Nikon Macro lenses - DPChallenge Forums

04/02/2009 07:55:50 PM · #1

Roz and her insanely excellent bug macros.

I'd like to use it for bug macros in combination with some Kenko extension tubes.

kenskid

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/02/2009 08:01:26 PM · #2

That's my lizard pic in 3rd place with this lens. IMO the VR will not help you with Macro. What gets you in Macro is usually out of focus b/c of too close or too far...not vibration. I'd save the extra cash and get the NON VR. Just my opinion though.

EDIT:

Remember...lighting is very important in Macro. Lenses will get you close but you have to light it up!

Originally posted by Lonni:

Woo Hoo! The Australian government is now officially giving me $600 as part of it's stimulus package. Should I spend it on one of these? or is the newer VR version worth the extra money? Any other lenses I should consider? I'm basically just jealous of Roz and her insanely excellent bug macros.

I'd like to use it for bug macros in combination with some Kenko extension tubes.

Message edited by author 2009-04-02 20:02:54.

Prash

Nikon D90

04/02/2009 08:27:24 PM · #3

Save the money:-)

04/02/2009 08:32:21 PM · #4

Cheeky Prash ;)

Thanks kenskid - yeah I have plenty of light (3 speedlights) and have been playing around with macros with reversing lenses. I've been getting some pretty good results, but the vignetting is driving me crazy! I really need a dedicated macro to improve my results I think.

You are right in the sense that once I get up close enough I will need to start experimenting with the best lighting setups. Funnily enough my shoot through umbrella hasn't been performing too badly so far, but I guess I'm not going to be able to cart that around to too many places :)

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

04/02/2009 09:04:29 PM · #5

If you have the SB800 flash, you can set it up to fire remotely, controlled by your D80. Then you could hold it or place it as needed to light that bugger up! :-)

04/02/2009 09:11:40 PM · #6

Thanks Cromey, I have the SB600 which I'm firing remotely, but I have 2 sb-24s on the way with some cactus triggers, so I hope I don't stun him with too much light !! :)

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

04/02/2009 09:23:02 PM · #7

Originally posted by Lonni:

Thanks Cromey, I have the SB600 which I'm firing remotely, but I have 2 sb-24s on the way with some cactus triggers, so I hope I don't stun him with too much light !! :)

Probably cause him to go blind in 1000 or so of his eyes, but he'll have a couple thousand eyes left :-)

hotpasta

Nikon D800

04/02/2009 09:51:01 PM · #8

Originally posted by Lonni:

I have the Sigma 105 2.8, but I absolutely LUST over the Nikon with VR. It is on my wish list...might sell the Sigma and see if I can get one of those...I recomment the VR as it is really hard to get good macro images without blur. VR will certainly help...sometimes you can't use a tripod, so VR will be essential.

So is THAT where you are spending your 'Economy Stimulus Money'? :)

jettyimages

04/02/2009 09:55:12 PM · #9

Now Lonni, aren't you supposed to be spending all that money on your kid? ;-)

For what its worth, I got the Sigma 105 macro, and once I learnt how to use the silly thing, it has been very good, and much cheaper than the Nikon version. I don't shoot a lot of macro (it seems only wedding rings and flowers nowadays, sadly) so it wasn't worth the step to the Nikon equivalent, but for a while I really wanted the Nikon 60mm, which is the same price as the Sigma 105. Everyone here convinced me that I should go for the extra length so I can give myself clearance for lighting, which is true.

By the way, I've been off for a while, but I see while I've been away you've really been doing amazing things with your photography - and a ribbon! Congratulations, you're going great guns!

PS just read hotpasta's post, I completely agree, if you don't have a tripod you really do get blur very easily with the Sigma, unless the light is absolutely amazingly bright. But its still a good lens and delivers lovely pictures if you're ok with using the tripod.

Message edited by author 2009-04-02 21:56:35.