Macro shots with a D90 Kit lens?

[epicentyr]

I have purchased the Nikon D90 kit and it came with the 18-105 kit lens. If I set it to the 105mm setting would it be similar to shooting with a fixed 105mm Macro lens? I think that I may have an issue with my minimum focal length. I also have the 35mm 1/1.8 fixed lens but it seems like it is too wide for really tight macro shots.

What about this lens. Seems Very inexpensive and it wouldn't put me at the far end of the spectrum (i.e. 105mm on a 105mm zoom lens)
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-70-300mm...pr_product_top

 

[luisgo]

I have a D60 with that same lens 18-105mm. Your lens in not a macro which means that you can't focus close. If you want to get close you need a macro lens.

 

[RyanEG]

I have that Sigma 70-300mm "macro/telephoto" lense. You will NOT get quality macro shots with it. Save your money and get a true macro lense if thats what you are after.

 

[epicentyr]

What about using my 35mm fixed focal with an extension tube?
http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Auto-Extension-Nikon-Mount/dp/B000JG88JU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I dont think that my wife will let me get a $400 macro lens right now.

 

[JHemdal]

I wonder, the auto extension tubes are kind of pricey - what if you tried a set of those $40 magnifying (diopter) lenses that attach to the filter threads of your 35mm lens? I did that for my 50mm 1.8 lens and got some shots that were good enough quality to be used in a magazine. Then, if your appetite hasn't been satisfied, you could save up for a true macro lens.

Jay

 

[Misled]

Ryan, you have a camera??? Don't think I've seen pics from you. Give it up!!!!!

 

[BlueCorn]

What about using my 35mm fixed focal with an extension tube?
http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Auto-Extension-Nikon-Mount/dp/B000JG88JU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I dont think that my wife will let me get a $400 macro lens right now.

Tubes are a viable option but they work because they shorten the minimum focusing distance. A 35mm lens and tubes would give you a working distance of 2-3 inches. It'd be a pretty difficult combo to use for coral shots.

 

[RyanEG]

Yeah Jesse I have a D60 with the standard kit lense and the 70-300mm Sigma that I referred to earlier. My skills are sorely lacking so Ive been reading up on theory and technique more than actually taking photos. I took about a ten year break from all photography and made the transfer from film to digital and forget everything I had ever learned or was taught. I need to quit spending so much time in the Lounge and get out of the house and shoot some stuff.

 

[luisgo]

If you have a limited budget and you want a quality macro lens for your D90 the best choice is to purchase a used Nikon AI-S 105mm lens. That lens was used on film cameras and you can buy one at ebay for around $150-$200.

Manual focus and no mettering but excelent glass. I use one with my D60 and get superb macro shots. I also have Kenko extention tubes also sold at ebay for around $30.

Check some macros with this lens







This is the lens at ebay. With some patience you can find a better deal than this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-105mm-f-2...iewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item3ca6c16f4d

 

[epicentyr]

Really nice shots luisgo! I know that I would be absolutely lost without auto focus and metering. Is that lens basically the same glass that is now used on the $$$ lenses without the electronics and motors? I think that the D90 has an onboard motor that can control other lenses. (I am new at this and I could just be pulling this out of my a$$) but I thought I read something like this on a review.

 

[brent ward]

You could try these on your existing lenses. They'll magnify the imperfections in your lens though, but if you don't make huge prints it shouldn't be that big of a deal. ;o)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/163729-REG/Hoya_B43CUS_43mm_Close_up_Kit_1_2_4_.html

 

[TWallace]

I think that the D90 has an onboard motor that can control other lenses. (I am new at this and I could just be pulling this out of my a$$) but I thought I read something like this on a review.

The D90 can use auto focus on lenses that do not have their own AF motor. For example, the Nikon 50mm 1.8 AF is an awesome, cheap lens, but lacks an AF motor. This is fine on a D90, but not on a D40/60/5000, as they don't have AF motors in the body.

It cannot meter AIS lenses though. For that, you need a D200/300/700 or a D3 (not sure if the D2 works). Even then you only get limited metering, not the full range of metering you normally get.

I've got a D90 and my only macro lens is an old AIS mount Tamron 90mm. It works fine for reef shots because our lights are relatively constant, but taking it outside would be frustrating.

 

[luisgo]

The AIS lenses have quality Nikon glass without the electronics. That is a very good explanation provided by TWallace on compatibility.

It is a good lens for static objects more than for fast moving fish because of the manual focus. For corals is excellent mounted in a tripod. Anyway for static objects is better to use manual focusing.

This is like driving a manual vs. automatic car. Once you get the trick you don't notice the difference.

 

[AcroSteve]

Manual focus and no mettering but excelent glass. I use one with my D60 and get superb macro shots.

I understand the problem with the focusing, but how would the lens limit the metering?

Isn't the sensor for the metering in the camera body?

I have a D200 and am looking for a macro lens.

 

[luisgo]

This is what I found doing some googling. For some reason my D60 will not metter but your D200 will.

Check this compatibility article

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm