Konrad134188
Well-known member
i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
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Nikon it
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Nikon it
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Best Nikkor Macro lens??
- Thread starter Konrad134188
- Start date
R
Ron Reznick
Guest
You need to decide what you are trying to do... if you are shooting primarily handheld work, you need to determine how important the ability to shoot shy insects is to you, or whether it would be worthwhile to have a lens that is capable of sharper, higher-contrast results. Depending on your decision, you should either choose the 60 Micro (sharper, higher-contrast), or the 105 Micro if you need more working distance.
The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60 Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60 Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
Bill Staples
Well-known member
I love my 60mm. Perfect lens for flower / still life macro. A bit short focusing distance if you want to shoot criters or things that move / startle. If that is your game, get the 105mm or 200mm nikkor.
Here is a shot from yesterday with my 60mm Nikkor:
Bill
Here is a shot from yesterday with my 60mm Nikkor:
Bill
i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Dave Harpe
Senior Member
I own both the 85mm PC ($1,300) and the 105mm micro ($700).
The 85mm PC is indespensible if you do jewelry photography. The ability to shift the focal plane is pretty darn cool. The lens is tedious to use due to the manual aperture stuff, but the results are outstanding.
Although I love my 85mm PC, I'd have to say my favorite all-around Macro lens is the 105mm Micro. The image quality from this lens is nothing short of outstanding, and it's quick and easy to use. Also works pretty well as a portrait lens.
The 85mm PC is indespensible if you do jewelry photography. The ability to shift the focal plane is pretty darn cool. The lens is tedious to use due to the manual aperture stuff, but the results are outstanding.
Although I love my 85mm PC, I'd have to say my favorite all-around Macro lens is the 105mm Micro. The image quality from this lens is nothing short of outstanding, and it's quick and easy to use. Also works pretty well as a portrait lens.
i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Konrad134188
Well-known member
I'm thinking about buying that 60mm macro nikkor.. what is the minimum and maximum focusing distance?? how close can i get?
Nikon It!
Nikon It!
Bill Staples
Well-known member
Minimum focus distance is 1 foot, which is from the focal plane, or after camera body and lens length, about 4-5 inches away from end of lens.
It can do 1:1 reproductions at that length, and can focus out to infinity, so you can successfully use it as a portrait lens. As Ron will tell you, however, it is best used under 12 feet and f/16.
If you're not used to shooting with macro lenses, it may take you a while to get used to the small DOF.
Bill
It can do 1:1 reproductions at that length, and can focus out to infinity, so you can successfully use it as a portrait lens. As Ron will tell you, however, it is best used under 12 feet and f/16.
If you're not used to shooting with macro lenses, it may take you a while to get used to the small DOF.
Bill
Konrad134188
Well-known member
actually i am thinking about buying a set of lenses for ma camera..
the actuall list is
60mm D 2.8 macro lens..
18-35 -- but i;m not sure ... is it really so surreal and wide??
16mm Fish eye lens.. thinking about a grey market one for 500 $
--
Nikon it
the actuall list is
60mm D 2.8 macro lens..
18-35 -- but i;m not sure ... is it really so surreal and wide??
16mm Fish eye lens.. thinking about a grey market one for 500 $
--
Nikon it
C
crobey
Guest
Ron,
How often do you use flash with your macro shots? Do you use it primarly for fill or as the main? I ask, because it looks like the shot posted below used flash and I have yet to use flash with my macro pictures. Here is my latest of an orchid really close with the 60.
chris robey
http://www.chris.robey.com
http://www.pbase.com/crobey/root&view=recent
How often do you use flash with your macro shots? Do you use it primarly for fill or as the main? I ask, because it looks like the shot posted below used flash and I have yet to use flash with my macro pictures. Here is my latest of an orchid really close with the 60.
--The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can
be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has
the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with
regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing
quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60
Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro
at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
chris robey
http://www.chris.robey.com
http://www.pbase.com/crobey/root&view=recent
Thomas74899
Leading Member
Ron,
as usual, the photo is amazing.
I also own this lens, but don't even come close in results. Hence my questions:
Thomas
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
as usual, the photo is amazing.
I also own this lens, but don't even come close in results. Hence my questions:
- what is the 'sweet spot' of this lens ?
- how did you manage to get such great contrast between fore- and background (the bokeh in this picture is IMHO as good as on your 85mm 1.4 photos) ? Can you explain the workflow of taking this picture ? Like, the distance to the object, EXIF info, handheld, what lightsource was used, etc... ?
Thomas
--The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can
be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has
the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with
regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing
quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60
Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro
at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
R
Ron Reznick
Guest
Chris, I didn't use flash -- the BoP shot was hand-held with the 200 Micro in bright-sun conditions. What I did was use the light by selecting the angle of the shot.
In some situations I do of course use flash. Here for example are some orchids taken with the 200 Micro and flash. It was extremely dark in the Arboretum's greenhouse and I simply had no choice:
Ron
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
In some situations I do of course use flash. Here for example are some orchids taken with the 200 Micro and flash. It was extremely dark in the Arboretum's greenhouse and I simply had no choice:
Ron
--Ron,
How often do you use flash with your macro shots? Do you use it
primarly for fill or as the main? I ask, because it looks like the
shot posted below used flash and I have yet to use flash with my
macro pictures. Here is my latest of an orchid really close with
the 60.
--
chris robey
http://www.chris.robey.com
http://www.pbase.com/crobey/root&view=recent
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
R
Ron Reznick
Guest
Thanks, Thomas.
The ways I use the 200 Micro change with distance (of course). A lot depends on what you are trying to achieve -- the actual sweet-spot of the lens is quite broad -- from f/4 to f/11 (and just slightly down at f/16), but when you get close-up the depth of field is so shallow that often I tend to shoot the lens at f/8-f/11 (or f/16 when extremely close) to keep the plane of focus covering the desired subject area. I shoot f/4-f/5.6 most often when the subject is at a fair distance, unless I'm really trying to isolate the subject or a part of the subject.
This was shot handheld at about 4 feet, f/8, Matrix, and the reason for the extremely smooth background was the distance from the subject to the background as opposed to the distance from the subject to the lens. It's a good idea to keep that relationship in mind when selecting the subject, or the angle you are shooting the subject, if you are trying to isolate against a creamy background. The light was sunlight exclusively -- again I select the shooting angle to make use of the light too, and further refine the angle to maintain the focus plane where I want it (note where the focus plane falls).
Ron
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
The ways I use the 200 Micro change with distance (of course). A lot depends on what you are trying to achieve -- the actual sweet-spot of the lens is quite broad -- from f/4 to f/11 (and just slightly down at f/16), but when you get close-up the depth of field is so shallow that often I tend to shoot the lens at f/8-f/11 (or f/16 when extremely close) to keep the plane of focus covering the desired subject area. I shoot f/4-f/5.6 most often when the subject is at a fair distance, unless I'm really trying to isolate the subject or a part of the subject.
This was shot handheld at about 4 feet, f/8, Matrix, and the reason for the extremely smooth background was the distance from the subject to the background as opposed to the distance from the subject to the lens. It's a good idea to keep that relationship in mind when selecting the subject, or the angle you are shooting the subject, if you are trying to isolate against a creamy background. The light was sunlight exclusively -- again I select the shooting angle to make use of the light too, and further refine the angle to maintain the focus plane where I want it (note where the focus plane falls).
Ron
--as usual, the photo is amazing.
I also own this lens, but don't even come close in results. Hence
my questions:
background (the bokeh in this picture is IMHO as good as on your
- what is the 'sweet spot' of this lens ?
- how did you manage to get such great contrast between fore- and
85mm 1.4 photos) ? Can you explain the workflow of taking this
picture ? Like, the distance to the object, EXIF info, handheld,
what lightsource was used, etc... ?
Thanks for your input.
Thomas
--The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can
be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has
the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with
regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing
quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60
Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro
at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
All three nikon macro primes plus the AF70-180 and PC Micro 85/2.8
are among THE best macro lenses among all manufacturerers, yet they are
designed for different purposes. It's better to know what you will be
shooting before you pick one of the best lenses =-) Or, if you just want
to test water into micro photography, you might consider a Nikon or Canon
double element close-up filter and a telephoto lens. They can produce
very usable result if you just shoot macro occationally.
best
kun
are among THE best macro lenses among all manufacturerers, yet they are
designed for different purposes. It's better to know what you will be
shooting before you pick one of the best lenses =-) Or, if you just want
to test water into micro photography, you might consider a Nikon or Canon
double element close-up filter and a telephoto lens. They can produce
very usable result if you just shoot macro occationally.
best
kun
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Thomas74899
Leading Member
Now I got to find a good subject for practice...not easy with this miserable whether we have overhere...
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
--The ways I use the 200 Micro change with distance (of course). A
lot depends on what you are trying to achieve -- the actual
sweet-spot of the lens is quite broad -- from f/4 to f/11 (and just
slightly down at f/16), but when you get close-up the depth of
field is so shallow that often I tend to shoot the lens at f/8-f/11
(or f/16 when extremely close) to keep the plane of focus covering
the desired subject area. I shoot f/4-f/5.6 most often when the
subject is at a fair distance, unless I'm really trying to isolate
the subject or a part of the subject.
This was shot handheld at about 4 feet, f/8, Matrix, and the reason
for the extremely smooth background was the distance from the
subject to the background as opposed to the distance from the
subject to the lens. It's a good idea to keep that relationship in
mind when selecting the subject, or the angle you are shooting the
subject, if you are trying to isolate against a creamy background.
The light was sunlight exclusively -- again I select the shooting
angle to make use of the light too, and further refine the angle to
maintain the focus plane where I want it (note where the focus
plane falls).
Ron
--as usual, the photo is amazing.
I also own this lens, but don't even come close in results. Hence
my questions:
background (the bokeh in this picture is IMHO as good as on your
- what is the 'sweet spot' of this lens ?
- how did you manage to get such great contrast between fore- and
85mm 1.4 photos) ? Can you explain the workflow of taking this
picture ? Like, the distance to the object, EXIF info, handheld,
what lightsource was used, etc... ?
Thanks for your input.
Thomas
--The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can
be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has
the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with
regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing
quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60
Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro
at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Thomas74899
Leading Member
Somehow I can't get to f4 with the D1x - 200mm f4 combo. The max aperture on the display is 5.3. I don't really understand why. Shouldn't the aperture be constant whatever the circumstances are ?
Has anyone an explenation for this ?
Thanks
Thomas
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Has anyone an explenation for this ?
Thanks
Thomas
--The ways I use the 200 Micro change with distance (of course). A
lot depends on what you are trying to achieve -- the actual
sweet-spot of the lens is quite broad -- from f/4 to f/11 (and just
slightly down at f/16), but when you get close-up the depth of
field is so shallow that often I tend to shoot the lens at f/8-f/11
(or f/16 when extremely close) to keep the plane of focus covering
the desired subject area. I shoot f/4-f/5.6 most often when the
subject is at a fair distance, unless I'm really trying to isolate
the subject or a part of the subject.
This was shot handheld at about 4 feet, f/8, Matrix, and the reason
for the extremely smooth background was the distance from the
subject to the background as opposed to the distance from the
subject to the lens. It's a good idea to keep that relationship in
mind when selecting the subject, or the angle you are shooting the
subject, if you are trying to isolate against a creamy background.
The light was sunlight exclusively -- again I select the shooting
angle to make use of the light too, and further refine the angle to
maintain the focus plane where I want it (note where the focus
plane falls).
Ron
--as usual, the photo is amazing.
I also own this lens, but don't even come close in results. Hence
my questions:
background (the bokeh in this picture is IMHO as good as on your
- what is the 'sweet spot' of this lens ?
- how did you manage to get such great contrast between fore- and
85mm 1.4 photos) ? Can you explain the workflow of taking this
picture ? Like, the distance to the object, EXIF info, handheld,
what lightsource was used, etc... ?
Thanks for your input.
Thomas
--The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can
be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has
the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with
regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing
quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60
Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro
at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
R
Ron Reznick
Guest
As you approach 1:1, the effective aperture is reduced. This effect starts as you focus close (focus at infinity with the aperture at f/4, then manually focus closer -- you will notice that the macro lenses report the reduction of effective aperture). This maintains the exposure as you focus closer. All lenses work like this -- but only a few macro lenses actually report this characteristic to the meter.
Infinity f/4
7ft f/4.2
3.5ft f/4.5
2.75ft f/4.8
2.1ft f/5
1.65ft f/5.3
Ron
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
Infinity f/4
7ft f/4.2
3.5ft f/4.5
2.75ft f/4.8
2.1ft f/5
1.65ft f/5.3
Ron
--Has anyone an explenation for this ?
Thanks
Thomas
--The ways I use the 200 Micro change with distance (of course). A
lot depends on what you are trying to achieve -- the actual
sweet-spot of the lens is quite broad -- from f/4 to f/11 (and just
slightly down at f/16), but when you get close-up the depth of
field is so shallow that often I tend to shoot the lens at f/8-f/11
(or f/16 when extremely close) to keep the plane of focus covering
the desired subject area. I shoot f/4-f/5.6 most often when the
subject is at a fair distance, unless I'm really trying to isolate
the subject or a part of the subject.
This was shot handheld at about 4 feet, f/8, Matrix, and the reason
for the extremely smooth background was the distance from the
subject to the background as opposed to the distance from the
subject to the lens. It's a good idea to keep that relationship in
mind when selecting the subject, or the angle you are shooting the
subject, if you are trying to isolate against a creamy background.
The light was sunlight exclusively -- again I select the shooting
angle to make use of the light too, and further refine the angle to
maintain the focus plane where I want it (note where the focus
plane falls).
Ron
--as usual, the photo is amazing.
I also own this lens, but don't even come close in results. Hence
my questions:
background (the bokeh in this picture is IMHO as good as on your
- what is the 'sweet spot' of this lens ?
- how did you manage to get such great contrast between fore- and
85mm 1.4 photos) ? Can you explain the workflow of taking this
picture ? Like, the distance to the object, EXIF info, handheld,
what lightsource was used, etc... ?
Thanks for your input.
Thomas
--The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can
be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has
the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with
regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing
quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60
Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro
at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
Andrew Snow
Leading Member
In technical terms, the best is definitely the 200mm f/4 AF-D. However, it is also the largest and most expensive. If you want a good all-rounder the 105mm is pretty good. The 60mm is OK but the wider field of view is more specialised and won't suit most people's macro desires. I own the 200mm and 60mm.
- Andrew
Thomas74899
Leading Member
...I was already preparing myself for an expensive Nikon bill...but I recall now that the 60mm micro behaves in the same way...Not trying to be a pain here, but why are these lenses called 'fixed aperture' lenses in that case ?
Thanks...
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Thanks...
--Infinity f/4
7ft f/4.2
3.5ft f/4.5
2.75ft f/4.8
2.1ft f/5
1.65ft f/5.3
Ron
--Has anyone an explenation for this ?
Thanks
Thomas
--The ways I use the 200 Micro change with distance (of course). A
lot depends on what you are trying to achieve -- the actual
sweet-spot of the lens is quite broad -- from f/4 to f/11 (and just
slightly down at f/16), but when you get close-up the depth of
field is so shallow that often I tend to shoot the lens at f/8-f/11
(or f/16 when extremely close) to keep the plane of focus covering
the desired subject area. I shoot f/4-f/5.6 most often when the
subject is at a fair distance, unless I'm really trying to isolate
the subject or a part of the subject.
This was shot handheld at about 4 feet, f/8, Matrix, and the reason
for the extremely smooth background was the distance from the
subject to the background as opposed to the distance from the
subject to the lens. It's a good idea to keep that relationship in
mind when selecting the subject, or the angle you are shooting the
subject, if you are trying to isolate against a creamy background.
The light was sunlight exclusively -- again I select the shooting
angle to make use of the light too, and further refine the angle to
maintain the focus plane where I want it (note where the focus
plane falls).
Ron
--as usual, the photo is amazing.
I also own this lens, but don't even come close in results. Hence
my questions:
background (the bokeh in this picture is IMHO as good as on your
- what is the 'sweet spot' of this lens ?
- how did you manage to get such great contrast between fore- and
85mm 1.4 photos) ? Can you explain the workflow of taking this
picture ? Like, the distance to the object, EXIF info, handheld,
what lightsource was used, etc... ?
Thanks for your input.
Thomas
--The absolute best macro lens is the 200mm f/4 AF Micro, but it can
be difficult to hand-hold when you get up extremely close. It has
the greatest working distance, the greatest flexibility with
regards to aperture and shooting distance, and truly amazing
quality.
I've worked extensively with all three. I now own and use the 60
Micro and 200 Micro. Here is a shot taken today with the 200 Micro
at f/8:
The 60 Micro: ~$390
The 105 Micro: ~$650
The 200 Micro: ~$1350
Ron
--i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
http://www.pbase.com/tomwac
Bill Ritchie
Member
As a total amateur at this, I am getting ready to purchase a D100. I have 3 lenses that I used with my 8008s. Can somebody tell me the difference between a 60mm Macro and a 60mm micro? I have the latter. So do I actually have the macro lens? Or?
R
Ron Reznick
Guest
They are fixed aperture... all lenses do this as you focus closer -- it's just that standard lenses don't report this to the camera. Try shooting with something like the 17-35 or a prime that focuses pretty close. Spot-meter on a subject and shoot it at distance, then go up close and shoot the same subject at the same aperture and shutter speed. Notice the difference in the exposure. Granted, most lenses don't focus anywhere near this closely, but those that focus closer than 1:4 will most definitely show a noticeable effect. Remember, you're losing less than a stop from infinity to nearly 1:1. The change that you will see in the exposure will be subtle, but noticeable at 1:4 or 1:3 which is what you can normally get with a non-macro lens that has a "macro" setting. Probably a 1/3 stop to 1/2 stop difference.
Ron
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
Ron
--
Ron Reznick
http://digital-images.net
http://trapagon.com
Georg Herbet
Leading Member
They are all wonderful.
i'm thinking about making some macro work... what lens do you
recommend?? and if you recommend tell the price of the lens... thx
--
Nikon it
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