Macro Lens for a Nikon

[JBS]

Well a bit tapped out after getting a D5000, 18 to 55 and 70 to 200 lens for the wife and converting it so she can operate the camera with her left hand. I am looking for a reasonable priced Macro lens for her. It doesn’t have to be Nikon as long as it works correctly with the camera.

[JBS]

No one has a suggestion on what macro lens to consider purchasing next ?

[TexasBob]

What about an extension tube?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375238-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGN_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html

I have this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407711-REG/Kenko_UNITUBE25DGN_25mm_Uniplus_Tube_DG.html

I don't have experience with a true good macro lens. I have a cheap Sigma zoom that does 1:2 macro. Not bad for the money, but would much rather a prime, 1:1 macro.

[JBS]

Thanks Bob, I will look into this company and the extensions.

[TexasBob]

No problem. In all my research Kenko is the preferred brand and I highly recommend B&H for any of your gear. I should mention, the problem I have with the extension tubes is that you have to be super close to the subject. Well under one inch, and almost touching with some combinations. Fine for texture and certain things, but not so great for bees, etc. The extension tubes are still a lot of fun, and relatively cheap in the photography world.

[JBS]

Yes, I have purchased from B&H and like them. I got some of the parts to set her camera up for left hand operation from them. I looked over the “kit” and that looks to be the way to go. I read many posted reviews giving more weight to those listed as professional. One good write up covered how well they worked with the two lenses I have already purchased for her. She will mainly be using the extensions outside for plant and flower photos with maybe the occasional bug or two. She already has a tripod and a remote trigger so she can setup, focus, and wait for bugs.

[Wildman]

I have the 35-105mm nikon macro and LOVE IT! About a $100 lens used

[Hillary]

I have the 105 f/2.8. I don't use it as much as I wish I would, but I do love it

[JBS]

Thanks Hillary, and Wildman I will also look into the 105. I did find this lens yesterday while digging around at B&H. It had very good reviews and is on sale for 400 bucks, Tamron SP AF90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro Lens. Is anyone using a Tamron lens ?

Also any opinions about purchasing used lenses from B&H.

[Wildman]

JBS, I personally have not had good luck with Tamron lenses. Not to say others have not, but seems to me that everyone I have had (3) they always become sloppy after 3 or 4 months. Sloppy meaning they "rattle".

I would seriously look on ebay or craigslist and see if you can find the nikon 35-105 macro. They are work horses and are cheap because they are not popular now that the DX "stuff" has come to play with Nikon. Oh, personally, I would not buy a DX lens either if I had the chance to by a D series or G series non-DX. Again, personal opinion.

[JBS]

Looking around on the net this morning it looks like the Nikon 35-105 macro is an older type completely manual lens that works on both film and DSLR Nikons, am I right on that? If so that may present a bit of a problem. My wife has a bit of a handicap due to a stroke. Manipulation of the aperture ring and a focus ring my be stretching things a bit. The lens will be used on a D5000

[Wildman]

Let me check to see if the AF lens works with the D5000. I never think of these things as I make sure my bodies will drive AF and AF-S lenses.

Nope, sorry. The D5000 is another Nikon SNAFU

Compatible CPU lenses
Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only; autofocus is not supported with other autofocus (AF) lenses.

Source: http://imaging.nikon.com/products/im...patibility.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d5000/af-settings.htm

Another reason to look into what you are buying and buy a camera that will shoot AF and AF-S lenses.

Sorry! That little lens is the bomb too.

[Hawkpuppy 1]

I may be missing something here but I have the 18-55 and I can get about as close as I need to on most things for those up close and personal shots. I also use some "magnifiers" that screw on the lens like a filter. Came in a 3 pack for about $30 and are in 2x, 3x and 4x power. They work pretty good for me.

Dave

[Wildman]

I may be missing something here but I have the 18-55 and I can get about as close as I need to on most things for those up close and personal shots.

Dave

Dave, macro and close-up are two different things. Macro ability is to take a full fame of a penny's flaws such as the dents and dings at 2" from the lens. I doubt any magnifying filters you put on will give you the ability to clearly take a close up shot of the date of that penny. They may and I would like to see what others can so without macro with the same shot I am posting

By example, this is a about 1.5 inches from the penny. The macro is the ability to get the paper's detail and the pennies "dents" in the copper.