Macro

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blueearthling

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What equipment (lens/flashes/anything else that I dont know about) would be good for taking macro's on my D90.
Cheers.
 
Lenses: any lens that says it does 1:1 reproduction is a macro lens. Lenses that say "macro" but dont do 1:1 are telling a bit of a fib (thats most of them), what they mean is they focus closer than 1m, but dont give a true macro shot.

I dont know about Nikon lenses, but the sigma 105Macro is a damn fine lens, it does portrait too.

Flashes: True macro enthusiasts use macro (ring) flashes, but they cost heaps of wonga.
Almost any external flash will help, as with macro you lose a lot of light. If it is on an off shoe extension cable it'll be all the better, but you'll need an extra hand to hold it (or juggle like I do).
 
blueearthling said:
What equipment (lens/flashes/anything else that I dont know about) would be good for taking macro's on my D90.
Cheers.
Click to expand...

don't know much about the D90,but i'd imagine it'll be as for any camera.a good macro lens would be a must have for true macro 1:1,and what focal length will depend on what you intend to shoot.a flash is really a must have,with a macro/ring flash the best type to get,but if like me,you don't intend to do that much macro..you could use a hot shoe flashgun wireless,which i find does the trick.

if possible,mount your camera on a tripod,and use a cable release to avoid camera shake..

i'm far from experienced though,and i'm sure someone will be along to explain it all better...

hope this helps
 
For my own macro, I have the Nikkor 105vr f2.8 micro, a truly outstanding lens. I've heard only good things about the Sigma 105 and it's a little cheaper than the Nikon.
Light is the key to a good macro, the more the merrier. Again, I use an SB800 off camera as a master with the SB-R1 (twin SB-200's) either off camera or lens mounted as slaves.
I've also had some great results with 150w halogens (from B&Q) although it gets rather warm indoors.
The big question is your Budget?

Gary
 
A lot depends on your budget - personally i use a sigma 105mm macro - its light enough to hand hold and you can still get close enough to bugs , As for flash i have a SB600 with a lambency diffuser which i can use off camera and i also have a R1C1.

ahhh Gary beat me to it !
 
Any dedicated (1:1) macro lens will be fine - the D90's Live View will come into its own with Macro shots.

You just need to decide on which focal range is best for you.
 
A pic of my mouse wheel, yuk, with a Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8 all manual lens and about 30 - 40 years old, with cheap extension rings to see if it would work.
DSC_4254.jpg
 
Sigma also makes an affordable 150 mm macro that will give you greater working distance....which comes in useful if you're planning on shooting insects and other shy subjects where you need to keep your distance.
 
:thumbs: for the Sigma 150mm macro but it's ~£400 to £440 (but well worth it)
 
Personally Sigma 105mm, its hand holdable and gives excellent results - minimum focus distance 31.3cm and 460g whereas the 150mm is 895g and a minimum focus distace of 38cm. There's also a Sigma 105mmm for sale in the for sale section. (not me)
 
Dogfish_magnet said:
Personally Sigma 105mm, its hand holdable and gives excellent results - minimum focus distance 31.3cm and 460g whereas the 150mm is 895g and a minimum focus distace of 38cm. There's also a Sigma 105mmm for sale in the for sale section. (not me)
Click to expand...

I had a look on the for sale section but I couldn't see it. Any chance of a link to said item please?
 
lookup said:
:thumbs: for the Sigma 150mm macro but it's ~£400 to £440 (but well worth it)
Click to expand...
If you are willing to buy used then you can get one in mint condition for £300 (I know, I did - fantastic lens!)
 
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