Fascinated by Macro.....

welshgirl21

welshgirl21

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Sarah
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and I haven't even picked up my first D-SLR camera yet :lol: but I can't help looking at all the Macro shots on here, it fascinates me and something I'd love to learn.

I'm getting my Nikon D70 tomorrow and next month after some saving I'd love to get a Macro lens second hand to photograph insects, flowers and water droplets - any recommendations? Have read a lot about the Sigma 105mm macro, suitable for a Nikon D70? :thinking:

Me thinks I'm getting ahead of myself :eek:
 
the sigma 105mm is an excellent macro lens on a budget.

Also have a look into the tamron 90mm, another superb lens.

Also, look into flash and/or a tripod.

If you're photographing flowers, you'll need a tripod really so that you aren't limited by shutter speeds (unless it's windy).

Insects, handheld in natural light can be hit and miss. Most insect photographers use flash so that they can get the flexibility of handholding, even when the light isn't good.
 
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Wow Dazzler, those shots are amazing and just what I'd want to achieve and can't get over the price of the Raynox too.

Now about the flash?? Another new area for me - any particular one for the D70 Macro work?
 
My kit lens is a 18-70mm, presumably that would work with the attachment?

Sorry, it's like 20 questions at the moment.
 
Sarah the cheapest intro to close up and macro is a set of close up lenses off Ebay.

They simply screw onto the front of your camera's lens like a filter.

Also don't forget that the pics you see on here take a lot of practice and know how.

And quite a bit of disappointment when you first start because of blurred pics, out of focus etc.

But good luck with it.

I love it!

.
 
Hi Sarah!

If your lovin the macro and fancy a bit of a challenge, have a go with some reverse lens macro!

It's really fantastic but notoriously tricky to master, the really good news is that it's one of the cheapest options.

I wrote a little about it here on my blog if your interested, (Nikon based though):

http://www.tomaswhitehouse.com/2009/09/05/reverse-lens-macro/

T.
 
Have a look at this thread for some ideas on flash. Personally i'd stay away from ebay filters but the Raynox is a good alternative - you could also use a set of Kenko auto tubes with your kit lens which will allow macro shots without loss of quality, and if you get a macro lens they will work well with that also - D70s & Siggy 105mm my first macro setup!
 
Dogfish_magnet said:
Have a look at this thread for some ideas on flash. Personally i'd stay away from ebay filters but the Raynox is a good alternative - you could also use a set of Kenko auto tubes with your kit lens which will allow macro shots without loss of quality, and if you get a macro lens they will work well with that also - D70s & Siggy 105mm my first macro setup!
Click to expand...

I disagree about Ebay close up lenses as I have got some very good results very cheaply on my 350D kit lens with these lenses - but in Sarah's case I do have to agree and take back my recommendation.

The filter size of her kit lens is 67mm which is a bit too large for simple close up lenses which work much better at smaller filter sizes- 57mm etc.

As to Kenko auto tubes - I have a set which I bought S/H on here and they are excellent on my kit lens and Macro lens (100mm).

I have never used a Raynox so can't comment.

.
 
I ordered the raynox dcr-250 from amazon at the start of the week and cannot wait to get a play around with it. From what i have been reading it is not very forgiving so it may take a bit of playing around with to get the best result!.
 
I've had a glance on google and ebay - there is a Nikon Sb-80 flash which is reasonably priced; will need to read up on difusers and 'bouncing and reflecting the light' though. Also the Kenko tubes are a bit out of my price range at the moment, but like the sound of the Raynox; do I need a flash to use the Raynox?
 
Hi sarah
I am pretty new to macro in fact very new, have used a Raynox on a 18-105 kit lens without flash as some of my first attempts and was able to get some results but had to get very close to the subjects, a tripod would be more than usefull as would a flash but it's possible without, and I got some vignetting when I opened the main lens aperture out. All in all though a good cheap intro, I now have a 60mm Nikon micro but wished I had gone for something like a Sigma 180 to move the camera away from the subject. Still it's all fascinating stuff with a steep learning curve needing lots of patience.

Good luck
 
You don't 'need' flash.

I used a DCR250 on my S9600 fuji for while, and never used flash, just a tripod. It's a bit limiting sometimes, but when you hit a sweet spot with the sun just poking out from behind a cloud, you can get fantastically lit pictures.

If you don't want the inconvenience of lugging around/setting up a tripod, flash is pretty essential.
 
Reading on the Macro section a ring flash seems to be more recommended for Macro shots so I may look into that as I'd only really want the flash for Macro (bugs, flowers and water drops) work.

I assume I can use a Raynox DCR-250 with my 18-70mm kit lens?

This whole process is a steep learning curve for me at the moment lol, I like the look of the Sigma 105mm Macro too, but that'll be when money allows ;)
 
welshgirl21 said:
Reading on the Macro section a ring flash seems to be more recommended for Macro shots so I may look into that as I'd only really want the flash for Macro (bugs, flowers and water drops) work.

I assume I can use a Raynox DCR-250 with my 18-70mm kit lens?

This whole process is a steep learning curve for me at the moment lol, I like the look of the Sigma 105mm Macro too, but that'll be when money allows ;)
Click to expand...

Yes you will be able to use the Raynox it has a spring loaded clamp that allows it to be fitted to a range of lenses, bit Heath Robinson but it works.
 
A ring flash will be serious money, but a good investment. I can personaly reccomend the Sigma 105mm macro and the Tamron 90mm macro.
The Sigma feels better built, but the Tamron produced some great results.
 
Hi Sarah, run before you can walk . . . :lol: we all try it, and no cash either . . . :nono:

I'm no great shakes at macro, although I do dabble, when the mood takes me. I have tried various ways but not the dedicated macro lens rout, no cash, and as I'm not so fascinated, I cant justify the money in my mind :shrug:

I've got some of the macro filters, they work best on smaller lenses, in my case I used them on a Panasonic G1 52mm lens front. I tried them on my 18-70, not so good IMHO. I have a set of Kenko tubes, limited success on the 18-70, the lens has to get to close to the subject!

Never used a Ranox 250, however, if I was 'splashing the cash', at the price I think its the best solution, not perfect but I'd give it a go.

However, the cheapest 'way in', is use the superb 'sharp' capabilities of your 18-70, at full 70mm, get up close, the camera will tell you when you are to close, and when it gives 'in focus', back off an inch, refocus then press the shutter, job don. I then cheat and crop into the picture with PS Elements v.7. It has already been said, closeups and macro are very unforgiving so be prepared for some frustration.

Results are OK by my standards, here are some samples:

D80/18-70mm tight crop
flyrwDSC_1402-1.jpg


D5000/18-70mm tight crop
8002ndcropYellowroserwDSC_0233copy_edited-2.jpg


D5000/18-70 tight crop
8001PeonierwDSC_0236copy_edited-1.jpg


D40x 18-70 tight crop, the flower is not much bigger than a glass headed pin . . .
RomanWallflowerrwDSC_0631_edited-1.jpg



Nothing exciting to the macro specialist, but I get satisfaction from them, they will not blow up much, but then, I only view on the computer screen. Its a way in while you get your feet under the table and learn to walk :thumbs:

My only concern would be how tight you can crop in on the D70 picture with its 6mp sensor before 'jaggies' become visible? :thinking: By the way I have not used any flash, you risk getting a shadow from the lens, a ring or remote flash is best if you become serious.

Just my two-penneth and my personal opinion . . .

CJS
 
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They're really good shots, I like them.

At the moment I'm liking the sound of the 105mm, but will have to wait til next payday :(
 
You do not need a fancy flash to get good results for macro up to 1:1. The on board flash works fine as long as you diffuse it to spread the light. Here is a diffuser I made from a 2 litre plastic milk bottle:


Nikon D50 Flash diffuser by jomike, on Flickr

And the result, using a D50 (same sensor as your D70), diffused on board flash and a Tamron 90mm macro.


Crab Spider with Hoverfly prey by jomike, on Flickr
 
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