What would you recommend as a good macro lens ? I have a nikon d5000 and am also considering third party lenses. I would also like ability to be some distance from the subject. Suggestions anyone?

Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor, I have described why in several posts in earlier threads. But to sum it up, this lens with your camera is an excellent choice imo.

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro seems a decent lens or it probably would be in more capable hands than mine. Not sure if it will be any good for being a certain distance from subjects as I seem to have to be almost kissing the wee bugs and wot-not that I try and photograph.....

Have a look at the Tokina 90mm. Seems like a good one. I have Nikons 60mm, 105mm and the old micro Nikkor 55, but not seriously impressed.
The best set-up I've used for macro was bellows on my old Canon F1 with Leitz enlarger optics. But, takes time, nothing to run after insects with

Zeiss ZF/ZE 100mm f/2 Makro-Planar

Manual focus but I never use AF anyway when doing macro shots. I use the Canon version.

It received some very nice reviews: http://diglloyd.com/articles/ZeissZ/ZeissZ-100f2.html

I've got Nikon's Micro 105 VR and Micro 200 f/4 and is pleased with both. They're both handy in different situations. But if you want pure quality and a good working distance the Micro Nikkor 200 f/4 is the best there is.

I have used all the Nikon and Zeiss models mentioned above. My experience is that you need the 180/200mm working distance rather than 100mm ...especially for shooting butterflies in warm weather!

The Tamron SP AF 180mm f3.5 is good value. Have a look at Jan Franco's excellent photography on

http://www.pendrafoto.be/wordpress/about/

He uses the Tamron 180/3.5 for all his macro work

Hope this helps

If money is not a problem, you should look for Sigma 150mm. Many good photographers use it in this site.

If on tight budget, look between Tamron 90mm and Nikon Nikkor 60mm. Both of them are nice lenses.

I agree with Tonny, the Sigma is a top choice, especially if you plan to take pictures of insects. The Nikkor 60mm af-d is also an excellent lens but not really for insects. I have them both but the sigma is what you need, it is also very good combined with extension tubes and it works well with the sigma 1,4 extender although I prefer the tubes. Hope this helps you.

I'll add that the Tokina Atx Pro D 100mm f2.8 macro is quite nice, built like a tank.  You can find one used for $325-400, if you can find one used.

Hello, 

Nikon 105 / 2,8!!!!

Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor

60 mm is also a great glass!

For macro I have been using Sigma lenses    It is the only lens that is not a system lens (Canon)   I feel it is lighter and sharper ... actually traded my 180 Canon for the Sigma.

Sigma 150 mm f2.8 Nitidez desde la maxima apertura, contraste, no aberraciones...una maravilla. No se arrepentira. Un abrazo.

If your on a budget I would recommend the Tamron 90mm macro. Is is really great value for money. 

If you're on a budget why not try a set of extension tubes and some lens you already have on the front like a 50mm??

if you would like some distance to your objects, i reccomend the sigma 150mm...60 mm is not 4 you then..and i would not reccomend these!