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10/09/2007 12:18:11 AM · #1 |
Im looking at the macro challenge and I'd love to enter something but the glass I have probably just will not do.
Any thoughts on;
1. Top of the line Macro option ( one that I'll probably never feel like upgrading)
2. Something mid range but still a good option
3. A solution for now
thanks |
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10/09/2007 12:33:25 AM · #2 |
Option 3, eBay, Micro Nikkor 55mm Manual Focus, Ai
Most of them sell for under or around $100 US.
Lens Evaluations
 Example pic.
A manual extension ring will work with these lenses too, and get even closer to the subject.
I see by your portfolio that with your experience, you would have no problem working with this lens in the all manual mode. I shoot and evaluate the result in the LCD as the S3 Pro has no metering with the manual lenses.
Message edited by author 2007-10-09 00:51:31.
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10/09/2007 12:52:15 AM · #3 |
thanks MM I'll check that out.
I do have some spare cash at the moment and I'm looking at the nikon 105mm 2.8
Anyone recommend it? the sigma is around $500 cheaper, is it worth the extra $
Sorry MM I posted as you edited :) do you think that an extention tube solution would work with the lenses I have or the one you are suggesting?
Macro work is an exciting part of photography but its a step further away from my real goal of landscape
Message edited by author 2007-10-09 00:57:35. |
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10/09/2007 01:26:09 AM · #4 |
A manual extension tube will work with lenses that have a manual aperture ring, but not the G series Nikon lenses, which have no aperture ring. I think that the D200 will meter with the older Nikkor Ai manual lenses, but check your camera manual if you want to be sure. I get good results without a meter using the older Ai series lenses. Make sure that they have the lever inside to work the aperture if you are going to get an ext tube, as some cheap ones are just tubes with no mechanical parts, so focusing is stopped down when using the cheap ones. The ones with lever are generally called "auto" and Ai.
I am sure that someone makes extension tubes with electrical contacts that will work full function with your auto lenses, but have never researched it.
Extension tubes are an excellent way to get macro.
The 55mm is easy to hand hold if you can get near the subject. It focuses to about 9 inches without the ext tube, so I usually set it to minimum range, and move in or out with the camera to focus on small objects while hand holding or using a monopod. I also sometimes use flash to make the subject stand out of a light background. I have learned to shoot on camera flash at -1 or 0 ev, and f8 or f11 an minimum range, iso 200 to get good exposure with flash.
Here is an example, though not true macro, it shows the sharpness of the lens well, and the background drop off with on cam flash. The bird is about life size in the image.
Message edited by author 2007-10-09 01:33:27.
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10/09/2007 01:48:09 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
I am sure that someone makes extension tubes with electrical contacts that will work full function with your auto lenses, but have never researched it. |
Yep, both Nikon and Kenko make them. I have the Kenko set.
But Shadow, the Tamron gets you to 1:4.5 by itself at its 10 in. min. focusing distance, and you can then crop. Use those 10MP. :)
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10/09/2007 07:34:42 AM · #6 |
I would seriously take a look at the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX-DG HSM. It will allow you a good working distance, is HSM so focusing is very fast and the optical quality is excellent acording all the reviews i have seen.
Here your are some reviews:
//www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/180/cat/30
//www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_150_28_nikon/index.htm
Hope it helps.
Message edited by author 2007-10-09 07:35:26. |
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10/09/2007 07:37:21 AM · #7 |
the #1 nikon macro is IMO the 200AF macro
and in order (Again IMO)
#2 70-180mm (DISCONTINUED)
#3 85PC
#4 60mm
#5 105mm/105vr
6+# the older MF lenses
i own #'s 1 3 4 5 & looking for a #2 ;)
i have no experience with non nikon micros
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10/09/2007 08:07:59 AM · #8 |
thanks guys that really gives me something to look at.
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10/09/2007 10:57:44 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by ralph:
the #1 nikon macro is IMO the 200AF macro
and in order (Again IMO)
#2 70-180mm (DISCONTINUED)
#3 85PC
#4 60mm
#5 105mm/105vr
6+# the older MF lenses
i own #'s 1 3 4 5 & looking for a #2 ;)
i have no experience with non nikon micros |
I'd agree with ralph's choices, except that I'd put the older 105mm (non vr) above the 60. They're both excellent lenses, but the 105 is a more useful focal length for true macro work. I like the non-vr 105 better than the current model because it's smaller and lighter, cheaper (if you can find one), and if you're really shooting tight macros, you're not going to be shooting handheld anyway, so vr isn't really important. It seems doubtful that you will find one before the challenge deadline, though.
Like ralph, I have no experience with non-Nikon macro lenses.
For your situation, where macro shooting isn't your eventual goal...I'd either get the 60mm, or get a 50mm f/1.8 (non macro), and either some auto extension tubes or close up filters. Both of these would be reasonably priced and good enough for your goals. |
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10/09/2007 11:20:39 AM · #10 |
check out the Tamron 90mm It is a great lens and a decent price.
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