Macro lens for Nikon DX camera

superpippo

superpippo

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Alan
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Currently I have a D80 (next upgrade if it happens would be to a D7000)

I have 10-24, 18-70 and 70-300 lenses and am interested in trying some macro work.

Any suggestions as to whiich lens to buy? Saw a Nikkor 35-70/2.8 on this forum for £200 which seemed a good buy but not realy knowing what to do, have hesitated and it is sold.

Can be new or used.
 
If you want true macro, I would avoid the zooms that claim 'macro' cabability. I may be wrong but I don't think any of them offer true 1:1 macro ability. You do have the option of using something like a Raynox 15 or 250 with your telephoto lens if you don't want spend too much. The results can be superb though in my experience, they're quite tricky to use.

If you want a true 1:1 macro lens there are loads of decent options. If you want to take pictures of live creepy crawlies, then you might be best with something 100mm+ so you can keep a reasonable distance from them.

If it's stuff that isn't likely to be scared away, I notice that MPB have a Sigma 50mm 2.8 macro for less than £100. I've had one of those lenses before and they're superb. I'm almost tempted myself so contemplated not mentioning it!
 
Hi Graham

Thanks for the info.

Presumably that sigma will auto focus on the D80?

But is it necessary to set the aperture by the ring rather than by the command wheel on the body. Then presumably the shutter speed is set by the body? Does the info come up on the top screen and in the viewfinder?
 
Hi alan, the d80 has an in built motor so will auto focus all nikon auto focus lenses. The aperture and shutter speed are both controlled by the command dials. Both sigma and tamron make good macro lenses about the 100mm focal length. Here's a shot i took today with my sigma 105 2.8 macro


Pano1.jpg
 
superpippo said:
Hi Graham

Thanks for the info.

Presumably that sigma will auto focus on the D80?

But is it necessary to set the aperture by the ring rather than by the command wheel on the body. Then presumably the shutter speed is set by the body? Does the info come up on the top screen and in the viewfinder?
Click to expand...

To answer your questions:

Yes it will AF on your D80.

No it is not necessary to adjust the aperture yourself. You simply lock it on F32 and leave it there. If YOU ever have an older film camera, that is when the aperture ring would be used. You'll set the aperture with the dial on your camera like any other lens, same with shutter speed. All info will be visible on view finder.

Only difference to any of your current lenses is that there is a focus limit switch. Basically, because macro lenses have such an enormous focal range, you can limit the range that the auto focus hunts in to speed things up.

It's a great lens, highly undervalued in my opinion. Only disadvantage is the short range. There are two disadvantages associated with this. Firstly, if you're shooting insects etc, you'll be very close to them and risk scaring them away. Secondly you'll be so close to objects that you may cast a shadow on them. Personally I didn't find either of these the hinderance that I thought I would. I sold my siggy 50mm and bought a 180mm because I thought I wanted to shoot insects. The reality was that I almost never did and was stuck with a wonderful lens that I rarely used because it was enormous and weighed over 1kg+. Really should have kept the 50mm as it got far more use.
 
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