Am I equipped to take this picture?

[BeenHereB4]

I have the D80 with a 50mm lens and the 80-135mm that came with it. I'm fairly new to adjusting settings, knowing what lens is right for a shot, etc.

I'd like to take some pics for a hobby of mine like the one below (that pic borrowed from another board). My current lenses will not let me get that close nor can I capture a clear image and my colors get really washed out. I typically shoot in A mode but have used portrait with no better results.

Any advice? Do I need a macro lens? Perhaps I'm missing something with the settings? Or maybe this person is just way more advanced than I am (entirely possible, of course).

Thanks for any help!

Here's the pic:

 

[frugal_mar]

Take a look at the Nikon 60 MM Micro (macro) lens. You should be able to do the work that want with this lens. Also, on the photograph you showed, how much post processing was done?

Click here for the link to the lens on Nikon's web site.

If you have a local camera store, I would take my camera and go try out this lens. There may also be some good non-Nikon macro lenses available. I do own the 60 MM - and it has come in handy for some close-up work.

 

[handicap18]

If the 50mm lens is the f/1.8 or f/1.4 the focus distance is pretty close to the subject. Not MACRO close but still pretty close. You could use any of your lenses, get as close as your focus will allow you then crop the picture further in Post Processing.

 

[BeenHereB4]

Thanks Frugal - I will check out that lens. I don't believe this particular woman does any post processing other than cropping and adding borders.

I will also attempt again with my 50mm. Practice, practice, practice I guess.

 

[frugal_mar]

You may want to try to play with lighting and the flash. You'll get it down. Looking forward to seeing some examples.