Macro Lense for D80

[dream rider]

Hello everyone,

I just got a Nikon D80 and i REALLY want to get a good macro lense that can do 1:1 or better (iono if there is better im still quite new to this) but it needs to be cheap! please help me? thanks!

Jeff

 

[Orgnoi1]

All three of Nikons Macro lenses will do 1:1 magnification (60mm, 105mmVR, 200mm)... I have seen the 105 in action and it does great... what you can do for getting greater than 1:1 reproduction is add a Kenko Extension Tube which will increase the focal length and decrease the focusing distance so you can get slightly better than 1:1... you can also use specifically a Kenko 20mm Extension Tube and 50/1.8 Nikon lens and get VERY nice macro shots...

That combo was used for most of the shots here:
http://photographybypatricia.fotopic.net/c1162881.html

 

[justaguy93]

Wow great photos! Could you point out some that were shot with the 50mm and extension tube? Have you noticed any drawbacks to the 50mm with extention tube for macro? That seems like an unbeatable combo given the price.

 

[Orgnoi1]

Well they are my girlfriends shots... its her page... I will look real quick and see if I see one thats a definate...

I have always shot macro with a Canon 100/2.8 Macro... but sometimes with the Kenko 12mm Tube to get a little closet...

Here are some of my shots:
http://trjphotography-rossm.fotopic.net/c1174227.html

I am noticing some of her exif isnt showing up... but heres a couple that I am sure were with the 50mm...
http://photographybypatricia.fotopic.net/p37125125.html

http://photographybypatricia.fotopic.net/p37125123.html

http://photographybypatricia.fotopic.net/p37125140.html

As far as drawbacks she would say none... but I would say given the 50mm plus a 20mm Tube it makes you have to focus REAL close to the subject... so with some insects that are skittish it may make them fly off... where as a longer macro lens (>100mm) allows you to keep some distance and not disturb them as much...

 

[justaguy93]

The dragonfly shot is really impressive. Since the 50mm 1.8 is so highly recommended for beginners anyways seems like the extention tubes are a great affordable way to get into the macro side of things. I'm definatley going to give it a shot.

Thanks!

 

[Orgnoi1]

The dragonfly shot is really impressive. Since the 50mm 1.8 is so highly recommended for beginners anyways seems like the extention tubes are a great affordable way to get into the macro side of things. I'm definatley going to give it a shot.

Thanks!

Well good luck with it... if you ever have specific questions on doing the macro she has on her site dont hesitate to come over to the board I run and ask away... her screenname there is "Irishpub3"

 

[justaguy93]

I appreciate the offer. It's going to be a few weeks before I can get my 50mm but I might just take you up on that once I've had a chance to get to know it a little bit.

Thanks again.

 

[Don Simon]

but I would say given the 50mm plus a 20mm Tube it makes you have to focus REAL close to the subject...

That is correct. A 50mm and tube can give nice results but it's not the most practical solution; a dedicated macro lens is much more flexible. I have no hesitation recommending the Tamron 90mm f/2.8, and wish I still had one. That or a Sigma or Tokina macro may well be cheaper than Nikon's equivalent ones.

 

[dream rider]

thanks for the help! i think id prefer just a straight lense, to start out, and would sigma or tokina fit on my D80?? if so could you reccomend a lense?

Jeff

 

[Orgnoi1]

Yup you just have to make sure you get the nikon mount and for sure they will work... having said that... I know Canon has had some issues with older Sigmas and the internal chip in the lens not working with certain cameras... I have had that problem myself when I first bought a Sigma 105 Macro... so just be sure that if you get a Sigma/Tamron/Tokina that you buy the newest style (not necessarily new) so its a no brainer in compatability... it may not be an issue at all with Nikon though...