Recommendations for Macro Lens and Filters?

[luvgreenery]

Helloo...!

I'm pretty new in the area of DSLR photography. Currently holding Nikon D60 with 'Nikkor 18-55 mm' and 'AF-S VR 200mm f/2G IF-ED'. I love taking macro shots of flora especially plus landscape shots and I'm aware of the in-built macro function.

I'm wondering if the 'AF-S VR 200mm f/2G IF-ED' telephoto lens is alright for macro shooting? Or if I want to purchase a macro lens, which type/model should I get? Any idea on the price range too?

Also, are there any must-haves' filters for beginners?

Thanks in advance!

 

[lsisaxon]

Helloo...!

I'm pretty new in the area of DSLR photography. Currently holding Nikon D60 with 'Nikkor 18-55 mm' and 'AF-S VR 200mm f/2G IF-ED'. I love taking macro shots of flora especially plus landscape shots and I'm aware of the in-built macro function.

I'm wondering if the 'AF-S VR 200mm f/2G IF-ED' telephoto lens is alright for macro shooting? Or if I want to purchase a macro lens, which type/model should I get? Any idea on the price range too?

Also, are there any must-haves' filters for beginners?

Thanks in advance!

The technical specification of the lens in Nikon's page states that the minimum focusing distance is 1.9m with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:8.1. This lens is about $8k.

The kit lens you've got can focus as close as 0.28m and has a maximum reproduction ratio of about 1:3.2 at the minimum focusing distance when zoomed to 55mm, so you can actually get a bigger image than with the AF-S 200/2G VR.

Learn with your kit lens first, then think about other lenses as you progress.

 

[Buggy]

in addition, you can use a close-up/macro filter to reduce your focusing distance. that'll be a cheaper alternative before you'll be tempted to get a macro lens.

cheers

 

[allstar]

you own a 200mm f2?!?!?!?!? Tat's cool man. Get a macro lens of course. reproduction 1:1
105mm VR f2.8 would certainly be the best. Price lets say abt 1k odd? not too sure. That's if u want quaility. Other than that, best of luck. =D I go for nth but the best so yea. =D

 

[2point8]

i would say go for a dedicated macro lens. you will crave for it sooner or later

i recommend the value for money tamron 90mm. 2nd hand should be around 400 plus. performance is on par with the nikon macro lens. can use it as a portrait lens too.

 

[luvgreenery]

The technical specification of the lens in Nikon's page states that the minimum focusing distance is 1.9m with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:8.1. This lens is about $8k.

The kit lens you've got can focus as close as 0.28m and has a maximum reproduction ratio of about 1:3.2 at the minimum focusing distance when zoomed to 55mm, so you can actually get a bigger image than with the AF-S 200/2G VR.

Learn with your kit lens first, then think about other lenses as you progress.

Oh my.. $8k!!

Thanks for the explanation! I was getting confused with the functionalities of the different lenses.

With regards to using filters, say polarising filter and 81A warming filter.. have you any recommendations as to where/which shops I should be looking for them? Any idea on the price range/brands too?

 

[luvgreenery]

in addition, you can use a close-up/macro filter to reduce your focusing distance. that'll be a cheaper alternative before you'll be tempted to get a macro lens.

cheers

Will you be able to recommend any brands for this? Any idea on the price range??

 

[cherieamour]

You can try the Raynox DCR250 (closeup filter of sorts) at www.mcgill.com.sg, he has a post in Mass Sales too.

Otherwise, extension tubes will do fine.

Likewise recommend the tamron90mm macro lens, it takes beautiful photos

 

[weijin]

got some confusion of d extension tube....
wat does it mean if d extension tube is 25mm? like Kenko has 12mm, 20mm and 36mm....wat d difference?
thnx