[Leif]

Does anyone have experience with ~200mm macro lenses or alternatives? I am thinking about the Tamron 180mm F3.5, which seems decent. However, some people are using the Nikon 70-200 F2.8 AFS VR lens with extension tubes or a diopter lens for close ups. Are the results any good? (It is impossible to tell from the small images posted.) My initial reaction is that it must be mediocre. I know the old 80-200mm F2.8 is at its worst at 200mm and close focus. I have used a 3T diopter on a 75-150mm F3.5 zoom but it is nothing like as sharp/contrasty as my 60mm F2.8 micro.

I suppose an alternative is the 300mm AFS F4 + extension tubes (I have old Triplus AF tubes).

BTW I want to go to ~1:2.

As an aside, the ePhotozine review of the Nikon 200mm F4 AF micro lens has a full size photo taken at F8 of a harbour which is awful. Surely this lens is suspect.

Thanks.

Leif