imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

But, they are NOT "cheap" .....

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

True. Mine is because I’ve had it for 35 years. I amortize.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

It doesn't matter what kind of a lens you use depending on what you are photographing. If it's a large flower there are a lot of lenses you can use and simply crop the image if you have to.

However, if you really want to do little things you should consider a macro lens. Nikon makes one DX macro ...

http://en.nikon.ca/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-dx-micro-nikkor-85mm-f%252f3.5g-ed-vr.html

This lens has a reasonable working distance, an image stabilizor and is a DX format.

Another lens that was always a favourite with me was the 105 mm macro ...

http://en.nikon.ca/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-vr-micro-nikkor-105mm-f%252f2.8g-if-ed.html

Both lenses will work well with your camera and you should be happy with either.

All that said, since you're new at this, I'd suggest you consider the FX version, the 105 mm. If you pursue this hobby and eventually want to upgrade your camera, you'll eventually drift to an FX body. At that point you will find that the DX lenses you have represent a problem. You can still use them but they will not cover the FX sensor completely, instead you'll have a cropped photo. That's not to say that this is a problem, but you may none the less suddenly want to upgrade your DX lenses too so that you can use all of the FX sensor and that can get rather expensive. I should also mention that FX lenses work just fine with the DX sensors. Something else to think about.

Good Luck!

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Isn’t the 40 also a DX?

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

I don't think Nikon makes a "DX" macro but you can always use an "FX" on a "DX" body. I use an old AI manual focus 105 f/4 Micro Nikkor on my D750 body usually in "A" mode with excellent results. Extension tubes work good but a true macro is a flat field lens which becomes important when close up. The following were shot with the 105. The second is a crop of the first. Download and click on the image to zoom in to judge sharpness. A makeup mirror was used to reflect sunlight on the flower which was in deep shade.

(Download)


(Download)

pmackd Loc: Alameda CA

Get the Nikon DX 40mm f2.8 Micro. About $250. new. Perfect for flowers. Very sharp. One of Nikon's best lenses for the money and also an ideal walkaround prime for general photography. Tricky to use as a true macro lens as it's easy to cast a shadow on the subject when you get close enough for 1:1 but for flowers you don't need to get that close.

The FX Nikon 105 VR is heavy and expensive. Overkill for flowers. The FX 60mm Nikon is not quite as sharp as the DX 40, heavier and more expensive, but would work fine.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Tamron SP 60mm f2 Macro ... not only is it an exceptionally sharp lens, you get three lenses in one: a) Macro b) 50-60mm Prime c) fast (f2) = $525