first shots from new dslr & ?? about macro

[kgreen]

Hi all, I've allready posted about getting my new camera today.. sorry I am just thrilled as can be. It's a Nikon D-7000 with 18-105 lens. So I thought I'd post a few of my first photo's taken. Warning they aren't great & I'm still learning, but was playing mostly with the aperture priority mode. I used a wider aperture, & I think I mostly got the result I was looking for. Problem is focusing. I notice when I get real close in the camera has trouble focusing, & won't let me take a photo. The camera & lens has an auto focus button, so I turned it off to focus manually. Only then I couldn't get a clear subject at all. I know this is a dumb question, but is this when I would have needed a macro lens?? I normally fall head over heels for wide angle photo's, but for the shots in my backyard, I went for the closeups & portrait. Thanks you all are great!

 

[mom2rtk]

First, congratulations on your new toy!

Each lens has a minimum focusing distance. If you're closer than that distance, you won't be able to focus with either auto focus or manual focus. If you want to do a lot of macro photography, you might want to consider alternate lenses.

Great shots!

 

[disneyboy2003]

Congratulations on your brand new camera! You're gonna have lots of fun taking pictures and learning photography.

All lenses have a "minimum focusing distance", which means if you get any closer than this distance, your lens can't focus. According to the Nikon Web page for your lens (link), the Nikkor 18-105mm lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.48 feet. If your lens was any closer than this, this would explain why your lens wasn't able to focus.

As you suggested, a macro lens would give you a much closer minimum focusing distance. The Nikkor 60mm macro lens, for example, has a minimum focusing distance of 0.6 feet (link).

Hope that helps. Great first pictures! Congratulations again!

 

[kgreen]

Thanks for the info. & link to the macro lens. I know I'll be getting a lot of practice in the next few weeks, I can't seem to put the camera down. I keep thinking of new lenses allready.. my husband will have to put me on a budget! lol You are all so great here on the DIS! I'm also starting a digital photography course.. so I'm sure I'll have many questions along the way! Thank you all!

 

[mom2rtk]

Don't tell your husband about all your new enablers.....errrrr..... I mean friends...... here on the photography board!

 

[krb2g]

I haven't talked myself into springing for a macro lens...yet...but when I want macro-style pictures, often I find some luck with standing farther back and then zooming in (although that method does change the focal length which will in turn change the appearance of the background and force a smaller aperture).

 

[photo_chick]

Macro does not necessarily mean a close focusing distance. Some of the longer macro lenses have a longer minimum focusing distance but still produce 1:1 images.

 

[Nayan]

Don't tell your husband about all your new enablers.....errrrr..... I mean friends...... here on the photography board!

My hubby always asks "were you on the Dis photo boards again" when I mention a new lens or other piece of gear I'd like to get.

 

[Altair]

Macro lenses are probably the best option, but cheaper options are close-up lenses which screw on like filters and extension tubes which fit between the camera and your lens.
Just thowing out some other options available.