Looking for a Nikon Macro Lens

[Steelmagnet]

Hi all

I know nothing about macro photography, but suddenly I have to photograph some very small pieces of chocolate...

Armed with a D700, what would the forum recommend as an inexpensive solution please?

Ideally it would be a 35mm with macro facility, as my lens line-up could do with such a focal length. However, I suspect that 60mm is where it's at.

Thanks
Steve

 

[James J]

Extension tubes with a current decent quality prime? Reverse mounting? Raynox 250 macro adapter? Theres a few choices, depending on what kit you currently own.

 

[Steelmagnet]

Thanks James

I have a Nikon 50mmf1.4 AF-S, a 24mm AF-D, an 85mm AF-D and a Siggy 120-300 f2.8

I used to have a 24-70mm f2.8 but I sold that to you.

 

[ecniv]

nikon 105mm micro (either d or the newer vr models)

Possibly (or worth a borrow) :
- tamron 90mm
- sigma 105mm
- sigma 150mm - more working distance (eg dangerous things/skittish insects)
- sigma 180mm - even more working distance (eg dangerous things/skittish insects)


There is a 60mm, but I thought the working distance (you to bug/item) is smaller, and on ff it will be even smaller.

Also you can combo the lens with extension tubes, either fully manual, or the more expensive af/contacts with allow the camera to continue to control the lens.

With the 105mm micro nikkor d, you have the manual setting on the lens for aperture and for focus (not sure you get that with the vr models).

Probably best if you can meet up with local people and have a play before investing as the lenses are all around 400-600ukp (even used).

On a d300, the link to the 105mm (and extension tubes) pictures is in the signature...

 

[matt83]

I use the Nikkor 105mm VR and think its the business! Use it for my insect and reptile shots but it also makes a good portrait lens. MPB has a few at good prices.
The shorter focal lengths (40mm,60mm) are good but the working distance is so small it can be a real struggle to achieve good lighting and this also makes them rubbish for skittish subjects (doubt chocolate will give you too mush hassle in that department though )
Save and get the 105 VR as its stupidly sharp and very versiltile. You wont regret it!

 

[architectfadi]

I use the Nikkor 105mm VR and think its the business! Use it for my insect and reptile shots but it also makes a good portrait lens. MPB has a few at good prices.
The shorter focal lengths (40mm,60mm) are good but the working distance is so small it can be a real struggle to achieve good lighting and this also makes them rubbish for skittish subjects (doubt chocolate will give you too mush hassle in that department though )
Save and get the 105 VR as its stupidly sharp and very versiltile. You wont regret it!

+1

 

[James J]

I also own and love the 105mm VR, but if the OP isn't going to use macro shots often, or has a budget thats limited, a £450+ lens is a pricey purchase. If its a one off job, look at the raynox macro adapters as they are less than 1/10th of the cost of the 105 VR second hand and would allow very close up shots of what you need.

 

[Phil Young]

Hi all

I know nothing about macro photography, but suddenly I have to photograph some very small pieces of chocolate...

Armed with a D700, what would the forum recommend as an inexpensive solution please?

Ideally it would be a 35mm with macro facility, as my lens line-up could do with such a focal length. However, I suspect that 60mm is where it's at.

Thanks
Steve

Extension tubes are the quality to go in your case Steve.

Take a sharp prime that gives you a 1:4 / 1:5 max magnification ratio and use the rings on it.

I've owned the 105mm VR and it is amazing... but I'm not sure it will have much benefit to you right now over other, cheaper options.

 

[yslim88]

im using a tamron 90! but on a D7000 though. I would think you would need to think about your angle of view for your chocolate macros, if you want to consider a 60mm macro lens. I use mine for insects, thus a longer focal length

 

[Jetl3on]

Oops ignore that. you have a D700, not D7000.