hi all of you out there. just wanted to know which macro lens is the best 1.1 ratio. i have a nikon 28-135 macro lens which is good , but i feel that i can do better...... i like to get very close to my subject. i read that the best macro lens stars from 60mm right up to 150mm , im very new to this so i am really confused to know what one to buy. i have a buget up too 185.00 , i own a nikon d300. many thanks to any help and advise anyone can give me... trace

well a reproduction ratio of 1:1 is going to be the same on any lense, that just means that the image on the sensor is life size.... which alot of "macro" lenses don't accomplish. the 60mm or 150mm will jsut affect how close to the cubject you have to be to fill the screen (or how far back to get the whole subject ot fit).

but neither is going to be anywhere close to $185 the 60mm is about 400 new and the 150 is much more.

I know nothing about Nikon lenses so I can't give you any advice on them, but there is more to consider when it comes to focal length than just distance to the subject. Different focal length lenses will produce different results, even if they are both shooting the same subject at a 1:1 ratio. Longer lenses are going to be able to blur out the background better than a shorter lens. Is that a good thing? It depends on what you want. Also, the field of view isn't going to be the same when focusing on the same subject at a 1:1 ratio.

Here is a short article that's worth reading that may help you choose the right macro lens for you're shooting style.

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/content/2008/apr/choosing-your-macro.shtml

Oh, and if you can't afford the macro lens you want right now, don't be afraid to try using extention tubes. They are pretty inexpensive, and they work great. Here is a link to help you learn more about them.

http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=21833