OK, let me say from the start that this is a field evaluation, not a rigorous test (otherwise, Bjorn will whack me across the knuckles ;-)). I will also state up front the the Nikkor 200 is a sharper, more solidly built lens.
So how did the Tamron 180 fare in this comparison? Very, very well IMO. While the Nikkor is clearly better, actual results are much more dependent on proper technique, and such factors as user focus accuracy, steadiness, and lighting and wind strength at the moment of the shot than the inherent advantages of one lens or the other.
Note that most of these were shot at f22, and have been cropped only slightly for composition. Also note that the framing of these shots was more intended to provide a good comparison of these lenses than as artistic compositions. I tried to be very conservative with USM settings. The cam was my D2H, and I used the SB-800 on all.
I have tried to rate each lens in areas that are important to me as a beginner macro shooter. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being better than 1), here is what I observed:
Sharpness
Nikkor - 10
Tamron - 9
Contrast
Nikkor - 9
Tamron - 9
Reproduction Ratio
Nikkor - 10 (1:1)
Tamron - 10 (1:1)
Working Distance
Nikkor - 10
Tamron - 10
Ease of Focus
Nikkor - 10
Tamron - 9
Ability to get close
Nikkor - 10
Tamron - 10++
Value
Nikkor - 9
Tamron - 9+
Here are some shots with each lens.
180:
200:
180 (the Nikkor 200 wouldn't focus this close):
180:
200:
180:
I wish I could get the Nikkor, but for now, I'm going to be very happy with the Tamron. 8)
So how did the Tamron 180 fare in this comparison? Very, very well IMO. While the Nikkor is clearly better, actual results are much more dependent on proper technique, and such factors as user focus accuracy, steadiness, and lighting and wind strength at the moment of the shot than the inherent advantages of one lens or the other.
Note that most of these were shot at f22, and have been cropped only slightly for composition. Also note that the framing of these shots was more intended to provide a good comparison of these lenses than as artistic compositions. I tried to be very conservative with USM settings. The cam was my D2H, and I used the SB-800 on all.
I have tried to rate each lens in areas that are important to me as a beginner macro shooter. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being better than 1), here is what I observed:
Sharpness
Nikkor - 10
Tamron - 9
Contrast
Nikkor - 9
Tamron - 9
Reproduction Ratio
Nikkor - 10 (1:1)
Tamron - 10 (1:1)
Working Distance
Nikkor - 10
Tamron - 10
Ease of Focus
Nikkor - 10
Tamron - 9
Ability to get close
Nikkor - 10
Tamron - 10++
Value
Nikkor - 9
Tamron - 9+
Here are some shots with each lens.
180:

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200:

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180 (the Nikkor 200 wouldn't focus this close):

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180:

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200:

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180:

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I wish I could get the Nikkor, but for now, I'm going to be very happy with the Tamron. 8)