Macro: I have a Nikon D5300 with an 18-55mm and a 70-300. Both are 'P' series kit lenses. Quite happy with what they do, since I shoot as a hobby. I am interested in a Macro lens to...

Bar Loc: da 'YouPee', eh!

I have a Nikon D5300 with an 18-55mm and a 70-300. Both are 'P' series kit lenses. Quite happy with what they do, since I shoot as a hobby. I am interested in a Macro lens to round out my kit. At this macro range AF is moot. What older lens's should I look at. As a hobbyist on a fixed income older glass doesn't scare me, price tags do...

sagill Loc: Hawaii

I have an older Sigma 90mm f2.8 macro lens that I have used successfully. While not super fast it still does the trick. I quick checked KEH camera and they have a used one for $144 currently on their website (https://www.keh.com/shop/sigma-90mm-f-2-8-macro-autofocus-lens-for-nikon-52-695522.html). If you haven't used KEH before they are reputable and a good source for all kinds of used gear.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Bar wrote:

I have a Nikon D5300 with an 18-55mm and a 70-300. Both are 'P' series kit lenses. Quite happy with what they do, since I shoot as a hobby. I am interested in a Macro lens to round out my kit. At this macro range AF is moot. What older lens's should I look at. As a hobbyist on a fixed income older glass doesn't scare me, price tags do...

Depends on what you plan on shooting. There is a macro thread on UHH with many "experts" advising. I have multiple macro lenses and one of the best ones I have is an oldie (manual) 55mm with Nikon M2 macro tube. Also have the 85mm, 105 and 200 macros. All work great but may have better uses depending subject/DOF. Here is a link that may be helpful for the extension tube issues.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/macro/index1a.htm

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I have a SIGMA 105mm F2.8 AF. Cheaper than the 'own' brands but still might be more than you want to spend. The AF hunts around a bit on true macro, and manual focusing can be a bit of chore as I feel the thread might be a little coarse for this application. But optically, I'm happy with my results.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I have the Tokina 100 Macro for my D7000. Decent quality at a decent price. You might also look into a set of screw on close up filters. The aspherical ones are better quality and they can give acceptable results. Most get a little fuzzy at the edges but with macro, most everything can be fuzzy except what's right in the center.

Mike Adams Loc: Connecticut

I would suggest extension tubes/bellows over close up filters. Since they contain no glass, they cannot add any distortion. Bellows have the advantage of being adjustable, but most have no connectors to pass focussing, aperture information back to the camera.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

The Tokina 100mm is highly regarded for quality at its price.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

There are many excellent macro lenses available, including Nikon, Tokina, Tamron , & Sigma. The “real” choice will be focal length. Just realize that the shorter macro lenses also have reduced minimum working distances. If you intend to photography live critters you would be well-served to look at a focal length of at least 100mm. Especially critical if they fly.

MauiMoto Loc: Hawaii

100mm TOKINA is one of the highest rated. I also just got a 200mm micro nikkor mint, from Japan for under 300.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Bar wrote:

I have a Nikon D5300 with an 18-55mm and a 70-300. Both are 'P' series kit lenses. Quite happy with what they do, since I shoot as a hobby. I am interested in a Macro lens to round out my kit. At this macro range AF is moot. What older lens's should I look at. As a hobbyist on a fixed income older glass doesn't scare me, price tags do...

Your subject matter will determine your choice of focal length, which goes from 40mm to 200mm, not including extension tubes. If you want to shoot natural subjects, then a 150 or 180 or longer macro is probably a good idea.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I also have the Nikon 55mm and the M2 extender that doubles the focal length to 110mm. It's a great manual focus macro. It is available on ebay as "Micro-NIKKOR-P Auto 1:3.5 f=55mm" for about $75. The Nikon M2 extender goes for $25 or less on ebay.

The quarter was taken with that lens and the M2 extender, hand held, using a desk lamp for illumination with my D3100. Shot at f11, iso-1600, 1/500 sec.

Orange Krate wrote:

Depends on what you plan on shooting. There is a macro thread on UHH with many "experts" advising. I have multiple macro lenses and one of the best ones I have is an oldie (manual) 55mm with Nikon M2 macro tube. Also have the 85mm, 105 and 200 macros. All work great but may have better uses depending subject/DOF. Here is a link that may be helpful for the extension tube issues.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/macro/index1a.htm

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