macro filter vs macro lens??? ok so the nikon 150 mm macro nikon lens is like 995 dollars. Anyone have any less expensive ideas? I want to experiment with macro Are there lenses I...

lpurschke Loc: new york

ok so the nikon 150 mm macro nikon lens is like 995 dollars. Anyone have any less expensive ideas? I want to experiment with macro Are there lenses I could use instead?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

lpurschke wrote:

ok so the nikon 150 mm macro nikon lens is like 995 dollars. Anyone have any less expensive ideas? I want to experiment with macro Are there lenses I could use instead?

Used would be a good way to go. The Nikkon 105mm MICRO F2.8 D can be found for $400 - $500 in excellent condition from many sources.

snowbear

You can look for a decent set of extension tubes (used Nikons are probably better than third party). These will allow you to get closer (and thus get a higher magnification). Not the best solution, but certainly worth trying if the price is right.

lpurschke Loc: new york

MT Shooter wrote:

lpurschke wrote:

ok so the nikon 150 mm macro nikon lens is like 995 dollars. Anyone have any less expensive ideas? I want to experiment with macro Are there lenses I could use instead?

Used would be a good way to go. The Nikkon 105mm MICRO F2.8 D can be found for $400 - $500 in excellent condition from many sources.

thank you! is there a way of shooting macro with filters tho instead of purchasing lenses/

lpurschke Loc: new york

snowbear wrote:

You can look for a decent set of extension tubes (used Nikons are probably better than third party). These will allow you to get closer (and thus get a higher magnification). Not the best solution, but certainly worth trying if the price is right.

I don't know a thing about macro I love the look and idea of it so thought I could find an inexpensive way of doing it without purchasing lenses. Is there such a thing as macro filters? Is that what I use the extension tubes with? I will google macro photography to get some more info. I have a nikon d 300

snowbear

There are sets of close-up filters that will allow you to get close. I have a set and my son uses them a little. They will work if you have nothing else. I think I paid about $40 for the set of three.

Like any filter, they add more glass to shoot through and so the possibility of distortion increases.

lpurschke Loc: new york

so what do i use the extension tubes with my regular lenses?

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

The filter style macro lenses may not be worth the money and the hassel. A real macro lens is the only reliable method to get good macro pictures.

lpurschke Loc: new york

chapjohn wrote:

The filter style macro lenses may not be worth the money and the hassel. A real macro lens is the only reliable method to get good macro pictures.

there ya have it!!!!!! thank you !

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Take a look at 3 or 4 HedgeHog FAQs concerning macro-photography: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html

Drmgoblue Loc: Indianapolis

lpurschke wrote:

ok so the nikon 150 mm macro nikon lens is like 995 dollars. Anyone have any less expensive ideas? I want to experiment with macro Are there lenses I could use instead?

The Tamron 90 and 180mm Macro lenses get sparkling reviews and can be had for $400-700 on line. The difference is on how close you want (need) to get. If you are trying to get macro images of skittish insect or butterflies the longer focal length would be preferable. I have both extension tubes and good quality macro filters and the quality of images they allow are nowhere near those with a macro lens. In addition they really won't get you true 1:1 macro views. By the way, as important as the lens is a high quality tripod. I consider it a must for all nature photography.

lpurschke Loc: new york

Drmgoblue wrote:

quote=lpurschke ok so the nikon 150 mm macro niko... (show quote)

thankyou so much Off to camera store tomorrow

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

I have several close up filters and finally gave up on them. I assume it's me and not the filters but I just couldn't get the result I was after. I finally bit the bullet and bought the NIKKOR 105mm Macro lens and I love it. I know it's more money than you probably want to spend but you might check with KEH, B&H Photo or Adorama and see if they have anything used.

lpurschke Loc: new york

Pepper wrote:

I have several close up filters and finally gave up on them. I assume it's me and not the filters but I just couldn't get the result I was after. I finally bit the bullet and bought the NIKKOR 105mm Macro lens and I love it. I know it's more money than you probably want to spend but you might check with KEH, B&H Photo or Adorama and see if they have anything used.

ok great I never thought of asking retail stores I thought ebay or something and that kind of makes me nervous spending that from someone I do not know. thank you.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

lpurschke wrote:

MT Shooter wrote:

lpurschke wrote:

ok so the nikon 150 mm macro nikon lens is like 995 dollars. Anyone have any less expensive ideas? I want to experiment with macro Are there lenses I could use instead?

Used would be a good way to go. The Nikkon 105mm MICRO F2.8 D can be found for $400 - $500 in excellent condition from many sources.

thank you! is there a way of shooting macro with filters tho instead of purchasing lenses/

Looks like your question was covered several times before I got home. Just remember that ANYTHING you do to alter the lenses glass elements WILL degrade the image you seek. There is nothing that will replace a quality TRUE Macro lens.