A bit of advice please guys...

[antihero]

Yes, its another lens thread relating to close up/macro lenses.

I've managed to turn out some nice close up shots with my D40x's kit lens (18-55mm), but i yearn for that little bit more! I was just wondering what lenses apart from the 105 & 150 mm Sigma's would you recommend (looking for something on the cheap for now)?

Seen the Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G going for £99 refurbished. Would that be a good, low cost choice?

I'm still trying to get to grip with my lens choice. I know that i can't have my cake and eat it as far as price vs autofocus on the D40X, but i was just wondering what the best choices for my pounds will be? can anyone please help out?

Paul

[Moos3h]

No, the lens you have identified is really better for normal telephoto work.

To get up close, SERIOUSLY, up close, a dedicated macro lens, preferably with a 1:1 ratio is what you need.

Save your money, anything less than a dedicated lens (the Sigmas you mention are terrific) and you'll not be happy for long with the results.

Cheers,
James

[Ross]

Tamron 90mm macro is very good indeed

[Messiah Khan]

I seriously would save up and look at getting something like the 105mm Sigma. AF is pointless when doing macro work, but don't also forget that a macro lens will double up as a very effective telephoto prime lens, where AF might be usefull. Ive used my 150mm Sigma (which i love) on my D40X for birdphotography (including mid flight shots where the AF was essential) as well as portrait photography, and its sharpness can't be beaten.

[Richard]

AF is pointless when doing macro work

I use AF all the time :shrug:

[antihero]

I seriously would save up and look at getting something like the 105mm Sigma. AF is pointless when doing macro work, but don't also forget that a macro lens will double up as a very effective telephoto prime lens, where AF might be usefull. Ive used my 150mm Sigma (which i love) on my D40X for birdphotography (including mid flight shots where the AF was essential) as well as portrait photography, and its sharpness can't be beaten.

Thanks, think i'll save then! Am i right in thinking that the 105mm Sigma wont AF on the D40X?

In the meantime i've just spent a couple of quid on those screw on closeup lenses, they will have to do until;

a. I've sold some stuff on ebay (anyone want to buy a psp or a dreamcast? :lol:)
b. I've payed off the 10-20mm Sigma i've just bought :doh: i just cant help it)

Thanks for all the advice.

[Messiah Khan]

I use AF all the time :shrug:

I would really recommend trying to switch it to MF, then rocking the camera backwards and forward to achieve focus. I tend to find that if using AF when doing 1:1 macro work, the camera often gtes confused and starts seeking due to the nature of the subject. Just my 2p

Thanks, think i'll save then! Am i right in thinking that the 105mm Sigma wont AF on the D40X?

In the meantime i've just spent a couple of quid on those screw on closeup lenses, they will have to do until;

a. I've sold some stuff on ebay (anyone want to buy a psp or a dreamcast? :lol:)
b. I've payed off the 10-20mm Sigma i've just bought :doh: i just cant help it)

Thanks for all the advice.

Ah, good point. I thought it was a HSM lens for some reason. Here's a list of lenses that will Autofocus on the D40/D40x (excludes AF-I lenses)


Nikon

Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED AF-S
Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED AF-S
Nikkor 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED II AF-S
Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED II
Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E II

Sigma

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO HSM
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG ASP
Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX ASP HSM
Sigma 14mm f/2.8 EX ASP HSM
Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG APO RF HSM
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM
Sigma 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO EX OS
Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX APO IF HSM
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM
Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM
Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 800mm f/5.6 EX DG APO HSM

I know the feeling btw, ive recently bought the 10-20mm as well. Got my eye on the 50-500 now.:thinking: :)

[antihero]

thanks for the help, going to try and squeeze every last drop out of what i have until i can afford that 150 :). If only it would stop raining. :(