A bit of advice please guys...

antihero

antihero

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Paul
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Yes, its another lens thread relating to close up/macro lenses.

I've managed to turn out some nice close up shots with my D40x's kit lens (18-55mm), but i yearn for that little bit more! I was just wondering what lenses apart from the 105 & 150 mm Sigma's would you recommend (looking for something on the cheap for now)?

Seen the Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G going for £99 refurbished. Would that be a good, low cost choice?

I'm still trying to get to grip with my lens choice. I know that i can't have my cake and eat it as far as price vs autofocus on the D40X, but i was just wondering what the best choices for my pounds will be? can anyone please help out?

Paul
 
No, the lens you have identified is really better for normal telephoto work.

To get up close, SERIOUSLY, up close, a dedicated macro lens, preferably with a 1:1 ratio is what you need.

Save your money, anything less than a dedicated lens (the Sigmas you mention are terrific) and you'll not be happy for long with the results.

Cheers,
James
 
I seriously would save up and look at getting something like the 105mm Sigma. AF is pointless when doing macro work, but don't also forget that a macro lens will double up as a very effective telephoto prime lens, where AF might be usefull. Ive used my 150mm Sigma (which i love) on my D40X for birdphotography (including mid flight shots where the AF was essential) as well as portrait photography, and its sharpness can't be beaten.
 
Messiah Khan said:
I seriously would save up and look at getting something like the 105mm Sigma. AF is pointless when doing macro work, but don't also forget that a macro lens will double up as a very effective telephoto prime lens, where AF might be usefull. Ive used my 150mm Sigma (which i love) on my D40X for birdphotography (including mid flight shots where the AF was essential) as well as portrait photography, and its sharpness can't be beaten.
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Thanks, think i'll save then! Am i right in thinking that the 105mm Sigma wont AF on the D40X?

In the meantime i've just spent a couple of quid on those screw on closeup lenses, they will have to do until;

a. I've sold some stuff on ebay (anyone want to buy a psp or a dreamcast? :lol:)
b. I've payed off the 10-20mm Sigma i've just bought :doh: i just cant help it)

Thanks for all the advice.
 
Richard said:
I use AF all the time :shrug:
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I would really recommend trying to switch it to MF, then rocking the camera backwards and forward to achieve focus. I tend to find that if using AF when doing 1:1 macro work, the camera often gtes confused and starts seeking due to the nature of the subject. Just my 2p

antihero said:
Thanks, think i'll save then! Am i right in thinking that the 105mm Sigma wont AF on the D40X?

In the meantime i've just spent a couple of quid on those screw on closeup lenses, they will have to do until;

a. I've sold some stuff on ebay (anyone want to buy a psp or a dreamcast? :lol:)
b. I've payed off the 10-20mm Sigma i've just bought :doh: i just cant help it)

Thanks for all the advice.
Click to expand...

Ah, good point. I thought it was a HSM lens for some reason. Here's a list of lenses that will Autofocus on the D40/D40x (excludes AF-I lenses)

Nikon

Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED AF-S
Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR
Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED AF-S
Nikkor 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED II AF-S
Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED II
Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E II

Sigma

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO HSM
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG ASP
Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX ASP HSM
Sigma 14mm f/2.8 EX ASP HSM
Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG APO RF HSM
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM
Sigma 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO EX OS
Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX APO IF HSM
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM
Sigma 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro IF HSM
Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX DG APO IF HSM
Sigma 800mm f/5.6 EX DG APO HSM
Click to expand...

I know the feeling btw, ive recently bought the 10-20mm as well. Got my eye on the 50-500 now.:thinking: :)
 
thanks for the help, going to try and squeeze every last drop out of what i have until i can afford that 150 :). If only it would stop raining. :(
 
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