Lens choices for macro photography
Oct 13, 2015 13:10:00 #
NJphotodoc
Loc: Now in the First State
Hi, Was looking for advice on lens choices for doing outdoor macrophotography. For now, I using my Tamron 18-270 with either a 12 or 20 ring and getting decent results (looking for a good Bokeh effect both fore and aft of the focused object) but might consider a prime lens with better f-stop range. I'm using a D-7000 normally mounted on a tripod or monopod and want to stick with natural light for now.
Thoughts??
Thoughts??
Oct 13, 2015 13:31:13 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi, Was looking for advice on lens choices for doing outdoor macrophotography. For now, I using my Tamron 18-270 with either a 12 or 20 ring and getting decent results (looking for a good Bokeh effect both fore and aft of the focused object) but might consider a prime lens with better f-stop range. I'm using a D-7000 normally mounted on a tripod or monopod and want to stick with natural light for now.
Thoughts??
Thoughts??
What you are using is pretty good - for what you want. Using a close up filter instead of a tube will gain you some light ( lower ISO) but you may loose some optical IQ this way also.
Using a lower ratio zoom or a prime lens will help your IQ and, of course using a dedicated macro lens will help IQ even more. A closer focusing normal prime lens with a tele-extender may be a solution also.
Oct 13, 2015 13:39:13 #
Zoom lenses with a "macro" feature are ,at best, close focusing lenses. True macro lenses are all prime (fixed focal length) lenses with "flat field" optics (zooms are not). There have been a few true flat field zooms, but they are all older manual focus models & they only go to 1/2 life size. What to get matters more on what you want to shoot than brand. I have 9 different true macro lenses from 55 to 10mm in AF & MF versions. If you are wanting to do copy work or static subjects, consider a 55-60mm macro lens. If you want to get life sized images of smaller critters, then 90mm or more is preferred. the 150-200mm macro lenses offer the greatest working distance but ten the cost, weight & bulk increase. A tripod helps with static subjects but not mobile ones. Pose your question over in the "True Macro" forum & you will get lots of recommendations. Whatever the person that responds is shooting with is what they will recommend. As I said, they will all deliver as long as your technique is good.
Oct 13, 2015 17:28:51 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Your question would likely be better answered/addressed in the "True Macro" section http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html Far more specific to your question.Hi, Was looking for advice on lens choices for doing outdoor macrophotography. For now, I using my Tamron 18-270 with either a 12 or 20 ring and getting decent results (looking for a good Bokeh effect both fore and aft of the focused object) but might consider a prime lens with better f-stop range. I'm using a D-7000 normally mounted on a tripod or monopod and want to stick with natural light for now.
Thoughts??
Thoughts??
Lots of very helpful, experienced macro photographers there ;)
Oct 13, 2015 23:30:12 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi, Was looking for advice on lens choices for doing outdoor macrophotography. For now, I using my Tamron 18-270 with either a 12 or 20 ring and getting decent results (looking for a good Bokeh effect both fore and aft of the focused object) but might consider a prime lens with better f-stop range. I'm using a D-7000 normally mounted on a tripod or monopod and want to stick with natural light for now.
Thoughts??
Thoughts??
Looks like the reproduction ratio of your examples are around 1:4 or so which, by most definitions of the term, are not in the macro range, but are close-ups. I think you would get the best advice if you re-post this in the Close Up Photography section:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-113-1.html
Oct 14, 2015 07:50:02 #
Oct 14, 2015 07:57:04 #
I got a recommendation from the Macro Forum, Sigma 105mm f2.8...I really like it ...great for Macro and more. I have captured some of my best images using it...Quality build & optics with nice accessories included & 4 year warranty....Very good value for money...!
Good Luck with what ever you select.. :-)
Good Luck with what ever you select.. :-)
Oct 14, 2015 07:57:14 #
NJphotodoc wrote:
Hi, Was looking for advice on lens choices for doing outdoor macrophotography. For now, I using my Tamron 18-270 with either a 12 or 20 ring and getting decent results (looking for a good Bokeh effect both fore and aft of the focused object) but might consider a prime lens with better f-stop range. I'm using a D-7000 normally mounted on a tripod or monopod and want to stick with natural light for now.
Thoughts??
Thoughts??
If you want to get serious about macro, you need a dedicated macro lens that will actually produce a 1x1 ratio and is designed for same. Nikon makes a 60mm and a 105mm f/2.8 and both are excellent. Extension tubes and screw on macro filters are better than nothing, but not even close to a true macro lens.
Oct 14, 2015 08:20:26 #
As you are starting to see, everyone is posting recommendations for whichever macro lens it is that they have. Just like I said in an earlier post. Bear in mind that unless they can back up their suggestions with a link to their work, showing the superiority of the gear they use, it's all just talk but it speaks to the assertion I made about gear being equal. Yeah, bench tests may show one being better than another, but in real world shooting, those differences can be hard to discern if at all. Base your choice on intended use & budget. And don't forget about buying used from a reputable seller like B&H, KEH or Adorama...
Oct 14, 2015 08:25:00 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
As you are starting to see, everyone is posting re... (show quote)
The OP is shooting Nikon so why not stick with their excellent macro lenses with the 2 most common usually available at great used prices. The 3rd option, 200mm, is rarely found used since most who own won't part with it. 8-)
Oct 14, 2015 08:30:15 #
I shoot Nikon also ( I have a ton of older Nikon gear) but I have 9 different true macro lenses in both AF & MF in focal lengths from 55 to 180mm . Yes I have a Nikon micro in there but when other alternatives are available at less cost that are just as competent, why spend more than you have to ? For name recognition ?
mrjcall wrote:
The OP is shooting Nikon so why not stick with their excellent macro lenses with the 2 most common usually available at great used prices. The 3rd option, 200mm, is rarely found used since most who own won't part with it. 8-)
Oct 14, 2015 08:32:57 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
I shoot Nikon also ( I have a ton of older Nikon gear) but I have 9 different true macro lenses in both AF & MF in focal lengths from 55 to 180mm . Yes I have a Nikon micro in there but when other alternatives are available at less cost that are just as competent, why spend more than you have to ? For name recognition ?
Sounds like you're trolling for an argument on lens quality and I won't bite. Just saying that Nikon has excellent choices at good used prices. Nothing more. :|
Oct 14, 2015 08:35:04 #
No, just pointing out that there is no one company that has the market cornered. Yes, Nikon does have excellent choices, but high prices to boot.
mrjcall wrote:
Sounds like you're trolling for an argument on lens quality and I won't bite. Just saying that Nikon has excellent choices at good used prices. Nothing more. :|
Oct 14, 2015 09:24:08 #
For an easy to use macro with enough distance for lighting the subject look at the 100mm range with f2.8 aperture.
This style are generally tack sharp and easy to use.
I personally would go with the Nikon offering on this but others have excellent thoughts as well. Just the Nikon is well made and is excellent in sharpness and color balance.
This style are generally tack sharp and easy to use.
I personally would go with the Nikon offering on this but others have excellent thoughts as well. Just the Nikon is well made and is excellent in sharpness and color balance.
Oct 14, 2015 09:29:35 #
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