MarkH Loc: Cape Coral, FL

I have been admiring you're macro shots for awhile. I find myself being drawn to this area of photography as a specialty of mine but a little confused on where to start equipment wise.
Here is what I have - Nikon d5100, 35 1.8 and 55-200VR lens. Thats it and realize I have more equipment to acquire to do this right.
Without giving away your "trade secrets", could describe the gear you use or reccommend for a beginner and possibly some tips and techniques?

WildBill Loc: South West Florida

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-5849-1.html

I do not know if he posted in here but there are 2 of these topics and you might see him in one of them.

MarkH Loc: Cape Coral, FL

Thanks for the link but nothing there directly related to macro or by Nikonian. I actually posted this in the wrong section, so I'll try it in the other and see if I can smoke him out.

gizzy.whicker Loc: Cumberland Co., Illinois

In the "Search" up above, type in "Nikonian72" and It'll take you to the area's he is active in. I'm sue he'd be happy to help you. He's been helpful to me.

MarkH Loc: Cape Coral, FL

Thanks, good idea

BacSi67 Loc: Pine Grove, Pa

Hi Mark H. (Benny Hill), On your question about Macro, Yes Macro Photography is really something to behold, it gets you right down to some of the tinest details on Mother Earth, that are really facinating. (and I am still learning about Macro.) I don't mind sharing what i have learned.

I use a Nikon D5000, and a few other lenses, among them are the standard lens that came with the camera. (18-55mm 1:3 to 5.6) w/VR and Manual switch.

I have also purchased a Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300 1:4 to 5.6 G lens with wide angle and telephoto adjust ring at end of lens w/Macro option.

I also have from my older Nikon N-10 35mm film camera, a lens that is full Macro w/Limit and Full switch, AF/s Nikkor 55mm 1:4-5.6D w/AF/M/VR@ 1:1/5.61ft 52mm, this lens fits my D-5000 and I have to use it in manual mode, though I do not mind because I get better focus control at really tight in shots. Need to use a tripod with it; however my bifocals are really a problem for me.

So there you have it, don't claim to always understand all the working data on the lens, no, not really, sometimes gets too confusing for me, so I wing it at times and shoot lots of frames and hope for the best. That's what nice about Digital, you can delete al the bad shots and not cost you anything. I don't shoot RAW yet, I have not yet learned how to do that.

I edit and print everything I shoot up to 8.5 x 11 size prints, anything larger than that I find Staples does very nice work for me, I have entered several Photo exhibits at our local Veterans Hospital, first exhibit I had a total of 39 photos on display on I think four large large black foam boards; this is an on going project for Veterans only, gets the kinks out of my PTSD Brain.... (We wont go there) I hope to up load some photos on this site for some opinions. If I were shooting only film, I could not afford all the mistakes I make.....But I am still learning and consider myself a learning Amature, that's why I am here, hopefully to learn......I have found out; if Ihave a question, ask, if I don't, well they that makes it difficult on me, so I don't mind asking questions and i also do not mind sharing what secrets i have learned over the years. If I don't receive an answer to my questions, I find some one or something who will be kind enough to help me...so don't be shy, it looks like there are enough nice folks on this Forum who are willing to share their hard learned knowledge. I hope I am not breaking an Forum Rules by writing allot. Writing is another one of my passions.

Hope to share and learn with you. I still have to figure out what photos I will be uploading soon.

Tom (BacSi67)

MarkH Loc: Cape Coral, FL

Hello Tom,
Yep, macro really fascinates me and I want to learn about all the choices. I just got a d5100, so we have similar camera bodies. After much research, I'm looking at a Tokina 100mm 2.8 macro lens (very affordable) and highly rated. I know it wont autofocus on the 5100 but with macro, I'll be using manual anyway. I'm also looking at the Nikon R1C1 speedlight system. Wish I could save some money with the R1 but the 5100s flash does not serve as a commander. I'm thinking these 2 items will give me an affordable start but would love to hear others opinions.

[quote=BacSi67]Hi Mark H. (Benny Hill), On your question about Macro, Yes Macro Photography is really something to behold, it gets you right down to some of the tinest details on Mother Earth, that are really facinating. (and I am still learning about Macro.) I don't mind sharing what i have learned.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Mark - Looks like your thread got highjacked! NONE of the previous posts are from me.

I am quite open about my macro set-up. Here is my Flickr set about my macro equipment:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikonian72/sets/72157623703013085

Your choice of macro lens is key. If you want excellent macro-photographs (not just good) you must have a prime macro lens. My choice is the Nikkor Micro 105. I have used both the "D" (A-F but no VR), and the "G" (A-F & VR), which I prefer for my style of hand-held macro-photography. My 1:1 working distance (WD = front lens element to subject) is 150-mm or 6-inches. Shorter lenses require shorter WDs to accomplish the same image. WD is important when shooting insects.

I utilize A-F with center spot focus, which allows me to quickly acquire subject focus. I also utilize VR, which provides stability at 1/200-sec, or slower.

I am a DOF fanatic! The Nikkor 105 can handle f/22 with indiscernible "aperture diffraction". In order to provide enough light to achieve f/22, I use a standard Nikon SB-600 Speedlight with an O-Flash 3/4-ringlight attachment ($40 on eBay). I can easily adjust exposure via aperture (more or less reflected light to sensor) or flash output (less light to subject).

My average hand-held exposure at ISO 400 is 1/200-sec at f/22, which captures background sunlight exposure as well as proper subject exposure.

Your D5100 will work quite well for a similar set-up.

Recent 1:1 capture of a Jewel Araneus Orb Weaver.

MarkH Loc: Cape Coral, FL

Thank you so much for the tips.
I got an SB400 flash, do you think this is sufficient in lieu of the 600? And do you use any diffusing with the flash?
I was considering the Nikkor 105 but have read great reviews on the Tokina 100mm macro for less cost or do you feel the VR aspect of the 105 to be critical?
I was looking at the Nikon R1C1 dual speedlight set up with the 800 commander ($600.00+) but if a $40.00 ringlight would work just as well all the better.
How does the ring light work? Is it self controlled with its own battery and just an on/off switch?

Edit: Just looked at your Flicker link and see the ringlight is attached to the SB600 or in my case it would be the 400.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

1.) I can offer no opinion about the Tokina 100-mm macro, which I have never used. You need to trial use it for your own evaluation of enlarged images.

2.) The O-Flash may fit onto the SB-400, but I have never seen the SB-400 listed on the "model" chart. Since each camera model with an attached speedlight has a different "center-to-center" length, I can offer no recommendation. An SB-400 may be too short. My SB-600 mounted on either my D5000 or D90 takes an O-Flash model F160 (millimeters c-t-c).

3.) I paid US$200 on eBay for a refurbished (warranted as new) SB-600.

4.) For more than 30-years I shot macro straight manual, with available light. Instant viewing with digital, auto-focus, VR, and dependable, portable lighting have made my macro so much easier to guarantee usable results.

O-Flash 3/4-Ringlight Attachment


My Hand-Held Macro Set-Up

J. R. WEEMS Loc: Winchester, Virginia

72~ What might be the max range of such a rascal?? :)

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I have illuminated subjects 4-feet away from lens, but had to significantly open aperture due to light fall-off. I like a working distance of 1-foot to 2-feet. With my Nikkor 105-mm macro, 6-inch Working Distance is 1:1.

J. R. WEEMS Loc: Winchester, Virginia

72- interesting. I have had the 105 for some time. My light ring will be here by the end of the week. I have an R1C1 outfit but it isn't as quick at times. I don't know if my SB800 can put more light out than a 4 or 600 but it is of little matter. I do a lot of forest floor work as well which is one of the main reasons for the getting the ring. Thanks!! Oh yes, I have an older 105 left over from my film days. :)

:thumbup:

BOB Loc: Texas

Doug ..I was looking at you flickr of the ring flash the is the one photo where you remove the clear plastic from the ring ...Why??

Gidgette Loc: Boerne,Texas

I have an old Nikon 35mm also but it doesn't work now. Can I use those lens on Nikon D90?