need macro lense for D80

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need macro lense for D80

Postby Checker » November 7th, 2006, 12:06 pm

I need some recommendations for a good all around macro for my D80. What's the general consensus. FWIW, $300 - $400 range.
Last edited by Checker on February 21st, 2007, 3:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Len » November 7th, 2006, 2:33 pm

Gresh, Nikkor 60mm F2.8 micro or Tamron's 90mm F2.8. Both are under $400. The Nikkor is a bit better in terms of build and performance, but the Tamron is a very high value lens.
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Postby Checker » November 9th, 2006, 5:15 am

I should be picking up the Nikkor 60mm later this week :D Thanks for the recomendation Len :D

BTW, got any tips on shooting shiny objects (plastic bottles)?
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Postby Len » November 10th, 2006, 12:32 pm

Reflective objects are tricky. It comes down to controlling light. Avoid flash if possible, and provide light that is even and omni directional. This may require you to use multiple light sources pointed in various directions as well as diffusers to soften the light. There are a lot of lighting products for these purposes, such as soft boxes and shooting "cocoons." Also, be mindful of your shooting angles (sorry if I'm stating the obvious ;)) With an SLR, you should be able to accurately see how the light is effecting the image, unless you're using flash of course (another reason to avoid flash).

A circular polarizing filter on your lens can help keep reflection/refraction in order too.
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Postby einstein » November 19th, 2006, 9:04 pm

Hi
I just got the 60mm F2.8 for my D50 I am quite happy with it but need to work on nailing my setting for optimal pics....here is a sample of one I did a few days ago with that lens.
Image

I don't think you can go wrong with it as I found out is is touted as one of Nikons best lenses.

Gl

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Postby Diana » November 26th, 2006, 10:09 pm

Hey... I have the same lens w/ a D70 cam... and that is a fantastic pic! What settings did you use for that photo?

:)
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Postby Diana » November 26th, 2006, 10:10 pm

Hey... I have the same lens w/ a D70 cam... and that is a fantastic pic! What settings did you use for that photo?

:)
-Diana
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Postby DaveMorris » November 28th, 2006, 2:33 am

Hey Einstein,

Where did you get your macrro lens? I have a D70s and have started looking for a macro. That pic looks great.
Dave
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Postby DaveMorris » November 28th, 2006, 2:34 am

Hey Einstein,

Where did you get your macrro lens? I have a D70s and have started looking for a macro. That pic looks great.
Dave
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Postby DaveMorris » November 28th, 2006, 2:36 am

Sorry about the multiple post. :oops:
Dave
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Postby browncj7 » November 28th, 2006, 10:41 am

Hey guys, take it easy on the submit button.


Patience young grasshopper.



Nice pict BTW~
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Postby einstein » December 2nd, 2006, 9:37 pm

I bought it from 17th street photo...they had the best price at the time and they are an online dealer who does NOT sell Grey market equipment.

You can google and find them...

Thanks everyone for the compliments on the photo

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Postby Ranger » December 11th, 2006, 9:40 am

I have the D70 as well and have been looking for a while to find a good macro. Thanks for the tip len. Any suggestions on settings would be helpful as well. I am having the most trouble with whitebalance.
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Postby Ranger » December 11th, 2006, 9:40 am

Everytime I post I get a debug error.

Stupid computers and multiple posts.
Last edited by Ranger on December 12th, 2006, 6:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Ranger » December 11th, 2006, 9:41 am

Triple nickel post.
Last edited by Ranger on December 12th, 2006, 6:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Rob_Reef_Keeper » December 12th, 2006, 12:04 pm

White balance - use a white tile in the tank or a coffee filter and set a preset White balance. The Nikon manual is actually pretty good and explaining how to do this.
Rob

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Postby Ranger » December 12th, 2006, 6:01 pm

I did that with a piece of paper and it didn't work at all. Colors came out really off. I guess I will try again. Thanks.
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Postby Giovanni » February 12th, 2007, 3:27 am

I have a Sony A100. Does Tamron make lenses for use also?
Giovanni

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Postby Giovanni » February 12th, 2007, 3:27 am

Sorry BP.
Giovanni

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Postby bdejong » February 16th, 2007, 7:14 pm

I use a Sigma APO Macro DG HSM 150mm true macro lens and it is great. I was 525 when I purchased it late last year. I had great reviews in the mags, does a true 1:1 macro, and a non-rotating front element while focusing and also has the ability to focus to infinity which allows it to be used as a regular prime lens for telephoto work. Best part is that it is a f2.8 lens so it works great in low light or high light conditions.



here is a link to a quick dragonfly shot I took.
http://picasaweb.google.com/dejongb/Insect/photo#4990386897313267730

I would highly recommend it.
Attachments
_MG_3840 PZMacro.jpg
_MG_3840 PZMacro.jpg (152.73 KiB) Viewed 5601 times
_MG_3842 PZMacro.jpg
_MG_3842 PZMacro.jpg (115.96 KiB) Viewed 5601 times
Last edited by bdejong on February 16th, 2007, 7:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks,

Brian
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