Nikon D40 - how much will a good macro REALLY cost

Logzor

Logzor

New member
Ok folks. Ive seen everything from 300 to 800. I want to take beautiful macros of my corals. What do I REALLY need and what is the best way to go as far as brand, lens type, etc?

I think I want the 100mm as that is what most seem to use? Keep in mind this is a nikon and does not have the motor in the camera.
 
for macro you don't really use the af anyways, manual is always better.
go with the nikon 105mm, doesn't have to be the vr version.
 
The newer/higher end models in the Nikon lineup do have a motor built into the body...just clarification for clarification's sake.

The Nikon 105mm is excellent, but you will probably be able to get similarly high quality photos out of the Tamron 90mm.
 
I love my Tamron 90mm macro, great bang for the buck. I am getting better at using the manual focus on my D40 here is a sample image:

2680074053_41ff4e3015_o.jpg
 
The Tamron 90 has been updated to a new version which contains an AF motor and so will AF in the D40. Any of the macros in the 100mm range would be an excellent choice: Tamron 90, Tokina 100, Sigma 105 and Nikon 105 VR (or the older non-VR version). The lowest price is going to be around $400 for a new lens, perhaps cheaper for a second-hand one.
 
Thanks for the info 400 is around my price range but I keep seeing ones for 800+ I will check out the recommended ones!

Thanks!
 
The Nikon 105mm VR micro is closer to $750 than $500. If you can find the non-VR version of this lens, it might be closer to $500 but, it isn't sold in major stores like B&H so you would likely have to shop second-hand. BTW, the B&H current prices for the three non-Nikon lens I listed are: $450, $400 and $394. Any of them would be an excellent choice.
 
Yeah I can not justify the 800 lens. I can not find that nikon for 500. Maybe some hack shop from NY for that price.

The tamron sounds like a good choice.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14074214#post14074214 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Logzor
Yeah I can not justify the 800 lens. I can not find that nikon for 500. Maybe some hack shop from NY for that price.

The tamron sounds like a good choice.
Click to expand...

I have been very happy with it and if it can autofocus now on the D40 thats even a bigger bonus.
 
I snagged a used Sigma 150 off Ebay for $500. Looks like it was never used. And it is a lovely thing, even if it is a bit heavy.
 
What is the difference between the 90mm and 150mm. Can the 150 get a much closer/wider shot or can you not really notice?
 
The biggest difference is working distance. The 150 will give you more room, which is important if you want to photograph bugs and skittish critters. Not so important with coral photos. Also, this difference is not huge, we're talking on the order of 4-5inches.

Obviously, using it as a non macro lens will give different fields of view.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14084079#post14084079 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Logzor
Thanks for the info.

Is this the 105mm im looking for?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIKON-MICRO-NIK...ARCO-LENS_W0QQitemZ350147558078QQcmdZViewItem
Click to expand...

I believe that AIS lenses will not meter on a D40 (or most Nikon DSLRs in fact). You probably want this lens instead. I've got a 24mm AIS lens that I use for astrophotography. It will not meter on my D50, but since I always use manual mode for astrophotography, it's not an issue. I'd definitely not get an AIS micro lens, though.
 
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