Macro Lens

[robalv]

What are you all using for Macro shots on your DSLR I just Purchased a Nikon D5000
with 2 lenses, I see that the Macro lens in a pretty penny to say the least. Can someone direct me to what I d looking at?

This is what I got:
D5000
18-55mmVR Nikkor lens
55-200mmVR Nikkor lens


Thanks

[CoryDude]

I believe Erik is using a 105mm Nikon Micro lens that takes excellent shots. I'm currently saving up for a micro lens also.

How do you like the zoom lens? I'm getting that first, since my wife likes to take nature shots.

[robalv]

Its an awesome setup got it at costco for 989.00 with tax

[Regric25]

Robalv photography is my first love right up there with reefing. I use a Nikon D60 and own both the 18-55mmVR Nikkor lens and 55-200mmVR Nikkor lenses. I dont use the telephoto lens because the minimum focal distance is 3 feet. I do not use a MACRO lens at all. I use the wide angle 18-55mmVR Nikkor lens for all my tank shots. I get as close as I can to the coral and then zoom in and snap the shot. I use a tri-pod and a wireless remote to get the shot so its as clear as possible. Due to the large megapixel of the (camera 10.2mp) I am able to zoom in and crop the picture on my computer. The large megapixels capture ALOT more detail. Give it a shot! Its awesome! If you want I can come over and help ya out. I live in Universal City so im not that far away I can bring that frag by also.

Check out my photo album http://www.maast.org/album.php?albumid=187

That telephoto lens is awesome BTW. I got an awesome shot of an F-18 just before it broke the sound barrier up close! I love my camera.

[Robb_in_Austin]

You can get good close shots with the 55-200, but as Regric mentions you'll be 4ft away from the tank.

As far as macro lenses go, I use a Sigma 150/2.8. No, it wasn't cheap even used. But it is a heck of a lens.

The cheap option is a Tamron 90 or a used manual focus Nikon 105. You don't need the autofocus with macro work. Sigma and Tokina both make a 105 macro too. There are Nikon 60mm macros, which is a great lens, but you will be right up against the tank when using it so I'd advise avoiding it. The 90/105 versions will give you a nice working distance.

There are some zooms that call themselves macros but they do not reach a true 1:1 reproduction ratio, one exception being a older Nikon zoom that costs a ton. Avoid them.

Check Ebay, KEH, local shops for used options.

[CoryDude]

May want to check this thread. I had a similar question when I got my a few months back. Got some good feedback.

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?58394-New-D5000

[dapettit]

You can get good close shots with the 55-200, but as Regric mentions you'll be 4ft away from the tank.

As far as macro lenses go, I use a Sigma 150/2.8. No, it wasn't cheap even used. But it is a heck of a lens.

The cheap option is a Tamron 90 or a used manual focus Nikon 105. You don't need the autofocus with macro work. Sigma and Tokina both make a 105 macro too. There are Nikon 60mm macros, which is a great lens, but you will be right up against the tank when using it so I'd advise avoiding it. The 90/105 versions will give you a nice working distance.

There are some zooms that call themselves macros but they do not reach a true 1:1 reproduction ratio, one exception being a older Nikon zoom that costs a ton. Avoid them.

Check Ebay, KEH, local shops for used options.

I agree with Robb the Sigma 105/f2.8 is a great lens for the price.

[ErikH]

We use 60mm 1:2.8 Nikkor and a Nikon D90

Here's a few of my faves....

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x315/erikharrison/Fish/2-6-09%20Macros/GorgonianCloseCrop1.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x315/erikharrison/Fish/12-05-2009/DSC_0114.jpg

and I think this is my best picture EVER. Save it as your desktop background and right click, arrange icons by, hide desktop icons. Once they're all hidden, you will see how great it is! :D

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x315/erikharrison/Fish/12-05-2009/DSC_0130.jpg

[ErikH]

Oh man, nvm that one is pixelated! I have the original somewheres. Its righteous.

[hobogato]

i use a 100mm/2.8 on my sony.

[CoryDude]

Erik, how close to the glass can you get with that lens?

[ErikH]

I hold the lens on the glass when I shoot, helps keep it steady. :)

It's hard to get anything close up if your target is too far away.

[txg8gxp]

What sony camera? I'm always amazed at my vr200v video camera. Was thinking about trying a sony dslr

i use a 100mm/2.8 on my sony.

[dapettit]

Here are a few with a Sigma 105/f2.8

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/dapettit/Macro/Greenbay.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/dapettit/Macro/tube.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/dapettit/Macro/ric.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p139/dapettit/Macro/blue-tip-milli.jpg

[brewercm]

Hey Rob, not sure if you'll still looking or not. I have an old Promaster 100mm with the attachment gets a 1:1 on it you are welcome to try out if you'd like. I had it on sale here for a long time and it's probably still out there. It would be full manual on the 5000 but you are welcome to give it a try if you like.

Right now I have the Nikon 105mm VR, and also have the Tamron 90mm that is a great lens for almost half the cost of the 105 and you can usually find them out there for around $350 or so. Unfortunately I believ any of them would be full manual mode on the 5000 though, which is probably what you want to do regardless shooting macros.

[brewercm]

I hold the lens on the glass when I shoot, helps keep it steady. :)

It's hard to get anything close up if your target is too far away.

Do the same here with my monopod that sits next to the tank when I dont want to haul out a tripod. Although that's the best way to go with a wireless or wired shutter trigger.

[robalv]

Hey Rob, not sure if you'll still looking or not. I have an old Promaster 100mm with the attachment gets a 1:1 on it you are welcome to try out if you'd like. I had it on sale here for a long time and it's probably still out there. It would be full manual on the 5000 but you are welcome to give it a try if you like.

Right now I have the Nikon 105mm VR, and also have the Tamron 90mm that is a great lens for almost half the cost of the 105 and you can usually find them out there for around $350 or so. Unfortunately I believ any of them would be full manual mode on the 5000 though, which is probably what you want to do regardless shooting macros.
I would love to try it Cliff LMK