Macro Lens For Still Life

stilllifeguy · Jan 13, 2023

Greetings. I am a new enthusiast to photography. My interests are all still life photography for amateur and professional display. Single objects and creative diorama. Colored glass, ceramics, hand painted miniatures, metallic items like silverware , and even photos of photos.

My rig is an entry level NikonD3500 with a Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical as my only lens (I sold the stock lens).

I am a serious photographer trying to maximize my lens and camera body for "still life photography". My budget is limited for now. My question to the community is will I receive a worthwhile photo quality increase for "close-up" photos if I buy either a;

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm F/2.8 or Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm F/2.8G?

We are talking decorative items either single with a neutral background or a display like a still life painting. I will work close up with a camera stand. I have to maximize the detail to the utmost. So I will move the camera very close to my subject(s).I understand the Tamron is probably the better all around lens but when taking multiple photos of the same object if a macro lens will improve the close up detail photos.

So any advice on what I should do with my equipment and budget (either body or lens)? (my budget is max $400 though I could wait to upgrade the body for when I have $6-700).

Martin_99 · Jan 13, 2023

If close focus ability of your Tamron is not good enough, simply buy macro rings for few $ to shorten the possible distance. It's not the most comfort solution, but very cost effective.

rurikw · Jan 13, 2023

Hard to answer. Very happy with my macro lenses but normal lenses with macro rings or lenses added can give good results too. You could save by getting an old mechanical version and a dumb adapter but:

For the little macro stuff I do, focus bracketing has proven a godsend. It can be done manually but it's easier with an AF lens and a camera with the semi-automatic focus bracketing feature. Not familiar with Nikon so can't give any concrete recommendation.

I'd probably start by getting the longer macro lens (more pleasing perspective for my taste, YMMV).

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BBbuilder467 · Jan 14, 2023

stilllifeguy said:
Greetings. I am a new enthusiast to photography. My interests are all still life photography for amateur and professional display. Single objects and creative diorama. Colored glass, ceramics, hand painted miniatures, metallic items like silverware , and even photos of photos.

My rig is an entry level NikonD3500 with a Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical as my only lens (I sold the stock lens).

I am a serious photographer trying to maximize my lens and camera body for "still life photography". My budget is limited for now. My question to the community is will I receive a worthwhile photo quality increase for "close-up" photos if I buy either a;

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm F/2.8 or Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm F/2.8G?

We are talking decorative items either single with a neutral background or a display like a still life painting. I will work close up with a camera stand. I have to maximize the detail to the utmost. So I will move the camera very close to my subject(s).I understand the Tamron is probably the better all around lens but when taking multiple photos of the same object if a macro lens will improve the close up detail photos.

So any advice on what I should do with my equipment and budget (either body or lens)? (my budget is max $400 though I could wait to upgrade the body for when I have $6-700).

If the subject matter is about the size of a coffee mug or larger, you might not gain much with the macro lens.

The macro lens can fill the frame with a subject as small as a US quarter, but it's also a fixed focal length. You have to move to a precise distance to frame and compose. There is no "zoom".

Hand-held or mounted on a tabletop tripods, I'd prefer the 40mm, since you're forced to be close, but on a standard tripod, 60mm would have more working distance.

Compare the 40mm and 55m points with your zoom lens for framing. That should give you some idea what it's like to use the fixed focal length macro lenses. You'll have to move the tripod when you can't zoom.

stilllifeguy · Jan 15, 2023

So you are saying using the Tamron lens I currently have would be comparable to a 40mm or 60mm lens?

I think I will try a $20 Macro Ring first. I had a professional photographer recommend the 60mm.

I am not limiting myself to the tripod. I am mostly going to set up the still life and move the camera as close to it as I can. Preferably set it on the tripod so there is no shake and use the timer.

Google-Ergebnis für https://3.img-dpreview.com/files/p/TS560x560~forums/63296664/f0235985447241f9916b750263fb0359

https://images.app.goo.gl/mFAvuLJjhHMpH91u9 these google images are about what Id like to achieve.

tclune · Jan 16, 2023

The good news about macro lenses is that they are all optically excellent AFAIK. There are two big aggravations.with macro photography, though. The first was mentioned by someone already -- the depth of field is very shallow, so you will almost assuredly need to focus stack to create your final image. The second is that the working distance (the distance between the front of th lens and the focal point on the subject) can be very short, making it awkward to illuminate your subject properly. Unfortunately, the working distance is typically not reported by the lens maker. However, Thom Hogan created a list for most macro lenses available for Nikon cameras here. Notice that both of the lenses that you are thinking about have very short working distances. FWIW

stilllifeguy · Jan 16, 2023

I ordered this. Ill give this a try. The 60mm lens is pricey new and Im a little edgy about buying it used right now.

dcd745a3703a4299a5d4475803b030da.jpg.png

D Cox · Jan 16, 2023

Let us know how well it works.

Don

Martin_99 · Jan 16, 2023

D Cox said:
Let us know how well it works.

Don

You didn't shot with macro extension yet? Image quality remain, just significantly reduced maximum focus distance could be annoying (ring need to be removed for non-macro shots).

BBbuilder467 · Jan 16, 2023

stilllifeguy said:
So you are saying using the Tamron lens I currently have would be comparable to a 40mm or 60mm lens?

I think I will try a $20 Macro Ring first. I had a professional photographer recommend the 60mm.

I am not limiting myself to the tripod. I am mostly going to set up the still life and move the camera as close to it as I can. Preferably set it on the tripod so there is no shake and use the timer.

https://images.app.goo.gl/7qRwG3NMdpEoRgJp9

https://images.app.goo.gl/mFAvuLJjhHMpH91u9 these google images are about what Id like to achieve.

You don't need a macro lens for that. Those are just close-ups. Adding the 25mm extension tube at 55mm will be nearly 0.5x at infinity. That's too much for what you used as examples.

The 40mm and 55mm points on your zoom would be the same as those focal lengths with a prime lens for comparison.

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Macro Lens For Still Life

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