First shots with the new macro lens!

[InLimbo87]

Here are some quick pics I shot with the new Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 Micro. No, its not the 105mm f/2.8, but I'm pretty impressed with this lens so far (especially for $50!!)

Still dialing it in and getting used to manual everything, but let me know your thoughts:

 

[DNickell]

That's not shabby for a $50 lens! Where did you find a deal like that?

 

[Mitch529]

Very nice, curious if the cameras light metering works? I have a friend looking for a budget macro lens for his Nikon D40.

Where did you find it so cheap?

 

[InLimbo87]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13100002#post13100002 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mitch529
Very nice, curious if the cameras light metering works? I have a friend looking for a budget macro lens for his Nikon D40.

Where did you find it so cheap?

There is no metering whatsoever, no auto-focus, etc...

I found it on ebay. It is the "Non-AI" version which I believe will only mount on the D40/D40x (doesn't matter for me because my camera wouldn't work with an AI 55mm anyways).

 

[Mitch529]

Great thanks for the info, so with out the metering are you just taking a few shots and checking the histogram then going from there?

 

[InLimbo87]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13100145#post13100145 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mitch529
Great thanks for the info, so with out the metering are you just taking a few shots and checking the histogram then going from there?

exactly... Its actually not too challenging... Just takes a little getting used to.

 

[davez104]

Nice photos. That last one is an excellent demonstration of depth of field.

Dave.

 

[luisgo]

Excellent purchase and very nice pics.

I have the Nikon AI-S 105 2.8 with my D40x with excellent results. You will get used to your lens with no mettering and manual focus.

For coral shots you can get a better depth of field if you use a tripod, longer exposures and a higher f stop.

Another observation is that there is a distortion on the red coral because the lens was not perpendicular with the aquarium glass. A tripod will also help you on that.

 

[InLimbo87]

Thanks Luis for all your advice. I gave it another go tonite, and I think they've improved... I was using a tripod all along, just went with a slower exposure and lower aperture (higher f) this time...

 

[gawf4fun]

Great pics, and nice corals too! I bought my wife a Nikon D60 for Mother's Day, with the intention of adding a macro lens for tank shots once i saved the $$. Now i may follow your lead and get there sooner. yahoo!

 

[InLimbo87]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13175340#post13175340 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gawf4fun
Great pics, and nice corals too! I bought my wife a Nikon D60 for Mother's Day, with the intention of adding a macro lens for tank shots once i saved the $$. Now i may follow your lead and get there sooner. yahoo!

Go for it! I was very impressed with this lens. I had to sell it, though as I upgraded my cam to a d80 (which doesn't accept the non-ai version of this lens). I'll definitely be looking for an AI copy in the future.