Macro Lens

[BVC4us]

Hi everyone,

I'm fairly new to these boards. I read them a lot but I rarely ask questions. I so appreciate this forum though...you guys know so much!!
Anyway, I have a Nikon d5000. I would really like to buy a macro lens but don't have a lot of money to spend on it. I saw this lens on Amazon and it gets very good reviews. It is a Tamron AF 60mm f/2.0 SP D1 11 LD ! F 1.1 macro lens. Do you think this would be a good one? I'm really interested in taking close up photography of flowers.
I would love your opinion. Thank you so much

 

[photo_chick]

Yes, that 1:1 makes it a macro lens. As far as te quality, I've never had my hands on one so I can't say. You might check dpreview.com for a review, they're usually pretty on target there.

 

[alloyd1170]

I am a Canon user and have a macro 100 Canon lens. It can be used as a regular lens as well (not just macro). I will say, when I have some more money, I will be selling it for the version with image stabilization. I really miss not having it. Macro shots are best done with a tripod, but I don't always carry mine around. I would miss so many shots of little critters if I had to go and get my tripod and set it up! So if you're really serious about macro, I would consider a lens with IS.

 

[My2Girls66]

Nikon make this lens now with VR2 for a little more $$ than that Tamron.
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-85mm-3-...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1307488926&sr=1-1

I just bought a used Nikon 60mm micro. After only a few days of playing with it I can see where VR would be nice as I am not real likely to pull out a tripod. I am now debating whether or not to return this lens and save up for the 85mm.

 

[TC09]

Don't know much about macro lenses, but have you looked at the Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G micro lens? It has VR and is in the same price range as the Tamron you mentioned, except the Tamron lens has a $100 mail-in-rebate.

Edit: My2Girls66 beat me to it... I type slow

 

[photo_chick]

I am a Canon user and have a macro 100 Canon lens. It can be used as a regular lens as well (not just macro). I will say, when I have some more money, I will be selling it for the version with image stabilization. I really miss not having it. Macro shots are best done with a tripod, but I don't always carry mine around. I would miss so many shots of little critters if I had to go and get my tripod and set it up! So if you're really serious about macro, I would consider a lens with IS.

The reason many say macro shots are best done with a tripod is to utilize macro focusing rails or to keep your camera stationary for precise focusing. Not because you need IS. In some cases IS can be a hindrance with macro shots and can cause some wonkiness.

 

[My2Girls66]

Don't know much about macro lenses, but have you looked at the Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G micro lens? It has VR and is in the same price range as the Tamron you mentioned, except the Tamron lens has a $100 mail-in-rebate.

Edit: My2Girls66 beat me to it... I type slow

I didn't see the $100 rebate on the Tamron.

 

[My2Girls66]

The reason many say macro shots are best done with a tripod is to utilize macro focusing rails or to keep your camera stationary for precise focusing. Not because you need IS. In some cases IS can be a hindrance with macro shots and can cause some wonkiness.

I can see where the focusing rails could be a great asset. I tried using my tripod the other day on some small flowers. It was extemely frustrating. It is very hard move it forward and back in such small increments plus we had a slight breeze that kept to flowers moving around I gave up and went back to handheld and on my patio that is more protected from the breeze.

 

[ssanders79]

There is also the really cheap macro option: reverse mount rings. It allows you to reverse mount any lens.

I picked one up on ebay for under $5 and have used it with an old 50mm which you can find for under $30.
Below are some test shots witht this setup.

Nikon 50mm 1.8 E Reverse Mount Macro Ring Adapter | Test Shot I by ssanders79, on Flickr


Nikon 50mm 1.8 E Reverse Mount Macro Ring Adapter | Test Shot II by ssanders79, on Flickr

This methods takes a little extra work as you need to shoot in manual mode. I found that it is a great way to get into macro shooting on the cheap. I like it so much that I will most likely get a dedicated macro lens in the future, but for now this works well for me.

 

[scubakat]

I have both the Nikon 60mm and 105mm Micro lenses.. I love them both! I love taking micro pics as well... I bought the Nikon 85mm Micro but really didn't care for it.. I returned it and bit the bullet for the 105mm... the 85mm was slow to focus and was constantly searching... I bought both of the lenses used... they were in like new condition with original boxes paperwork etc.. paid $399 shipped for the 60mm/f2.8G... I am not familiar with Tamron lenses so am no help there..

Here are some pics..

 

[My2Girls66]

I have both the Nikon 60mm and 105mm Micro lenses.. I love them both! I love taking micro pics as well... I bought the Nikon 85mm Micro but really didn't care for it.. I returned it and bit the bullet for the 105mm... the 85mm was slow to focus and was constantly searching... I bought both of the lenses used... they were in like new condition with original boxes paperwork etc.. paid $399 shipped for the 60mm/f2.8G... I am not familiar with Tamron lenses so am no help there..

Here are some pics..

Love that dragonfly! I just got a used version of the older 60mm. Can you tell me how you got the whole dragon fly in focus? Camera settings? Equipment used? Thx

 

[Experiment_626]

Many people with macro experience say that a longer lens is better, especially if you plan to make macro shots of bugs or other small critters. With a longer lens, you don't have to get as close to your subject to get the shot -- obviously -- which might help you avoid spooking the target.

I don't have a macro lens, but I have played around with Nikon 60 mm for a few hours. It was fine for static subjects that won't run or sting or bite (I didn't try it for anything like that, anyway) -- and it seemed like a very sharp short portrait lens as well. If I were going to buy a macro lens myself, though, I think I would go for the 85 mm at least.

Scott

 

[scubakat]

I was so excited to see them by the pond when we were out walking one day.. Took it with my D7000 + 105mm.. I didn't have my flash with me so I actually popped the on camera flash and used that! I mainly shoot aperture priority and the settings were at f/16 and ISO 800 so I can get all of him in focus and I always handhold..

Love that dragonfly! I just got a used version of the older 60mm. Can you tell me how you got the whole dragon fly in focus? Camera settings? Equipment used? Thx

 

[scubakat]

Short portrait lens is what I usually use my 60mm for.. I actually like the focus speed and working distance on my crop sensor better than the 85mm/1.8D which was meant to be my portrait lens..

It does do really well with flowers, food and my husband's "toy soldiers"...

Many people with macro experience say that a longer lens is better, especially if you plan to make macro shots of bugs or other small critters. With a longer lens, you don't have to get as close to your subject to get the shot -- obviously -- which might help you avoid spooking the target.

I don't have a macro lens, but I have played around with Nikon 60 mm for a few hours. It was fine for static subjects that won't run or sting or bite (I didn't try it for anything like that, anyway) -- and it seemed like a very sharp short portrait lens as well. If I were going to buy a macro lens myself, though, I think I would go for the 85 mm at least.

Scott