Which lens should I use for macros 18-55VR or 22-200 VR?

[kmu]

Hi there, I have a Nikon D90 with the 18-55 VR and 50-200 VR lens kit.

I havent openend the 50-200mm VR lens box because I was looking into buying a 300mm lens and selling this one has a brand new in box lens.

Would the 50-200 VR lens take better close up macros VS the 18-55 lens?

 

[bmwardo]

Sorry to bust your bubble, but neither, they are not Macro lenses. You will find that their minimum focusing distance far exceeds that required to get sharp macro results. If you have already tried taking closeups with either lens you will see that the images are very soft.

With a D90 you should be able to pickup old Nikon manual focus macro lenses at a decent price or check out:

Sigma AF 105mm f/2.8 EX macro DG
Sigma AF 150mm f/2.8 APO EX HSM macro DG D
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro
Tamron AF 180mm f/3.5 SP Di LD [IF] macro
Tokina AF 100mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro D macro
Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR

 

[InLimbo87]

The 18-55 actually has a pretty impressive macro focus, although not nearly to the point of any of the dedicated macro lenses. I'd say the 18-55 would serve you better...

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have those lenses (( with a D60 )), with the 55-200 lens, I have to be about 8 feet away to even get anything in focus -- that lens it better for taking shots from far away, but won't work for a macro. The 18-55 will be better, but not great for marco. Like "bmwardo" mentioned they will be very soft, and a bit blurry -- at least in my experiences.

This is the best marco shot I have been able to get with the 18-55 lens -- didn't use a tripod, which didn't help with it being blurry.

 

[Toddrtrex]

To add about the 55-200 lens, and it being better for distant shots...
Here are two pictures I took last summer (( in the Tetons )), I was in the same spot for both shots.

This one has a 55mm focal length,

And this one has a 200mm focal length (( again I was in the same spot, and the big horn was still the same distance away ))

 

[kmu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15128563#post15128563 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bmwardo
Sorry to bust your bubble, but neither, they are not Macro lenses. You will find that their minimum focusing distance far exceeds that required to get sharp macro results. If you have already tried taking closeups with either lens you will see that the images are very soft.

With a D90 you should be able to pickup old Nikon manual focus macro lenses at a decent price or check out:

Sigma AF 105mm f/2.8 EX macro DG
Sigma AF 150mm f/2.8 APO EX HSM macro DG D
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP macro
Tamron AF 180mm f/3.5 SP Di LD [IF] macro
Tokina AF 100mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro D macro
Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR

Where would be a good place online to buy them? which one out of the lens mentioned above be the best bang for your buck when on a low budget?

THX again

 

[usfpaul82]

I bought a used sigma 105mm at keh.com for 260.

 

[xtm]

best bang for the buck would be the Tamron 90mm Macro at B&H. $399 after rebate.

OR....................

A used 60mm Micro Nikkor AF-D for around $250, or a used 105mm Micro AF-D for around $400. Take note I said AF-D, not the current AF-S, G series. Your D90 will AF and meter these old Micro Nikkors just fine.

If you're on a budget you can try the Canon (yes, Canon) 500D macro diopter for your 18-55 and 55-200. Not the same as a dedicated macro lens though.