Outdoor Ontario

Photography => Equipment and Technique => Topic started by: MEGHAN on November 04, 2012, 10:12:15 PM

Title: Nikons Best Macro
Post by: MEGHAN on November 04, 2012, 10:12:15 PM

Hi All,

I am looking for advice on a macro lens.
Kind of looking for the best Nikon has to offer. So much info and reviews out there I am kind of getting overwhelmed.
Any opinions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Meghan

Title: Re: Nikons Best Macro
Post by: newfoundlander61 on November 05, 2012, 06:39:04 AM

Here is a good link to read before buying. You will likely get some good hands on reports here from nikon users. Myself, I don't do macro so can only show you this link to aid in your decision.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Learn-And-Explore/Article/gnhy8b3m/macro-lenses.html

Title: Best Macro for Nikon
Post by: Michael Tam on November 05, 2012, 04:19:35 PM

In macro photography, it calls for a lens with a true 1:1 reproduction ratio.  The lens generally come in 60mm, 90mm, 105mm and 200mm format.  With the question of which Micro Nikkor (Nikon's macro) is the best, it depends on one's application.  One thought is that the general trend in DSLR is mvoing toward FX (full-frame format), therefore the purchase of DX format macro warrants further consideration into this aspect.

In the Nikkor line of macro, there is the classic Nikkor 105mm f2.8 D that served me well over the years.  The current version with AFS VR ED-micro is an excellent product while it is questionable for the need for AFS and VR in macro photography.  It is priced at $949.99, which makes it not a most afforable lens availble.  Please read the review by Photozone below:

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-a ... est-report (http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/224-micro-nikkor-af-s-105mm-f28g-if-ed-vr-review--test-report)

For a third party alternative, look no further than the well regarded Tamron SP 90mm f2.8 AF DI.  It comes with one of the best price to quality ratio except it is not a 105mm configuration.  Please read the review by Photozone below:

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/282-t ... rt--review (http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/282-tamron-af-90mm-f28-di-sp-macro-test-report--review)

The Tamron SP 90mm f2.8 is priced at $499.00.  One can purchase almost two for the Nikkor equivalent if one can live without the Nikkor name on the barrel :) . Please
read the lens description below:

http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... t&Itemid=2 (http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=2749&category_id=275&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2)

Good birding and photography.

Title: Re: Nikons Best Macro
Post by: Brian Bailey on November 07, 2012, 11:18:27 PM

Much depends on what you plan to use it for.  If you are thinking about insects or other creatures that may not like close approach, a long macro is helpful.  This article from the Luminous Landscape might be helpful http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/hidden_in_plain_site.shtml

BB

Sent from my birdroid using Tapatalk

Title: Close Up In Nature
Post by: Michael Tam on November 08, 2012, 11:47:35 AM

One of the definitive classics on Macro Photography is Closeups In Nature by John Shaw that I studied from many years ago.  Depending on the dimension of the subject matter, it then dictates the magnification requirement.  Please see below on this reference:

http://ebookee.org/John-Shaw-s-Closeups ... 74150.html (http://ebookee.org/John-Shaw-s-Closeups-in-Nature_274150.html)

There is no simple answer as to what is the best Nikkor Micro lens since it depends on one's application.  However, if one is to choose one all purpose macro lens, the benchmark focal length is the Nikkor 105mm f2.8 version.

Good birding and photography.

Title: Macro Everywhere
Post by: Michael Tam on January 04, 2013, 09:29:38 PM

The close-up or macro photography, calls for a vastly different skill than distant photography.  In this article, Rob Sheppard, described the technique to capture images of this unseen world that would ultimately delight everyone:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/how- ... where.html (http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/how-to/shooting/macro-everywhere.html)

Good birding and photography.

Title: Rainforest Macro Photography
Post by: Michael Tam on January 05, 2013, 09:49:07 PM

If one is lucky enough to visit the rainforest of Costa Rica, it is not all for the birds but also for another unseen world near us.  It is the minute small world that calls for those who practice the craft of Macro Photography to bring out the delightful images otherwise would have been lost in the distant vision.  In the article, nature photographer Greg Basco, described the step by step focus that should be contended in the pursuit of this small world:

http://www.naturescapes.net/articles/te ... otography/ (http://www.naturescapes.net/articles/techniques/rainforest-macro-photography/)

Good birding and photography in 2013.

Title: Re: Nikons Best Macro
Post by: pinkster2008 on January 18, 2013, 11:33:02 PM

I am using Tamron 90mm Di II. with two set of extention tubes and an SB800. here are the pictures of my Macro.

http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u189 ... =slideshow (http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u189/Hong_truong/Macro/?albumview=slideshow)

Thanks