Going a bit Macro!

DavidUK

DavidUK

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Ok folks, haven't posted for some time, hope everyone is well and had a good break over Christmas and New Year... :)

I'm thinking of having a play with some Macro photography. Can anyone recommend a not too expensive, budget-esk Macro lens for my D70?

:D
 
I use a Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro with my D70. IIRC its the best of its length, unless you want to spend a lot more on a Nikon.

If you want less focal length, there is a Nikon 60mm which is good. If more length is required, try the Sigma 150mm or 180mm versions.

I find 105m is a useful length. It is just about long enough for insects, but not too long for everything else.

Let me guess, youve just seen the pic Steve posted in Photo Sharing?

HTH. :)
 
Joe T said:
I use a Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro with my D70. IIRC its the best of its length, unless you want to spend a lot more on a Nikon.

If you want less focal length, there is a Nikon 60mm which is good. If more length is required, try the Sigma 150mm or 180mm versions.

I find 105m is a useful length. It is just about long enough for insects, but not too long for everything else.

Let me guess, youve just seen the pic Steve posted in Photo Sharing?

HTH. :)
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...to be honest I haven't, but I will take a look!

I'm just considering getting one to have a play! how much is that Sigma 105mm?
 
Joe T said:
Onestop (from HK) £229 (includes VAT and postage)
Warehouse Express £279 (plus del)

Mine came from a HK ebay seller.
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..I'm guessing macro lenses can't be got on the cheap then! I was hoping to spend about half that.

(I am trying to find a stop-gap to prevent me giving into the temptation of the Sigma 10-20mm at £330 notes!)

:confused:
 
The macro lens that I use with my D70 is a Nikkor 60mm Micro lens....I love it and that lens is one of the reasons I am now living with Barry ;)
 
The Micro-Nikkor 55mm manual-focus is one of the best around and should be pick-uppable second-hand quite cheap.
 
DavidUK said:
(I am trying to find a stop-gap to prevent me giving into the temptation of the Sigma 10-20mm at £330 notes!)

:confused:
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No chance....check out latest shots here & here with the Sigma ;) Cracking lens & extremely sharp :)
 
milou said:
Just bought: 1 x Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens - hey ho.
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Onestop-digital matey?
 
milou said:
Just bought: 1 x Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens - hey ho.
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Ah ha, Just bought the Sigma 150mm.:thumb:

sigma-box.jpg
 
milou said:
N1 - isn't that a weighty piece of kit?
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It has the tripod ring on the lens and balances nice on the tripod, Some peeps shoot a bit of macro hand held, I haven't mastered that trick yet..:(

The monopod is a useful tool for close up work among the bugs though..:)
 
Ah cheers. Must admit I've bought in preparation for Spring - there's a windmill near Southampton with a nice millpond - and to give myself a chance to get used to it. The 150mm has some pretty good write-ups.
 
busterboy said:
It has the tripod ring on the lens and balances nice on the tripod, Some peeps shoot a bit of macro hand held, I haven't mastered that trick yet..:(
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I generally try to have my tripod with me but it's a bit restricting for a lot of bugs, there's a couple of techniques I use.

1. Set the tripod up but rather than attaching the camera use it to rest your arm on, this is useful for subjects that are moving around over a small area.

2. These instructions are for Canon kit but I expect there's a way to do similar with Nikon etc.

Mount a flash near the end of the lens, this has to be dedicated to get the maximum flexibility. In Manual mode set the fastest sync speed and a suitable (aperture f16 - f22 is a good starting point). Using TTL Metering the camera then determines the amount of flash required to get a "proper" exposure and fires appropriately.

Then pre-focus the lens and move in over the subject, take the shot as it comes into focus. The short shutter speed should help to minimise any subject movement or camera shake. Some of my best bug shots were taken this way.

cheers

Daniel
 
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