Problem with choice - macro lens for Nikon

[Marcin]

Which one will be better for taking photos on CPUs :
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
or
Tamron 90mm f2.8 di macro

?

[smithy]

The macro will be better

[Alitoutou]

Macro is better for small chips.
If your camera CCD is full frame,90mm f2.8 di macro is better; If your camera CCD is APS-C or others, 60mm F2.0 Di II macro is better.

[Marcin]

I have purchased used Nikon D40 with CCD APS-C.

The goal is whole CPU not die photo.

I'm worry about not sharp image quality at edges of CPUs.

So 60mm F2.0 Di II macro will be best ?

[Alitoutou]

If you use D40 with 90mm macro,the actual focal length become 90*1.6=144mm,it is too long for big chips.Because the camera must keep far from the chip,it's not convenient.
I use 50mm macro Len,camera is olympus EP-2,the actual focal length is 50*2=100mm. When I shoot c4004, the distance between Len and chip is about 20cm, when I shoot pentium slot,the distance become 80cm. So I think D40+60 mm macro is better.

[Alitoutou]

Using macro lens+tripod+cable release and smaller aperture(F8.0) will help you catch a sharp image.and you could sharpen edges in image software(like photoshop or lightroom)

[Marcin]

Thank you Alitoutou.

Only one used Tamron 60mm f2.0 DII macro 1:1 available in Poland and I'm currently nogotiating final price because it is expensive toy :-/

[Chook]

I usually use F22 for my cpu shots. It keeps the whole chip sharp (I usually use an angled view rather than straight down). I haven't noticed much difference between the macro lens and the 18-135mm as I don't usually get that close to the chip.

[Marcin]

Thank you for advices. Final decision was made after I checked my wallet. 400 USD for used 60mm len was to much. I have bought Tamron SP AF 17-50 mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD for 233 USD. Ahh and infrared shutter for 1 USD