Good macro lens for a Nikon?

[superjohnny]

I'm toying with the idea of getting a Nikon D40 and would like to know what my options are for macro lenses. The macro lens will be used for taking close-up pics of corals and mainly for taking tank shots.

Thanks

 

[Ebn]

Any of Nikon's micro lenses will work well.

If you do plan on getting non-AFS or non-AFI lenses, just be aware that you won't be able to autofocus with them. This isn't too bad since a lot of macro work is done with manual focus anyways.

 

[superjohnny]

They're really expensive though. The 105mm is around $800. Is there anything *great* in the $500 range? I know Canon has a 100mm f/2.8 macro for about ~$450.

This may sway my decision to go with the 350D instead of the D40.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I would spend a little extra and get the D50 or D70, both of which have dropped a LOT in price. The D40 appears to be a next logical step for point and shooters who want to get into DSLR. It has some nice features but is also somewhat crippled.

You can certainly get by with an off-brand lens but I would go ahead and save up for the Nikon glass... it is great stuff. In the short term you can use the Kit lens and adapt some of the closeup filters to it or get a 50mm used on eBay and the reversing kit. The 50mm prime will come in handy for other stuff anyway.

I am sure there are folks here who can show you examples of photos from both types of setups.

 

[kactusficus]

I use the 105 macro f2,8 from Sigma, with my D200, and am very happy with it, and much much cheaper than the Nikon lenses...

two examples of what I did with this lens lately
:

Sharp, good luminosity intake... I think it'll be a good choice for you with the D40!

 

[BeanAnimal]

The Kiron 105mm f/2.8 gets awesome reviews. You may want to look into that if you can find a used one. eBay has em once in a whille. They are no longer made.

 

[BeanAnimal]

The tamron 90 macro also gets good reviews and some of the older vivitars were made by the Kiron.

 

[Ebn]

For around that price range, the Tamron 90mm macro lens gets my vote. This is one sharp lens; build quality just isn't as high, but that could just be me.

If you want to stick with Nikon, take a look at the older 105mm micro (non-VR version) or the 60mm micro.

 

[superjohnny]

How do you tell, on these non-Nikon lenses, if it will AF on a D40?

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Great info and you've given me tons to research. Also, when taking macro shots do you manual or auto focus?

 

[kactusficus]

they will be AF, as 99% of lenses sold nowadays... Just be sure to take the Nikon mount!

For the macro shots, as for myself, it depends, AF if I have to be quick, manual if the composition is too tricky for the AF (first object in front not being the one I want to focus on, large variety of shapes on which the AF will hesitate...)

 

[superjohnny]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9183942#post9183942 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kactusficus
they will be AF, as 99% of lenses sold nowadays... Just be sure to take the Nikon mount!

Actually the D40 is only AF on AF-S Nikon lenses. It's Achilles heel the lack of an internal AF motor. They rely on the lens to have one. They AF on Sigma lenses with HSM.

I prefer the feel of the Nikon and it seems to be easier to use, but the Canon seems to have more features. The D80 is the ticket, but $400 more than the D40 without lens!

 

[superjohnny]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9175737#post9175737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal

You can certainly get by with an off-brand lens but I would go ahead and save up for the Nikon glass... it is great stuff. In the short term you can use the Kit lens and adapt some of the closeup filters to it or get a 50mm used on eBay and the reversing kit. The 50mm prime will come in handy for other stuff anyway.

Can you give me a little more info on the reversing kit? I'm thinking of the 50mm lens just for the amazing reviews it gets.

 

[ahuxman58]

CANON.........the only way to shoot. LOL