Best lens for Macro photos.

[Ian D J]

I'm on the prowl for the best kind of all-round lens for moderately close up macro photography using my D3100.

Is there such a thing as an "all rounder" type lens for the D3100 that can take fairly close up insect photos to something like this?:

The above photo was taken by my TZ45 where using very low light and a bit of light painting had enabled me to set the camera's aperture to the smallest possible setting and thus got rid of the toy-like depth of field effect.

Unfortunately I no longer have the kit lens with my D3100 (it got broken and that used to be ideal for moderately close macro photography). I'm currently using a walkabout 18-110 mm lens for general photography and it isn't at all very good with close up macro-type photography. Hence my desire to buy a speciifc macro type lens for the D3100 rather than just buy a replacement kit lens anyway.

Sorry if this does come across as being a "noob" type question. Although I like to think I do know my way around a camera and lens (how light behaves under certain settings), I will admit to struggling with finding an ideal macro type lens.

 

[ecniv]

Depends on your working distance and what you want out of it... plus dosh (of course)

Probably best to look for a 1:1 ratio lens...

60mm nikor micro
90mm tamron
105micro (portraits and macro - add some cheap extension tubes to get even closer)
105mm sigma
150mm sigma
180mm sigma

I have the 105mm nikor lens and its great - pics on link below.
Others have used the 90mm and got really good results too, some pics better than mine... working distance seemed to be longer too (helps with insects).

Might be worth borrowing a lens for a few days before investing (or hire one?)

 

[Digifrog]

I have a Sigma 50mm EX DG MACRO f/2.8 for sale that l'll be advertising in the relevent forum soon. As well as being a decent 50mm prime, it's also pretty decent for close up macro work, though I'm unsure if it will AF on the 3100.

 

[Ian D J]

Ta very much for the replies and am noting it all down.

Actually, I do have a 50 mm prime lens, didn't think the smallest aperture of F16 would be enough to recreate that car shot without the toy-like depth of field (like what I've been able to do with the kit lens).

Going to have a go anyway! I think it's really a question of field testing using what lens I do have on me.

I have heard of the "stacking" method when it comes to getting macro shots without the depth of field effect but my photoshopping skills aren't fully developed.