Hi there, I need your suggestion. I am currently using a P&S for macro shots of the jewelry and once in a while I would get angry because I cannot focus the parts I really want to focus. I guess I have to step up and buy a Macro Lens for my D70s, what would you recommend? How about something under the $500 price range? I went to a local photo store and they recommend a Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro lens and it was $489 - $90rebate. Thanks in advance!
Why go with the Tamron when you can get the Nikon http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/66987-USA/Nikon_1987_60mm_f_2_8D_Macro_Autofocus.html $399 and for a little over your budget http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/424744-USA/Nikon_2160_105mm_f_2_8G_ED_IF_AF_S.html $759. And with the first one if you go over your budget some you can get a macro flash http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410484-USA/Nikon_4804_R1_Wireless_Close_Up_Speedlight.html.
A telephoto Macro would be your best bet. 105mm-200mm range would be best for the flat perspective and so you can get in on the details. And Macro flash units that attach to the sides of the lens probably wouldn't be a good idea. They're specular light sources, so you would just have hotspots on the jewlry, and everything else would be dark. Softboxes and fill cards is the way to do it, Lightboxes should be ok as well.
