Macro / Micro - basic question

[mr.si]

Hi all,

So far in my dealings with macro on my Nikon D7000, I've only used extension tubes and screw-on adapters (The former being significantly superior).

Anyway, I am having the issue with a 12mm extension tube and a 17-50mm tamron lens which means that you have to physically get close to the subject in order for it to focus at all, and manual focus seems to be the only reliable way for it to work, AF keeps seeking.

In terms of how to alter this, would I need to do one of two things:

1. Either need a longer lens with an extension tube so that items further away can be focused on (I have a 120-400mm lens which I could try)
2. or obtain a micro lens such as the Nikkor 85mm micro or 105mm micro?
3. Alternatively still, the raynox thing confuses me in terms of if you can focus at many distances or if there is a limited focal distance available?

Then, In terms of option 2, would a micro lens focus on normal stuff too or would it only work if you were doing macro specific photos?


Thank you in advance,
Simon

 

[littleted]

if your wanting super close then Macro is the preferred route, when you fit extension tubes to some lens it does cause them to hunt, some don't even work.
This kinda explains to you without me droning on


http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/blog/macro/macro-micro-closeup-difference.html


If you want to get truly close 1:1 then a proper Macro lens is the way forward, when you get close the DOF is very very shallow and you will have to be close, but they take mastering as any movement can cause defocus hence the need fro a tripod.
Olympus use Focus Bracketing and Stacking on there new firmwares where you get a nice DOF and not just part of your picture in focus, it can be done manually also using Zerene stacker and Helios


Lens Reproduction Ratio Closest Focus
AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G
1:1 (life size)
6.4 in.
AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D
1:1 (life size)
8 3/4 in.
AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
1:1 (life size)
0.6 ft.
AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR 1:1 (life size)
0.9 ft.
AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED 1:1 (life size)
1 ft.
AF Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4D IF-ED 1:1 (life size)
19.4 in.
PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED 1:2 (half life size)
0.83 ft.
PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D 1:2 (half life size)
1.3 ft.
Micro-NIKKOR 55mm f/2.8 1:2 (half life size)
0.9 ft.
Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8 1:2 (half life size)
1.34 ft.

 

[woof woof]

1. Either need a longer lens with an extension tube so that items further away can be focused on (I have a 120-400mm lens which I could try)
2. or obtain a micro lens such as the Nikkor 85mm micro or 105mm micro?
3. Alternatively still, the raynox thing confuses me in terms of if you can focus at many distances or if there is a limited focal distance available?

1. You may lose infinity focus, and only be able to focus on stuff close up.
2. You can use macro lenses at any distance. You can shoot portraits, cars, landscapes, whatever... and close up stuff too. The only drawback is the cost and also that macro lenses are often relatively slow to auto focus.
3. I don't think you'll be able to focus to infinity with these, I think you'll only be able to focus on things which are close. I have some close up filters which work the same way, basically they're just a magnifying glass you screw to the front of the lens. They're never going to be as good as a macro lens but they're cheaper. Check the diameter of the Raynox or similar against your lens to make sure it'll fit without vignetting.

Personally I think that the cheapest way into macro is to buy an old manual macro lens. As macro is usually manual focus anyway you won't miss the lack of AF and as long as you buy a lens which is compatible with your camera all you'll need is a cheap adapter and you'll be able to focus at any distance from very close to infinity. I bought an old manual 50mm f2.8 macro from the 35mm film days and I can't really fault it.

 

[mr.si]

Thank you both, I think the answer to No. 2 was the most important to me, so that I could use it with anything, but have the advantage of close-up, in case it was left on when out and about.

 

[littleted]

Yeah i use the 60mm zuiko for my em5II and its like walking about with a 120mm FF prime, but has the beauty of macro when I see something...