Basic stuff - What do i need?

[kaiRamirez]

Hi CSers, have been in photography for quite some time now. Just decided to get deep into macro shooting. Wondering what lenses are great for a macro beginner? Any bro/sis out there to share?

I own a Nikon DSLR D60 w 18-55 vr & 55-200 non-vr.


Thanks
Kai

[Leong23]

Originally Posted by kaiRamirez Hi CSers, have been in photography for quite some time now. Just decided to get deep into macro shooting. Wondering what lenses are great for a macro beginner? Any bro/sis out there to share? I own a Nikon DSLR D60 w 18-55 vr & 55-200 non-vr. Thanks Kai

Depend on your budget.....

Tamron 90mm is a good start, but the current model can't AF on D60. Although you will use manual focus in most of the time when shooting macro, but AF come useful in some situation.

Nikon 105VR is better but it is cost almost double the price of the Tamron 90.

[kaiRamirez]

Thanks Leong23.

Hmm. Forget to add. My budget is +/-$600. Is there any way or lenses that can be rigged to my current ones?

[serametin]

maybe u can get the Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Lens(do a search in the forum) for a start, it should be able to work with yr 55-200mm.

even in the future, u want to get a real macro lens, the DCR-250 also can use with the macro lens.

[velasco]

yesh the raynox one is very good for beginner.

btw, your setup + your name reminds me of someone, you have a flickr account eh?

[Leong23]

Originally Posted by kaiRamirez Thanks Leong23. Hmm. Forget to add. My budget is +/-$600. Is there any way or lenses that can be rigged to my current ones?

Actually i always like to recommand Tamron 90, it is quite a versatile lens that you can use for other purpose.

With you budget of $600, you can either top up to get a brand new (around S$660) or a second hand at S$450.

I don't find manual focus is a major setback unless you intend to use it for fast action, and i believe that you might upgrade your camera in maybe 1-2 year time.

I only manual focus when shooting macro, AF only come in when i handheld to shoot large and flat subject like butterflies.

I enjoy using my ZF100mm macro and Nikon85mmPC Macro, both manual focus lenses for other purpose. Of course when i'm doing portrait, i prefer my AF lenses.

When using DSLR, Raynox DCR-250 is very soft on all corner, only a small portion of the center is sharp, many of the macro posting in CS are heavily cropped, so not much ppls notice that.

DCR-250 is much better to be use on P&S, as it is lighter to handheld and have greater DOF due the sensor size.

TS, if you want to go deep into macro, you better be ready to spend more money and time. The full basic setup don't come cheap and you will be out in the field very often.

All the best and Happy New Year.