What length Macro lens for photographing bugs & wildlife?

D

Dale_tem

Messages
2,839
Name
Dale
Edit My Images
Yes
I'm starting to get into Macro photography, but currently only have the 18-55 and 55-300mm lenses on my D3100. I've got some extension tubes which I can use, but I'm finding the focus ring on these lenses are too sensitive.

I'm looking at getting a prime for Macro work, but I was wondering what length works well with bugs and how far away do you have to be? I'm looking at the 85, 105 or 135mm lenses or are the smaller 60mm macro lenses better?

Any tips welcome.
 
Bugs that are alive donot realy like to intruded upon with a big dirty black lens, so for bugs I got told to look around the 100mm mark as that way you do not have to get too close to them.

I got the canon 100mm for myself and have not a problem with getting the shot I want.hope this helps

spike
 
Personally i'd go for 105mm Nikon or the 150mm sigma - when researching lens's look for MWD which is the distance from the end of the lens to subject.
 
100mm + seems to be the general advice. Personally I'd look at the 150mm Sigma.
 
I'd been mainly looking at the Sigma 105mm, I didn't realise they did a 150mm

Thanks for confirming the lens length needed.
 
I have the Siggy 150mm and it's a cracking lens IMVHO. The focus is a little slow but I think that's pretty much a non issue for macro and at least it's got full time manual focus too. It is rather heavy though but if you use a tripod or can keep your shutter speed up the weight probably isn't going to be an issue plus it can double as a quality longish lens for general stuff and portraits :D
 
Dale_d3100 said:
I'd been mainly looking at the Sigma 105mm, I didn't realise they did a 150mm

Thanks for confirming the lens length needed.
Click to expand...

Just be aware that siggy 105mm hasn't got internal focusing (non - IS version) so the barrel extends as you focus, so when your at 1:1 you have approx 122mm working distance
 
but the 150 has a constant length?
 
Another vote for the Sigma 150mm - super lens!
 
You could also consider the method I use which is extension tubes (in my case Kenko DG AF tubes) coupled to my 70-300mm L IS USM lens.

This acts as a kind of variable macro lens which allows me to get close up shots of butterflies etc from quite a long way away.

.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top