Cheap Nikon Macro

[petrochemist]

Often times for around that price you can find a Tamron or Sigma zoom that is macro capable . I have a Tamron 70-300 with macro and it was around that price, FWIW they often times can make fairly decent macro lenses if you are on a budget, but your best macro lenses at least in my experience have always been primes that are macro capable. As soon as I have enough money to buy the 200 mm Micro Nikkor I am wanting, I will ditch my Tamron.

Sorry Sam they are NOT macro capable. Hardley any zoom lenses are actually macro lenses despite the fact that manufacturers put 'macro' in the name. They are only close focussing lenses and in many cases cant even manage 1/4 life size on the sensor. Macro is defined as life size on the film/sensor, though several macro primes only manage that with a bundled matched adapter thats usually missing in used sales. (My Cosina 100mm macro only manages 1/2 life size for this reason)

I've never come across a macro prime that wasn't a good sharp lens even third party ones. I was lucky enough to get a grubby looking Tamron SP90 macro for £1 and the optics on it are great! :smileys:

 

[petrochemist]

Can I ask what TTL means or should I just go look it up?

Through The Lens.

That's indeed what the abreiviation stands for. What it means is the flash calculates the correct exposure using light passing throughthe lens, so that it automatically corrects for added extension/changing flash subject distance... Ideal for macro especially if used off camera.

 

[Edsport]

Macro tubes can be used with your existing lenses - Nikon D3200 extension tubes | eBay

Yongnuo flashes - Nikon D3200 yongnuo | eBay

 

[MrBrownstone]

I'm going to try that lens, Derrel. I'll try that speedlight, too. Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[djacobox372]

The Nikon 105mm f4 micro nikkor can be had for less than $150.