger than Dollars, and can go beyond 1:1. If you want to go farther beyond 1:1 you can just add cheap extensions. The 75EL is also very small so easy to get near-vertical lighting, and it has more working distance than the 105VR or 105AFD since it has fixed 75mm FL. Best of all, you can get the lens, helicoid, and adapters for less than $100.

 

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