Macro for a Nikon (D60), what lense?

[Cliotoby]

Just had a read through some Nikon lense reviews. Some seem reasonable and some seem f**king horrendously expensive. Id like one but on a budget as I quite enjoy macro photography (or used to).

I get the impression I should be looking at zoom-able 105mm+. But theyre well into 4 figures.

Is there any way of doing macro shots on a budget? I dont intend to photograph insects so I guess I could get up close in which case a cheaper one might be OK? I found a cheap 40mm macro Nikon lense but I read the working distance is 6 inches or something. Other lenses are ok for 6 foot but are like £500 which I dont really want to spend. I certainly wouldnt want to invest £1500.

 

[Tigger]

60mm Nikkor AF Micro f2.8 would be your best bet, great wee lens

 

[Cliotoby]

Cheers. Seems a reasonable price. No zoom which I guess isnt a big deal? Also no AF on my D60.

 

[Tigger]

For macro I wouldn't worry about zoom, prime lenses will be sharper anyway in most cases and for macro (I've not done much but I normally use MF anyway, on the D90 or the D3

Also a great portrait lens

 

[Cliotoby]

What do you think about this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005C50H2Y/?tag=cliospnet01-21

i get the impression I will have to be very close to what I want to photograph.

I cant decide if that's a problem. I dont want to photograph live insects and s**t and I only photograph in broad daylight, so lighting might not be an issue.

Some reviews rekon once focused there's maybe an inch between the subject and the camera lens.

 

[Cliotoby]

I bought that in the end should arrive tomorrow. If I dont like it ill sell. I may sell the D60 and buy a D7000 too.

 

[Leeshez]

I bought that in the end should arrive tomorrow. If I dont like it ill sell. I may sell the D60 and buy a D7000 too.

Post your picture results up. I am after one too. Thanks Lee.

 

[Cliotoby]

Ill let you know mate.

Cant justify £600 on a 105mm macro lens.

 

[Cliotoby]

Seems to be OK.

 

[The Fatty]

I made my own by putting another ring on the other end of my existing lens. Cost me less than a pound. Heres the results...

Digitally zoom to show distortions etc...

 

[Cliotoby]

Post your picture results up. I am after one too. Thanks Lee.

I think the 40mm lens seems to get in its own way sometimes. Its great for Bokeh actually and produces some crisp images (Well I think it could potentially but Im a noob):

DSC_0106 by TheBlackAvenger, on Flickr

The problem is with closeups or what I believe to be 'proper macro' lol. If you want to get into closer detail like I have with the following images (or tried) the lens can become VERY close to the subject. I swear theres like an inch between subject and lens at about 1:1 ffs.

DSC_0147 by TheBlackAvenger, on Flickr

DSC_0145 by TheBlackAvenger, on Flickr

DSC_0140 by TheBlackAvenger, on Flickr

DSC_0139 by TheBlackAvenger, on Flickr

Have a read of this if youre interested in this particular lens because I agree with what he says about it:

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/40mm-f28.htm

The Nikon 40mm f/2.8 DX G AF-S is a fantastic normal lens with extreme close-focus ability. Get it if ultra-close focus ability is important to you in a normal lens.

This 40mm lens is not a good idea if you plan to use it for dedicated macro use. For serious macro use, get at least a 105mm macro lens for sanity's sake. Personally, I and everyone else serious about macro use 180mm or 200mm macro lenses.​

Considering getting one of these quite soon now as I think the extra working distance could be useful....But Im going to do a bit more digging again first.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/100mm-f28.htm
​

 

[Leeshez]

Thanks for that. I am tempted to buy one.

 

[Hixle]

Seems good for the price mate! Images seem nice and sharp.

 

[Cliotoby]

I quite like it, I just have an issue with the working distance thats all. I think Ill be keeping it for now, unless I decide to buy a 100mm lens.

 

[Cliotoby]

Tokina 100mm f/2.8......

What think?

Prices vary. £250 ebay? Bit expensive? More than I want to pay for a macro lens but would do. reviews are good but dont think itll auto focus on my D60.

 

[Ay Ay Ron]

Does the Sigma 105mm f2.8 come for Nikon? Mrs has it for her Canon and its a nice lens. Not sure how much she paid for it bit I don't think it was that expensive.