Macro Photography Lens Question

[CrM45]

Greetings all, I just bought a Nikon D7000 and am very interested in learning more about Macro Photography. My interest is purchasing a lens that will give me good results shooting bugs, flowers, leaves,etc. I would appreciate some suggestions on the appropriate lens for this type of work. The 18-105mm that came with the camera does not allow me to get close enough to the subject for true macro results. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[WesternGuy]

One suggestion I make to those who want to start out in Macro photography is to buy a set of extension tubes and try these first. They don't cost nearly as much as a macro lens, but they give some very good macro functionality so you can see if you have the continuing desire to carry on with macro. Since you have a Nikon, look here to see what I mean: Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG for Nikon Lens AEXTUBEDGN B&H. An explanation of what these do, or how they work, can be found here: Extension Tubes - Full Disclosure - Digital Camera Forum. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

 

[KenC]

Welcome. The best option is a macro lens. I don't know Nikon equipment, but they probably have at least a 50 or 55 mm macro, a 100 and something longer, like a 180, like most manufacturers. Working distance is an important consideration, especially for bugs, although having a little more distance and not blocking the light with your camera is always a good thing. Most people are happy with a 100 mm on a crop-sensor body, although if you're really interested in tiny bugs, a longer lens might be better.

You could also get extension tubes and use them with your zoom or with a non-macro 50 mm lens, which is pretty inexpensive. They come in different lengths and fit between the body and lens - not as convenient as a macro lens, but a lot cheaper and potentially capable of greater magnification.

Read up on these and on macro in general before spending a lot of money. There's a lot of information out there, and here too, if you search the forum.

 

[mrpink]

105mm 2.8 VR Micro. On a crop sensor, it is a very nice focal length for bugs. For floral, just take a step back. It is also a great portrait lens. p!nK

 

[chaosrealm93]

^ agree. get the 105mm 2.8

i was gonna get that lens, but i ended up getting the 24-70 2.8, not because the 105mm wasnt a good macro lens, but i wasnt AS interested as before in macro work. HAVE FUN!

 

[kundalini]

Another vote for the Nikkor 105mm f/2.8. It's a gold standard lens for macro work in the Nikon family of lenses.

 

[Tneuville]

I have the Nikon d90 and also have the kenko ext tubes. I find the tube to be ok however not like a true macro lens. The tubes will get you very close but you will lose focal range. If you are looking for clear crisp shots I would suggust the 105 2.8, sigma makes a 105 for nikon as well, it is at the top of my wish list for sure....

 

[Ginu]

Try Kenko Extension Tubes as they are not very expensive, then decide what focal length macro lens you like and go from there.

I had the 105 f2.8 Nikor lens and I can say its a fine lens and can be used for portraits also. With that being said, its a little on the expensive side, so do some research b4 buying...

 

[CrM45]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am going to order the Kenko Extension Tubes today. It does seem like the smart way of trying out macro shooting before making the purchase of the lens. The lens is on the wish list. I'll post a few shots after trying out the tubes for some C&C. A new phase to look forward to. Thanks again....

 

[F1RacerRR]

Some good advice there. I bought the tubes first because I love macro shooting. Once I had the money I finally bought the Nikkor 105mm 2.8 VRII lens. It's my favourite lens even over my lovely Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8 VRII. I've taken some amazing shots with it and evne more so one I added on a ring-flash to the lens.
It is not a lens you would regret buying despite its price.

 

[quiddity]

there is the tokina 105 2.8 macro ... havent had time to try it out yet though