Macro Lens Question

gemini

gemini

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Hi Everyone

I really like the macro shots I’ve seen on here and would like to have a go at taking some myself.

I’ve got the Nikon D90 with 18-105mm kit lens and my question is this:

Do I need to buy a Macro lens – if so, which one would be a decent one to get?

Or ……

I've been reading about the Raynox DCR-250 lens and wondered if this would be a better option. Could someone tell me if I would be able to attach one of these to the lens I already have, or do I need to buy a specific lens to attach it to?

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but I’m new to DSLR.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Alison :)
 
Hiya Dave

Thanks for the quick response.

So I could just clip the Raynox to the front of the lens I already have?

Do you know if this gives as good results as a pure macro lens?

Alison :)
 
gemini said:
Hiya Dave


So I could just clip the Raynox to the front of the lens I already have?

yes

Do you know if this gives as good results as a pure macro lens?

maybe, maybe not :D
Click to expand...

it all depends on what results your after Alison. Have a search for "dcr 250" in the macro forum.
A dcr-250 will get you a good taste for macro for a small price
 
gemini said:
Hiya Dave

Thanks for the quick response.

So I could just clip the Raynox to the front of the lens I already have?

Do you know if this gives as good results as a pure macro lens?

Alison :)
Click to expand...

Alison - You will get decent results from the Raynox but it will not be as good as a dedicated macro lens - If you visit flickr (or the other photo sites) and search for 'Raynox' '250' and whatever lens you have say '18-55' you will see examples of pics taken with that combination - Some stunning images!
HTH ... Paul
 
PaulBoy said:
Alison - You will get decent results from the Raynox but it will not be as good as a dedicated macro lens
Click to expand...

also a dedicated lens will get better results, but not if you don't have it with you :)
I find the dcr 250 is a nice tool to have in the camera bag, just in case some nice beastie crosses my path
 
Alison, I've no experience of a dedicated macro lens, but the DCR250 is working well for me, and it was much cheaper than a dedicated macro lens and is useful experience. As Dave says it's also small and easily fits in the bag. With my 450d (I think it's a similar sensor size to the D90) on my 55-250 lens, I get 1:1 (Macro) at about 100mm.
 
Thanks everyone for your good advice.

I think I'll look into getting a Raynox first to see how I get on with macro.

Would you all say that Ebay is the best place for me to get one or is there anywhere else you can recommend?

Alison :)
 
I got mine from ebay, a seller in Poland.
 
Do you need a dedicated macro lens?:thinking:

Okay, you can start with a screw-in close-up lens such as the raynox (search EPay on close-up lens) which will screw onto the end of your existing lens but may need an adapter if the two aren't of the same diameter.

Or you can start with a set of extension tubes (they tend to come in sets of 3) which fit 'twixt body and lens. Some of these allow the lens and the body to talk to each other, the sets which cost about £5 don't.

Either way, you need to think about Manual Focus rather than AF and all the other usual macro techniques and settings. Play, play and practice.

Then you can decide whether you need a dedicated macro lens.:clap:
 
tikkathreebarrel said:
Do you need a dedicated macro lens?:thinking:

Okay, you can start with a screw-in close-up lens such as the raynox (search EPay on close-up lens) which will screw onto the end of your existing lens but may need an adapter if the two aren't of the same diameter.

Or you can start with a set of extension tubes (they tend to come in sets of 3) which fit 'twixt body and lens. Some of these allow the lens and the body to talk to each other, the sets which cost about £5 don't.

Either way, you need to think about Manual Focus rather than AF and all the other usual macro techniques and settings. Play, play and practice.

Then you can decide whether you need a dedicated macro lens.:clap:
Click to expand...

Thanks for this - I'll have a look into extension tubes as well now.

Alison :)
 
The cheap ebay tubes don't allow you to control the lens, as they are just that tubes. So if you are wanting to set the aperture to something like f11, you have to use the DOF Preview button and whilst holding it down, remove the lens otherwise the lens will be wide open.
 
jgs001 said:
The cheap ebay tubes don't allow you to control the lens, as they are just that tubes. So if you are wanting to set the aperture to something like f11, you have to use the DOF Preview button and whilst holding it down, remove the lens otherwise the lens will be wide open.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info John.

I think I like the look of the Raynox idea to have a play with :D

Alison :)
 
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