Macro Lens for Nikon D40

[knockout]

Hey guys, I am researching for a macro lens for my Nikon D40 camera, I've come across some old manual lenses on e-by and wanted to ask what should I be looking for on a macro lens... I know absolutely nothing about this

Thanks in advance

 

[Robb in Austin]

Low f # is my main target.

Some of the old manual lenses should work, but the D40 won't meter with them. That is not a huge problem because you can use the histogram to "walk" the exposure into proper range.

Don't forget the Sigma/Tamron/Tokina options though. The 90-105mm range from those manufacturers run about $400 on line brand new. And from what I have read they all produce good images.

I plan to get one of the above later this year.

 

[knockout]

can you give me a little more info on what you mean by "walk" the exposure, thanks.

 

[luisgo]

I have a Nikon D40x and purchased at ebay one of those film lenses. Excellent for your camera at the correct price.

Check this post for photos

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1351610

 

[Robb in Austin]

By "walk" I mean: take a pic, check the histogram for exposure(not too dark or light), and make corrections as the histogram indicates.

It's pretty simple once you do it a time or two.

Luis posted some excellent examples of what is possible. Very nice!

 

[knockout]

Luis those are amazing photos.... I will start hunting for one of these lenses right now! thanks for the replies guys, I am sure I'll have more questions later

 

[reefman77]

I just got a sigma 105 for my d40X and it is amazing. it dosent auto focus but it still meters

 

[MJSavage]

I picked up a well used Micro Nikkor P.C. 55mm 3.5 and used it on my D40 until I got a Sigma 150. Since I got the Sigma I don't think I have used the Micro Nikkor but it did serve me well for about $80.00. I should probably sell it.

Mike

 

[luisgo]

A sigma 150 will cost you $500. The Nikkor 105 af-s cost $800. The Nikon AI-S manual lens cost +- used at ebay $250 and the Nikkor 55 3.5 $80. Your budget will determine what you can get.

 

[InLimbo87]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13030047#post13030047 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luisgo
A sigma 150 will cost you $500. The Nikkor 105 af-s cost $800. The Nikon AI-S manual lens cost +- used at ebay $250 and the Nikkor 55 3.5 $80. Your budget will determine what you can get.

I just picked up a 55 f/3.5 on ebay for $50 shipped. I'll post pics once I get it!

 

[knockout]

I am looking....

 

[knockout]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13036558#post13036558 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by InLimbo87
I just picked up a 55 f/3.5 on ebay for $50 shipped. I'll post pics once I get it!

Yeah post some pics... what camera will you be using it with?

 

[InLimbo87]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13037210#post13037210 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by knockout
Yeah post some pics... what camera will you be using it with?

D40

 

[knockout]

will a Nikon Micro Nikkor 105mm f/4 AIS lens be a good alternative to the more expensive new models? I also (right now) only need the lens to capture corals and slow moving critters.

 

[Robb in Austin]

It would take nice pics, but you'll probably have to use a slow shutter speed due to the aperture. Not too big a deal with hard corals, but any LPS/softies/anemones may be blurred.

It would be a nice lens for outdoor use.

If you can find a f2.8 it would be best though.

 

[knockout]

thanks

 

[knockout]

thanks for all the help guys, I have one more ?

which lens will be better for my D40? the AF or AI(S) type lens.

thanks in advance.

 

[this is me]

AF-D lenses and older will NOT auto focus on a D40.
You want AF-S lenses.

 

[InLimbo87]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13082022#post13082022 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by this is me
AF-D lenses and older will NOT auto focus on a D40.
You want AF-S lenses.

Unless you're okay with manual focusing

 

[H@rry]

I went into a local camera shop to look at macro lens for my D40. I tried a Nikon AF-S 60mm 2.8 on my camera (I took the camera with me). Here's a couple of pictures I took of a dime on the counter. I was about 3 - 6 inches from it *but* not looking straight down. Only part of the dime is in focus. Is that normal?

<img src="http://stock4today.com/frags/dime1.jpg" border="0" alt"" ><br />
<img src="http://stock4today.com/frags/dime2.jpg" border="0" alt"" ><br />