macro filter vs macro lens??? (Page 4): Author, it depends on what you want to photograph. "Macro" lens not only allow you to get close, but are designed to capture flat fields. If you...

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

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?

Author, it depends on what you want to photograph. "Macro" lens not only allow you to get close, but are designed to capture flat fields. If you are not using the lens for copy work, then you probably don't need a "macro" lens.

If that is the case, I might recommend an extension tube with a prime lens such as 105mm or a zoom that covers that focal length. A non macro Nikkor should be much less than a macro of the same focal length. You might also look at Sigma and Tamron lenses as they are very good and less expensive. Have fun, J. Goffe

Remember the f/stops here!

Nevada Chuck

The Tamron 90 macro is considered by most of the experts and rating services to be one of the sharpest lenses ever made, which I can personally attest to. I think it usually goes for 5-600 dollars.

C. David Loc: Wisconsin

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?

I haven't read all the responses yet, but if you want to go cheap, try putting a magnifying glass in front of the lens and focus through it. Don't laugh. It works. I tried this and it works, but the grandson lost his magnifying glass. :lol: :lol: 8-)

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

C. David 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?

I haven't read all the responses yet, but if you want to go cheap, try putting a magnifying glass in front of the lens and focus through it. Don't laugh. It works. I tried this and it works, but the grandson lost his magnifying glass. :lol: :lol: 8-)

Be careful you don't burn a hole in the sensor while trying to keep sharp focus. :oops: OMG, did I really write that!
:lol: :lol:

Satanta Loc: N.C.

I have not priced them and simply going by rote memory because I'm too lazy to go into the other room and look but I've got an older Tamron [[or next closest aftermarket]] zoom in the 70-300 range with a macro setting.

Has served me well for years within it's limits.

ok, NVM I went and got it anyway...it's a Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 DG.

I use it on an older Nikon D50 and trust me, maybe not the top-best-quality images at times but it is tough as nails...and does macro or close to it.

Might see if it will work with your camera and get a used one.

Satanta Loc: N.C.

Quick search brought up one on B&H for $170 tho it's a Pentax, just sayin'....

ephraim Imperio

Nevada Chuck wrote:

The Tamron 90 macro is considered by most of the experts and rating services to be one of the sharpest lenses ever made, which I can personally attest to. I think it usually goes for 5-600 dollars.

There are two version of this lens that Mr. Nevada chuck is talking about. This is the newer version from AMazon. Scroll down towards the page to read the glowing reviews of users. This lens is considered the poor man's Nikon 105 f2.8 G VR macro lens.http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-90mm-2-8-SP/dp/B00021EE4U

ephraim Imperio

ephraim Imperio wrote:

quote=Nevada Chuck The Tamron 90 macro is conside... (show quote)

Sorry Mr Administrator, I broke the rules. I am not suppose to attach a website with an http on it. I apologize!!

C. David Loc: Wisconsin

Armadillo wrote:

quote=C. David quote=lpurschke ok so the nikon 1... (show quote)

Yep. you did. Perhaps I should have stated to NOT look into the sun. But then again, if you're taking macro pix normal folks wouldn't be looking up towards the light. Just a thought :thumbup: :lol: 8-)

Satanta Loc: N.C.

C. David wrote:

Yep. you did. Perhaps I should have stated to NOT look into the sun. But then again, if you're taking macro pix normal folks wouldn't be looking up towards the light. Just a thought :thumbup: :lol: 8-)

I think I saw that movie...

"The photographer with the arc welder lensed eyes'.

C. David Loc: Wisconsin

Satanta wrote:

C. David wrote:

Yep. you did. Perhaps I should have stated to NOT look into the sun. But then again, if you're taking macro pix normal folks wouldn't be looking up towards the light. Just a thought :thumbup: :lol: 8-)

I think I saw that movie...

"The photographer with the arc welder lensed eyes'.

Try again Satanta.

BigDaveMT Loc: Plentywood, MT

I bought an inexpensive set of close up filters through Amazon and use them with the Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens on my Nikon D3000. They're good enough to experiment with and get a feel for macro photography.

I shot the attached photo with the 10x filter. The background is simply poster board that I purchased at the drug store. Lighting was with a aluminum fixture designed for heat lamps in a chicken coop that I got at the local farm co-op.

For the education of myself and others posting here, feel free to add some constructive criticism.

Caribkid Loc: Atlanta, GA

I have an inexpensive Opteka 10X Macro lens insert which does a decent job in manual mode. It screws into any 52MM lens which you currently have.

cgchief Loc: Jarrettsville

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 least expensive way to experiment with macro is to use a reverse adapter to utilize an existing lense; preferably a 50mm or 28mm prime.

tom hughes Loc: Phila Pa

If you truly want to focus on Macro, the Canon MPE 65 is the best way to go. One to One & Five to One magnification. Manual focus only disadvantage. A truly dedicated lens.