pez2010
Active member
Hi although i am very new to photography i would like to try Macro. Could someone please recommend a good lens for my D90. I have a budget of $250au but would go higher if i really had to.
Cheers Pez.
Cheers Pez.
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Macro lens for D90
- Thread starter pez2010
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Ringwraith69
Senior Member
Any useful reply to your question depends on what you want/need in a macro lens. Your budget could get you a Sigma 2.8/50mm. EX Macro or a Micro Nikkor 2.8/60mm. Great lenses optically, but with a limited focal range.
There's a whole range of very good macro lenses with a focal length of around 100mm. from Tamron, Tokina, Sigma and Nikon. Used samples can be found around your budget limit, new ones will be more expensive.
--
'We are only immortal for a limited time'
There's a whole range of very good macro lenses with a focal length of around 100mm. from Tamron, Tokina, Sigma and Nikon. Used samples can be found around your budget limit, new ones will be more expensive.
--
'We are only immortal for a limited time'
El Duende
Leading Member
Tamron 90mm gives best bang for the buck.
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paul v
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paul v
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Windancer
Veteran Member
I had 2 diifferent copies of the manual focus version and they were superb well worth looking at them. It will probably blow your budget though.
Regards
Terry
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The absolutely best bang for the $$$ in the apx 100mm Macro range is the Tokina 100mm f2.8 - & a wonderful lens at any price.
It's still my second choice in this apx focal length (even with cost no issue) - the best being the much more expensive Zeiss 100mm f2.0 Macro (have tried many but not all other comparable macros).
Cheers.
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imo
(c) 2010 fastglass
pictureted
Leading Member
There is no best macro lens. It all depends on what you plan on shooting. I use three Nikon macros (latest versions) 60, 105 and 200. Which I choose depends on what I'm shooting. For flowers they all work, for insects you want longer focal lengths for greater working distance, for copy work it depends on how much room you have, and it always depends on what perspective you want. Everyone seems partial to the macros they use, so it seems that most lens manufacturers produce excellent macro lenses. You also tend to get what you pay for in terms of quality and features.
First, determine what you're most interested in shooting, that should determine the focal length. Then survey the available lenses.
First, determine what you're most interested in shooting, that should determine the focal length. Then survey the available lenses.
pez2010
Active member
will be using a macro for bugs mostly there's some good ones here in Oz.. Thanks for all the help.
Albertcpa
Forum Enthusiast
Tamron 90mm. Excellent macro not so good focusing at longer ranges such as portraits but when it does focus the pictures are very sharp.
Guy Incognito
Well-known member
Do you plan on killing and staging the bugs before shooting? Insect macros in the wild can be pretty difficult, and trying to get good shots with a short macro lens hand-held can be an exercise in frustration.
Save your money and get a proper long macro lens, like the Sigma 180mm. Also consider eventually getting a good tripod (if you don't have one already) and, ideally, a macro rail, if you're serious about getting good results.
Save your money and get a proper long macro lens, like the Sigma 180mm. Also consider eventually getting a good tripod (if you don't have one already) and, ideally, a macro rail, if you're serious about getting good results.
With your budget if you want a dedicated macro lens you will likely have to buy used. For bugs, the longer the lens the better but I wouldn't go below the to 90-105mm range.
What other lenses do you have? You could also try either a 2 element diopter like the Canon 500D or extension tubes on one of your current lenses. I've used a Nikon 6T (2 element diopter) on my 70-300mm VR with good results. It will even get to around 1:1 @300mm with abount 10" (24.5cm) of working distance.
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Snapshott
What other lenses do you have? You could also try either a 2 element diopter like the Canon 500D or extension tubes on one of your current lenses. I've used a Nikon 6T (2 element diopter) on my 70-300mm VR with good results. It will even get to around 1:1 @300mm with abount 10" (24.5cm) of working distance.
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Snapshott
pez2010
Active member
I have the 18-55vr and the 55-200vr.
richardday
Veteran Member
For your budget, I would recommend extension tubes are the best way to go as you don't impair lens IQ by adding extra glass elements. Small light and convenient, they will cover a wide variety of options with your existing lenses. Nikon ones are better, but the Kenko ones are reasonable quality and more affordable.
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-kenko-dg-nikon-af-extension-tubes-set-36mm-20mm-12mm-/p1007657
Once you find the focal length that suits you best, you can either opt for a dedicated macro lens (there really are no bad ones), or add a quality prime, either new or secondhand and stick with the tubes. If you are still on a limited budget, you can find an old manual prime in good condition for a reasonable price.
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Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-kenko-dg-nikon-af-extension-tubes-set-36mm-20mm-12mm-/p1007657
Once you find the focal length that suits you best, you can either opt for a dedicated macro lens (there really are no bad ones), or add a quality prime, either new or secondhand and stick with the tubes. If you are still on a limited budget, you can find an old manual prime in good condition for a reasonable price.
--
Richard Day - 'Carpe Diem!'
Gloucester UK
Albertcpa
Forum Enthusiast
Check out the Canon 500D close up lens/filter. I have one with my 55-200VR and it works out pretty good as a poor man macro. It cuts the focusing distance of the 55-200VR in half and allows you to zoom very close. Adorama or BHphotovideo have them.
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