macro lens or standard

burndog

New member
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Location
alberta, CA
Hi, my first post here, hope someone can help. I am an amateur who has always been interested in closeup photography. I am also on a tight budget (who isn't?) Anyway I recently bought an XTi with the kit lens. I knew the kit lens would not be the best. I have recently ordered the cheap ebay adapter to be able to use my nikkor AIs 50 1.8 which I consider a pretty good lens.

Now my existing 50mm lens will focus down to about a foot. I have been thinking of trying to pick up an old nikkor 55 f3.5 micro. Would there be much of a difference between the two. I know the micro lens would be designed to focus closer, but would the difference in quality be only slight, or dramatic. I assume that the 50mm would be weaker at or near it's closest focusing distance.

I pretty much would be using it for pics of flowers and bugs...things I find in my backyard.

My limited macro knowledge is that extension rings will allow for closer focusing, and that bellows do the same but are adjustable. Would my 50mm work with those, if yes what kind of quality could I expect.

So to sum it up, should I go for a micro lens or stick with my 50mm which would be about 85mm or there abouts with the conversion? Any help would be appreciated...Thanks!
 
well, with my budget I'm afraid that about $400 is out of the question. The older version of the 55mm micro nikkor seems to go for around $100 on ebay, but I really do not want to spend that much if it is not going to be a whole lot better than using my 50mm.
 
You will get a lot sharper image from the macro lens than the kits lens. You will notice it in the fine detail of the flower parts.

A 55mm macro has a short working distance and is not good for faster bugs. Bug shooters like a 100mm or 180mm macro for the long working distance.

The
Hi, my first post here, hope someone can help. I am an amateur who
has always been interested in closeup photography. I am also on a
tight budget (who isn't?) Anyway I recently bought an XTi with the
kit lens. I knew the kit lens would not be the best. I have
recently ordered the cheap ebay adapter to be able to use my nikkor
AIs 50 1.8 which I consider a pretty good lens.

Now my existing 50mm lens will focus down to about a foot. I have
been thinking of trying to pick up an old nikkor 55 f3.5 micro.
Would there be much of a difference between the two. I know the
micro lens would be designed to focus closer, but would the
difference in quality be only slight, or dramatic. I assume that
the 50mm would be weaker at or near it's closest focusing distance.

I pretty much would be using it for pics of flowers and
bugs...things I find in my backyard.

My limited macro knowledge is that extension rings will allow for
closer focusing, and that bellows do the same but are adjustable.
Would my 50mm work with those, if yes what kind of quality could I
expect.

So to sum it up, should I go for a micro lens or stick with my 50mm
which would be about 85mm or there abouts with the conversion? Any
help would be appreciated...Thanks!
--
Merry Christmas

Rick
 
Thanks Rick...merry christmas to you as well.

I know that a macro lens would be much better than the kits lens, but how would it compare to just a standard 50mm prime. Will I notice a big difference between the two?
 
well just a quick follow-up. I indeed picked up a 55mm micro nikkor 3.5 and can not be happier. (Can't wait for spring). It is certainly sharp and very good in the CA dept. One day I will spring for a longer lens, but to start with and for under $100 with shipping from ebay, this lens will suit me to a tee, and get my feet wet in close-up photography.
 

Keyboard shortcuts

Back
Top