Macro lens for Canon 40d
- Thread starter Jacob D
- Start date
Wolverine
Premium Member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13084051#post13084051 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mothra
Had a feeling someone would say that. I just purchased the 50mm... need to save my pennies for the 100mm f/2.8.... or maybe I should focus on actually getting my tank up and running first. That's a tough decision
It doesn't matter how good a lens and camera you have. There's a limit to how nice you can make an empty tank look.
H@rry
In Memoriam
Can someone explain to a novice like me what the specs on a lens mean? I just got a D40 with the kit lens (18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6GII). Now I want a good macro lens but I don't understand what to look for.
I see the recommendation for 100mm f/2.8. What does the 100mm mean? And I thought the "f stop" was a function of the camera.
I want to buy a good macro lens but I don't want to stumble around in my ignorance and buy the wrong thing, only to realize later that I will need yet another lens. Can someone look at B&H Photo's site and recommend a good macro lens for use on the reef tanks for less than $1000?
I appreciate you people having patience with a newbie to DSLR photography (me)!!
Thanx
I see the recommendation for 100mm f/2.8. What does the 100mm mean? And I thought the "f stop" was a function of the camera.
I want to buy a good macro lens but I don't want to stumble around in my ignorance and buy the wrong thing, only to realize later that I will need yet another lens. Can someone look at B&H Photo's site and recommend a good macro lens for use on the reef tanks for less than $1000?
I appreciate you people having patience with a newbie to DSLR photography (me)!!
Thanx
In your example, the 100mm is the focal length of the lens, basically it's magnification range. The 100mm is what's known as a "prime" lens; i.e. it doesn't zoom. The kit lens, the 18-55, indicates that it's a zoom lens that's 18mm on the wide end and 55mm zoomed in.
F stop refers to the aperture of the lens at it's widest. While you do set the f/stop from the camera it's the lens that you're actually adjusting.
When you want a lens that does macro as well you also need to look at minimum focusing distance. If you have to stand 6' away your 100mm won't seem very close.
I shoot Canon but the Nikon 105 f2.8 is probably what you want. It won't autofocus on your body but for macro work that's really not a concern.
F stop refers to the aperture of the lens at it's widest. While you do set the f/stop from the camera it's the lens that you're actually adjusting.
When you want a lens that does macro as well you also need to look at minimum focusing distance. If you have to stand 6' away your 100mm won't seem very close.
I shoot Canon but the Nikon 105 f2.8 is probably what you want. It won't autofocus on your body but for macro work that's really not a concern.
Jacob D
New member
Harry,
To help visualize what beerguy said regarding focal length and f/stop: http://www.paragon-press.com/lens/lenchart.htm
Regarding macros (or any shot really) keep in mind when using your lenses that their min. focusing distance is measured from the film/sensor, not the end of the lens. If the min. focusing distance is 12" and your lens is 6" long you can put the lens approximately 6" away from your subject while still being able to focus. Most lenses list this in their specs.
To help visualize what beerguy said regarding focal length and f/stop: http://www.paragon-press.com/lens/lenchart.htm
Regarding macros (or any shot really) keep in mind when using your lenses that their min. focusing distance is measured from the film/sensor, not the end of the lens. If the min. focusing distance is 12" and your lens is 6" long you can put the lens approximately 6" away from your subject while still being able to focus. Most lenses list this in their specs.
