Can someone recommend a macro lens?

[noboddi]

I have recently been given a secondhand Nikon D50. I have a Nikkor 50mm f1.8 lens, and would like a macro lens. What would you suggest that wouldn't break the bank? I am basically learning photography right now.

Also, the next piece will be a flash I think. What is a good inexpensive flash? I need to save up for better equipment, but would like to learn in the meantime

Thanks

 

[mmedeiros2]

I am in the same boat that you are in. I have a D50 and learning as I go. I was also looking for a macro lens at one time but didn't like the costs. Then I came across macro filters on the web. Had no idea what they were about so I looked deeper. For a set of 3 on Ebay I paid $11.00 incld. s & h. They allow you to focus close up. Let me tell ya, They are good enough for me. I am no a pro and will never be.
There are no good deals on ebay now but keep looking. They cost about 65.00 new at a camera shop. Your camera takes a 52mm thread.
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_tr...+52mm+close+up+lens&_sacat=See-All-Categories
Check out a couple of pics that I took of a Damsel and a Clown both being 1 inch long in length. This is taken with all three lenses screwed on to my 50mm lens.

 

[mmedeiros2]

This is not a bad deal.
http://cgi.ebay.com/TIFFEN-52MM-52C...s?hash=item587f1a401c&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

 

[mmedeiros2]

Scratch that last link. I don't know what a 52CUS is. I have what this link shows.http://cgi.ebay.com/52mm-Tiffen-Clo...s?hash=item53d44849bd&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

 

[mmedeiros2]

$28.50? Not to bad.http://cgi.ebay.com/Tiffen-Close-up...s?hash=item334dd75905&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

 

[BlueCorn]

Those are close-up filters, or diopters, and they will help get you closer but they come close to the quality that you get from a dedicated macro lens. It is a cheap way to play around.

A real macro lens would be the Nikon 100mm, Tamron 90mm or Sigma 105mm. Another point is that if you see a lens that is a zoom lens; 18-55 or whatever and it says "Macro" it's not.

 

[d0ughb0y]

the 52mm tiffen close up lens set is only $24.95 at bh photo, brand spanking new, and under $5 shipping. probably better off getting it from a reputable store rather than waiting around on ebay for the next deal to come around for around $10 or so price difference. good suggestion though for occasional close up pictures.

 

[noboddi]

Thanks. Went with the close up lens set; will get a macro when I can.

 

[xtm]

Those cheap eBay diopters will degrade image quality, and presents a huge possibility of flare. If you really have to use a diopter, go for the Canon 250D or 500D (about $70 US). If you're just "playing around" with macro stuff, a better recommendation would be an extension tube like the Kenko's. It's just a spacer and there's no optic that will degrade the image and they're also cheap. (about $45) Both will work with your 50 1.8 prime.

Remember that you will lose infinity focus with these diopters and extension tubes, and you also lose some light. A true macro lens eliminates these limitations. Look around and you will find some older/used 60mm Micro Nikkors for around $200.

As for an inexpensive flash, you can go with the SB400 ($100 US) or if you can swing an extra $80, go for the SB600 which is WAY, WAY better. Get them used at FM, KEH, or CL. They're out there.

Peace

 

[noboddi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15609653#post15609653 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xtm
Those cheap eBay diopters will degrade image quality, and presents a huge possibility of flare. If you really have to use a diopter, go for the Canon 250D or 500D (about $70 US). If you're just "playing around" with macro stuff, a better recommendation would be an extension tube like the Kenko's. It's just a spacer and there's no optic that will degrade the image and they're also cheap. (about $45) Both will work with your 50 1.8 prime.

Remember that you will lose infinity focus with these diopters and extension tubes, and you also lose some light. A true macro lens eliminates these limitations. Look around and you will find some older/used 60mm Micro Nikkors for around $200.

As for an inexpensive flash, you can go with the SB400 ($100 US) or if you can swing an extra $80, go for the SB600 which is WAY, WAY better. Get them used at FM, KEH, or CL. They're out there.

Peace

I saw a used Nikkor 60mm Micro at Keh. Wasn't sure how good it is. Maybe will look at it closer

 

[corwin]

man I gotta get one for my Canon EOS.

 

[mollymonticello]

I love the Opteka 10X HD diopter. I use it with my 18 - 55 kit lens on my Nikon D60. I take it everywhere I go.

I also use a 60mm micro nikkor, and it is excellent. I've used the 105mm before, which can get a little closer than the 60, but it's about double the price.

If you want an excellent macro lens, go with the 60mm. But if you just want to spend $30 to play around with macro at home, get this: http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Profes...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252375413&sr=8-1

Some pics I took with my Opteka HD 10X macro diopter (the "large" size shows more detail):

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/feliciamccaulley/3654997734/" title="Duncan and snail by Felicia McCaulley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3654997734_313e7b852c.jpg" width="500" height="292" alt="Duncan and snail" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/feliciamccaulley/3673120677/" title="pom pom crab with eggs by Felicia McCaulley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3673120677_6d82c6031d.jpg" width="500" height="427" alt="pom pom crab with eggs" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/feliciamccaulley/3725516476/" title="Pink Zoas by Felicia McCaulley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2511/3725516476_56b6631449.jpg" width="500" height="361" alt="Pink Zoas" /></a>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/feliciamccaulley/sets/72157621218388897/

 

[TWallace]

I found an old Tamron 90 macro AIS mount lens for $80 on Craigslist. AIS mount means it will NOT meter on a D50 (it will on D200/300/700 and probably D3). It's also manual focus only, but most people use manual focus on their macro images anyway, so no big loss. Here's an example photo from my old, cheap macro lens.

Since it's an AIS mount, the EXIF data lacks aperture. I used F16 I believe.