Macro lens

starletman

starletman

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Hi could anyone recommend a good macro lens for a D40,i am thinking around the 10-24mm range can be zoom or prime.
 
starletman said:
Hi could anyone recommend a good macro lens for a D40,i am thinking around the 10-24mm range can be zoom or prime.
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True macro (1:1) lens are all primes and start at 50mm, but your better looking at around 100mm due to the increased working distance (distance from the end of the lens to subject)
 
starletman said:
Hi could anyone recommend a good macro lens for a D40,i am thinking around the 10-24mm range can be zoom or prime.
Click to expand...

The nearest in focal length that does true 1:1 macro that I know of is the Tokina 35mm f/2.8 Macro for Nikon mount but it won't AF on the D40 if that's a problem? I've no idea how it performs though sorry.
 
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The chart below give you an idea - Its for canon but the 3rd part lens come with a Nikon fit also

focusdistance.jpg
 
I don't know how the nikon equivalent is but the Canon 60mm 1:1 was approx 4 inches from the lens. Can I ask why you need to be only 4 inches away?
 
60mm nikkor
105mm micro nikkor
90mm tamron
105 sigma
150 sigma
180 sigma

I believe they are all 1:1 ratio. I have the 105micro nikkor (will be manual focus on your d40)

Think they would all be manual focus on your d40 - not sure about aperture - could be auto.

Pics from the 105 (and 105 + tubes) are on the flickr link
 
Can't access your Flickr site at work Ecniv, but just curious as to how you find working with the 105mm. On the whole to you find it has enough reach or do you generally need more zoom?
 
Its brill!

I had an 18-200 vr mki and at 100mm was soft and not 1:1 macro
The 105mm micro was crisp (by comparison) and brilliant straight as is.
Once Cowasaki on here mentioned some basic tubes and I paid a tenner for 'em it went even closer (although I have a light problem - lack of once you go past f4 on tubes... - bit of guess work and onboard flash :D )

Only thing I found is you can't get close to dragonflies, they get scared. Might be my technique but the 150 or 180 might be better for these (although heavier).

Its amazing what the 105 on its own gets tho - sometimes af hunts a bit - but if it annoys too much, switch to Manual :D

Have a browse at the pics at home - see what you think - probably more on flickr too.

Edit:
Working distance is 1-2cm with tubes... around 10cm without (might be less - as I'm usually looking through the camera and not measuring distance).
 
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n2desilv said:
Can't access your Flickr site at work Ecniv, but just curious as to how you find working with the 105mm. On the whole to you find it has enough reach or do you generally need more zoom?
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You don't 'Zoom' with a macro lens, a 60mm Macro lens (1:1) will give you the same magnification ratio as a 180mm macro lens (1:1). Maximum magnification is only achieved at minimum focus distance.
 
Thanks dude, after writing that comment I actually went into the Macro section and read the introduction to macro photos and realised my mistake...can tell I'm a complete newbie to macro photography, but looking forward to it :)
 
starletman said:
Hi could anyone recommend a good macro lens for a D40,i am thinking around the 10-24mm range can be zoom or prime.
Click to expand...


As others have said above, you will need a prime to get life size, I am using the 105mm afs vr micro nikkor and it is an awesome lens, second hand I am guessing £500-£550 new about £650. It is also great for portraits and as a general mid telephoto lens.
 
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