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View Full Version : Macro lens or not......


WaterMarc
9th June 2008, 02:29 PM
Hi all,

As I mentioned in my intro, my lense collection is a motley crew of digi and none digi that I have come across in my couple of years back into photography. I dont have a dedicated macro lense, just what came on the kit lense (Nikon DX Nikkor 18-55) and I bought a digital Sigma 18-200 with macro, but to get really close I have to add a a 2X tele converter, closeup +8 DT, and then for good measure a super wide macro add on .!! Obviously these 3 extra peices of glass are doing me no favours apart from getting closer and its next to useless unless I´m outside in the bright sunshine. (luckily for me thats just about 365 days of the year!)

The stunning quality of the macro photos on this site is truly amazing and its obvious you guys know what you are doing. What would you all consider the main considerations in choosing a dedicated macro lense ? Is a ring flash the only way to get a close up subject well lit? Whats the thing I´ve read a bit about, about turning a normal lense backwards, is that a pukka technique or a gimmick?

Sorry if the questions have been posed before but I have been reading the forum for 3 days solid now and my eyes are sore looking for the answers in previous posts...........learnt some great stuff along the way though, what a great resource for us beginners to have so many pros imparting such sound advice.

Heres an attempt at a couple of macro shot using my setup.

WaterMarc
9th June 2008, 03:33 PM
After another few hours exahusting reading I have just come accross this during a google search for an image comparison for various Macro Lenses:- seems like a very interesting article, hope its OK to post it here if not I´m sorry.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=94767

george.monaghan
9th June 2008, 04:14 PM
Hi,

True macro is 1:1 ratio in the lens. Many lenses focus "close up" but are not true macro lenses.

You do not need a ring flash but is can be a big help in close up work. Ring flash means splash the cash - in Cockney (why do I make these things up?) not many cheap, if any, on the market.

Reversing rings really work in Macro photography but are most used in still life situations as everything is done manually. Cheap way to go though.

Get a true 1:1 if you are really into macro work. The images you posted look fine. DOF is always a problem, no matter what lens you use and a flash would help to feeze any subject motion.

lostmysnorkel
9th June 2008, 04:29 PM
Yup, you can't beat a decent macro lens!

If on a budget, have a look around eBay for the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro.

I got mine for about £90, as a Prime Lens it's nice and sharp and a great mid-telephoto, but focus in nice and close and you get a true 1:1 repoduction (even bigger with a crop sensor) and still pin sharp.

george.monaghan
9th June 2008, 04:35 PM
Yup, you can't beat a decent macro lens!

If on a budget, have a look around eBay for the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro.

I got mine for about £90, as a Prime Lens it's nice and sharp and a great mid-telephoto, but focus in nice and close and you get a true 1:1 repoduction (even bigger with a crop sensor) and still pin sharp.


yup,

It's what i use and it cost a lot more than £90 when first purchased. Great portrait lens, outdoors or studio. Tack sharp as well. Sometimes too sharp for model pictures!!

Chris Hawkins
9th June 2008, 06:00 PM
What would you all consider the main considerations in choosing a dedicated macro lense ?

If money is an issue get the cheapest. If it's not get the Nikkor 105mm VRII.

Is a ring flash the only way to get a close up subject well lit?

Absolutely not - Karl produces outstanding macros (I'll always remember the woodlouse) with an on-camera flash (which can be used off camera). If your Nikon supports CLS it will operate the flash remotely as well.

WaterMarc
9th June 2008, 08:40 PM
Thanks for the posts guys - now on the market for dedicated macro lense....wife will kill me!! It does of course make perfect sense and I suppose I have just been avoiding any (more!) spending by deluding myself i can screw 3 cheap add ons together.

So, the wonderful head on fly photo by Tesla on the june newsletter - would that be just a dedicated lense or is there something extra (either lense or lighting wise) apart from an extrodinary talent and amount of patience?

Its a truly wonderful photo and the amount of exotic bugs and stuff we have here in the Canaries would make fascinating subjects.

Thanks again for your time everyone.