Nikon 40mm 2.8G Lens
Jun 2, 2020 15:51:51 #
I am interested in pursuing "Macro-Photography", considering either the Nikon 40mm 2.8G Lens or possibly using "Extension Tubes", I will appreciate any knowledge from my fellow UHH members on the subject of
"Macro-Photography and advice or experience in this field of Photography.
I presently own a Nikon D3300 Camera with all Nikon lens; 35mm1.8G, 50mm1,8G, 55-200mm, 18-140mm, 10-20mm Wide Angle.
If I decide to go with the "Extension Tubes", what existing lens would be best to use for "Macro-Photography".
Thankk You in advance for your experience & Advice.
"Macro-Photography and advice or experience in this field of Photography.
I presently own a Nikon D3300 Camera with all Nikon lens; 35mm1.8G, 50mm1,8G, 55-200mm, 18-140mm, 10-20mm Wide Angle.
If I decide to go with the "Extension Tubes", what existing lens would be best to use for "Macro-Photography".
Thankk You in advance for your experience & Advice.
Jun 2, 2020 16:12:09 #
Jun 2, 2020 16:27:02 #
RonnieP
Loc: Texas
I would consider something with a little longer focal length, maybe around 80mm or 100mm. I prefer the roomier working distance provided. Extension rings and a macro "filter" give decent magnification but you have to get really close to your subject. This could cause issues with lighting, among other things.
Jun 2, 2020 16:33:27 #
You probably should get the extension tubes first, and then see if a lens is still needed. As you get some experience, ask what would a 40mm lens do for you that you couldn't also do with a 35 or 50 or 18-140 or 55-200? At the shorter focal lengths (35 - 50mm), adding even a 'thin' 12mm tube results in a lens that almost touches the subject to be close enough to focus. At f/2.8, the depth of field borders on worthless given just a tiny sliver of depth of field. You'd have to have the tiniest subjects to have something recognizably in focus. Even at small apertures, negating the f/2.8 price premium, the DOF is still very narrow. The longer ends of your zoom lenses, with an extension tube for closer-in focus, will likely prove more useful for anything that requires some distance between you and the subject.
Jun 2, 2020 16:56:07 #
smussler
Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY
I've got a 40mm micro which I use with my D5600 - cropped sensor like your camera. I bought it for copying old 35mm slides with an adapter made for it by Nikon. Works well.
To get a 1:1 macro shot, you need to be practically on top of your subject with that lens. For that reason I also bought the Nikon 85mm Micro, which gives you a bit more working distance. I got both my Micros used off of eBay. $187 for the 40mm, $225 for the 85mm - offer I made on a Buy It Now listing, where seller listed it for $249
The extension tubes, which contain no glass are relatively cheap (non-OEM) - just need ones with the electrical contacts to allow communication between lens and camera.
I'd think they would work best with either of your primes. Paul's advice above is surely better on which lens to use with the extension tubes. I started with those & ended up with the two micros.
Extension Tubes: Amazon link
I also have that 18-140mm that you have. It's on my camera most of the time.
To get a 1:1 macro shot, you need to be practically on top of your subject with that lens. For that reason I also bought the Nikon 85mm Micro, which gives you a bit more working distance. I got both my Micros used off of eBay. $187 for the 40mm, $225 for the 85mm - offer I made on a Buy It Now listing, where seller listed it for $249
The extension tubes, which contain no glass are relatively cheap (non-OEM) - just need ones with the electrical contacts to allow communication between lens and camera.
I'd think they would work best with either of your primes. Paul's advice above is surely better on which lens to use with the extension tubes. I started with those & ended up with the two micros.
Extension Tubes: Amazon link
I also have that 18-140mm that you have. It's on my camera most of the time.
Jun 2, 2020 19:46:06 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
You probably should get the extension tubes first,... (show quote)
Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Extension tubes impose no optical loss and will give you a good idea of what you can achieve with your current lens.
Unless you seize the opportunity to spend money you don't have on a camera upgrade and new lenses, of course.
Andy
Jun 3, 2020 07:26:13 #
I have the 40mm Nikon, it's a super lens. Especially for the money spent.
Jun 3, 2020 08:19:12 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
You probably should get the extension tubes first,... (show quote)
Thank you for your good lengthy explanation (advice), although I was considering the extension tubes (3 together), then I read about the Nikon 40mm and thought that might work better. although I am now going to look at the 3 extension tubes again with my 35mm or 50mm nikon lens.
Jun 3, 2020 08:19:59 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Silverrails wrote:
I am interested in pursuing "Macro-Photograph... (show quote)
Do the 40, do not due extension tubes. With a 40 you will be very close to the subject and DOF can be an issue, also if your shooting things that sting, your going to have to be very close.
My favorite macro lenses are the 60 mm D, and the 105 mm D. Both are very sharp.
Next is the 200, but expensive.
The 40 would be a great and inexpensive starter. Extension tubes tend to make DOF even narrower.
Jun 3, 2020 08:22:59 #
AndyH wrote:
Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Extension tubes impose no optical loss and will give you a good idea of what you can achieve with your current lens.
Unless you seize the opportunity to spend money you don't have on a camera upgrade and new lenses, of course.
Andy
Unless you seize the opportunity to spend money you don't have on a camera upgrade and new lenses, of course.
Andy
Thanks Andy, saving money is excellent consideration indeed. Would you have any specific suggestions for choice of Extension Tubes?
Jun 3, 2020 08:33:56 #
smussler wrote:
I've got a 40mm micro which I use with my D5600 - ... (show quote)
Thank You for an excellent reply for me to strongly consider. I am also interested in doing Landscape Photography, so I bought the new Nikon 10-20mm 4.5-5.6 wide angle at Adorama for $214.00 refurbished.
Jun 3, 2020 08:43:06 #
Silverrails wrote:
Thanks Andy, saving money is excellent consideration indeed. Would you have any specific suggestions for choice of Extension Tubes?
My Brother-in-law, lives in Painted Post, New York, a Photographer, specializes in rejuvenating older Photos. If you are related or might be him, Bob ( Silverrails) in Michigan says Hello.
Jun 3, 2020 08:49:25 #
Silverrails wrote:
Thanks Andy, saving money is excellent consideration indeed. Would you have any specific suggestions for choice of Extension Tubes?
You want the kind of tube(s) that pass the electronic controls between the camera and lens, so the camera / lens focuses and meters as normal (as in: same as without the tube). Kenko is popular, they just are not as well-build as the Canon or Nikon branded. You need to be careful when 'hanging' a heavy lens and / or camera as you consider whether to mount your set-up via the lens collar or the camera's L-plate.
Mentioned in the earlier comment is the 'closeness' and small apertures needed for short focal lengths with extension tubes (short = 50mm or less). This daddy long-legs didn't scatter in fear, although it did raise a leg to touch (push) the lens hood that was so close for this image that needed f/18 to get a depth of field. This is an interesting result, but also pretty unique where longer focal lengths and more working distance will tend to be more practical / useful in general practice. Much the same image could easily be captured from 100mm without the risk of the insect scattering in fear.
really close - daddy long-legs by Paul Sager, on Flickr
Jun 3, 2020 09:14:53 #
Don't get the 40. You have a 35 1,8, so it would be redundancy. Don't pay $100 for a single Nikon extension tube which will not auto-focus. For $130, you can get a set of Kenko which will auto-focus with all of your lenses. The only thing macro lenses will do that extension-tubes will not is have better sharpness at the edges.
Jun 3, 2020 10:37:34 #
I do not use any with my DSLR gear, so I'm probably not the best to advise, but based on the reports of others, the Kenko sets are good quality. I've used Kenko tubes on film gear very successfully. I don't know why the Nikon versions are so expensive - they are actually less functional than the non OEM versions in several respects. I don't think you'll notice any difference at all in use.
Andy
Andy
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