purplereef
Active member
Hi Guys,
Just wondering what automatic focusing Macro lens I should get for my Nikon D40X camera? Thanks, Dan.
Just wondering what automatic focusing Macro lens I should get for my Nikon D40X camera? Thanks, Dan.
Which automatic Macro for my Nikon D40X?
- Thread starter purplereef
- Start date
maxalmon
New member
I have the same camera. You'll find that a majority of photographers use manual focus when doing macro work. There is an incredible amount difference in the details with respect to manual vs autofocus. When I first got into macro photography I purchased the Nikon 105mm AF VR lens, cost me a small fortune, it's a fantastic lens, but I never use the AF, it's always in manual.
Your also limited to which lens you can use if you seriously want AF and I think the 105mm is the only true macro lens.
Here's a good example of manual focus, no way could I capture these kinda images in autofocus
Your also limited to which lens you can use if you seriously want AF and I think the 105mm is the only true macro lens.
Here's a good example of manual focus, no way could I capture these kinda images in autofocus
purplereef
Active member
Hi Maxalmon. The chalice is the pink LE Tyree Watermelon. So you got the Nikkor 105mm and manually focus it? I was trying to research what lens to get and it seems a lot of people are using the Sigma 105mm lens. I just got my Nikon D40X, so I am a newbie to macro pictures. I know it will take a lot of time and practice to take great macro's but I need to get a good lens for my camera. Thanks for your help, Dan.
maxalmon
New member
Love the chalice, I've had my Tyree watermellon for a while, but it's the bright red/green.....Looks like I have another cahlice to track down...LOl
I was brand new at photography and knew absolutley nothing about cameras and lens, so my initial equipment purchases were based on what the sales guy told me, the other thing to remember when buying a macro lens is the "mm" anything under 75 is going to be very hard to use, as it's designed to be a very "close to the subject" lens or your corals will have to be almost up against the glass in order to get them into focus. General rule is anything over 100mm should be fine for aquarium macro photography. Also, there is no Macro Zoom lens, it's just a marketing hype.
I was brand new at photography and knew absolutley nothing about cameras and lens, so my initial equipment purchases were based on what the sales guy told me, the other thing to remember when buying a macro lens is the "mm" anything under 75 is going to be very hard to use, as it's designed to be a very "close to the subject" lens or your corals will have to be almost up against the glass in order to get them into focus. General rule is anything over 100mm should be fine for aquarium macro photography. Also, there is no Macro Zoom lens, it's just a marketing hype.
stdreb27
New member
I have a nikkor 105mm. That is a very good lenses. Just be ready to fork over 800 bucks. I'll agree with the previous poster. You want a macro, you are going to end up using manual focus. The problem is most lenses will go all the way in then out then back into focus. It is simpler and more precise if you use auto foucs. Some have a range switch to make the range of focus smaller.
maxalmon
New member
Guess I didn't answer your question, Yes, I shoot about 99% of my macro's in manual with the 105 AF lens. Might be the camera and sensor, but there is no way to capture this type of image quality in AF mode. My eye doc hates me, since i've become obsessed with macro work i've had to have my rx changed twice over the last 3 months. My OD says that photographers are a royal pain as they are hyper sensitive to visual perfection....LOL then I asked him why my vision wasn't perfect after 2 exams...
This is one of my best captures, notice the mouth....This is with the 105mm in m mode
This is one of my best captures, notice the mouth....This is with the 105mm in m mode
janakaybravo
New member
Is this Nikon D40X a good camera for a beginner to SLR? Should I just get the kit lens and manual focus or are you saying you need the 105 lens?
I'm trying to decide between this one and the Canon xti.
I'm trying to decide between this one and the Canon xti.
stdreb27
New member
I'm a big fan of the nikon. They are good cameras that offer good lenses.
As for the Macro lens It really depends what you are going to take pictures of. With fish you may not want to go full micro. I can't take a picture of my entire sailfin with my macro lens. But I can get a heck of a picture of his nose.
purplereef
Active member
Maxalmon, If you had to do it all over would you get a Sigma 105mm lens? I now understand AF is useless. But the VR on your Nikkor lens helps doesn't it? I am trying to get the best bang for my buck. I joined the Nikon web-site, which is full of great info. It seems like everybody on there is into blowing a lot of money on there camera gear. They are like we are on here with our reef tanks. Dan.
Canarygirl
New member
If you sell me your 105 mm lens, you can use the money for college.
stdreb27
New member
lol, I'm already finished May 07. And there is no way, I love that lense. Besides, being a gigalow is quote lucrative.:bum:<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11829864#post11829864 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Canarygirl
If you sell me your 105 mm lens, you can use the money for college.
But heck that lense would have paid for 2 classes. I need to get good with it, and start taking pictures of something other than my fish. My brother has begun shooting his friends weddings. He has gone to LA, Chicago, all over the place for free. What is funny, one of the friends paid several grand for a "professional" and they ended up using my bro's pictures, and not ordering any from the "professional."
luisgo
Member
I have a D40x and I am looking for a Nikon 105mm macro manual focus AIS lens. They sell for around $250 used. It is a film lens but will work on the D40. Not sure if mettering will work but for taking pics of corals you can use trial and error setting the light.
Quality of that lens is excellent and the VR is not necessary when you use a tripod.
Please let me know if I am correct about my understanding.
Quality of that lens is excellent and the VR is not necessary when you use a tripod.
Please let me know if I am correct about my understanding.
Canarygirl
New member
Wow, that's a heck of a lot more appealing than paying $800+ for a new one. I wonder if it would work on a D80???
maxalmon
New member
Same here.........Since I purchased all my equipment at the same time........ D40 Body, 18-55MM, 55-200MM VR & 105MM VR I really have no need for another lens as I'm kinda covered...I haven't done much research into other lens but If I had to do it over again I would have gotten just the Kit (body & 15-55 lens) and then played around for a while and researched lens... I would more than likely still purchase the 55-200 VR as it's a great outdoor and all around good, zoom lens.....I'm not sure if I would purchase the 105MM VR as it was almost $800, might have gotten a different brand....I may go ahead and purchase the 18-135MM lens
My Sigma lenses are paper weights since buying the Nikon VR 105 micro macro. day and night difference now saving for the 55-200 VR next. there is a Nikon 60MM Micro macro that is pretty damn nice also for around $430.00 I sprung for the 105 and it is the best lens I've ever used it makes me look good. the best unexpected benefit was the Pic's taken at a party, incredible shots. The lens won't come off until I get the 55-200 VR. Don't get the Sigma or Tamron, I've seen point and shoots that will do a better job.
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