Going a bit Macro!

DavidUK · 11-01-2006, 20:06

Ok folks, haven't posted for some time, hope everyone is well and had a good break over Christmas and New Year...

I'm thinking of having a play with some Macro photography. Can anyone recommend a not too expensive, budget-esk Macro lens for my D70?

Joe T · 11-01-2006, 20:09

I use a Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro with my D70. IIRC its the best of its length, unless you want to spend a lot more on a Nikon.

If you want less focal length, there is a Nikon 60mm which is good. If more length is required, try the Sigma 150mm or 180mm versions.

I find 105m is a useful length. It is just about long enough for insects, but not too long for everything else.

Let me guess, youve just seen the pic Steve posted in Photo Sharing?

HTH.

DavidUK · 11-01-2006, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe T

I use a Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro with my D70. IIRC its the best of its length, unless you want to spend a lot more on a Nikon.

If you want less focal length, there is a Nikon 60mm which is good. If more length is required, try the Sigma 150mm or 180mm versions.

I find 105m is a useful length. It is just about long enough for insects, but not too long for everything else.

Let me guess, youve just seen the pic Steve posted in Photo Sharing?

HTH.

...to be honest I haven't, but I will take a look!

I'm just considering getting one to have a play! how much is that Sigma 105mm?

Joe T · 11-01-2006, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidUK

...to be honest I haven't, but I will take a look!

I'm just considering getting one to have a play! how much is that Sigma 105mm?

Onestop (from HK) £229 (includes VAT and postage)
Warehouse Express £279 (plus del)

Mine came from a HK ebay seller.

DavidUK · 11-01-2006, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe T

Onestop (from HK) £229 (includes VAT and postage)
Warehouse Express £279 (plus del)

Mine came from a HK ebay seller.

..I'm guessing macro lenses can't be got on the cheap then! I was hoping to spend about half that.

(I am trying to find a stop-gap to prevent me giving into the temptation of the Sigma 10-20mm at £330 notes!)

Joe T · 11-01-2006, 20:21

The cheaper alternative is a set of extension tubes. Check out the Kenko ones. A set can be got for around £100. (Make sure you buy extension tubes, and not a teleconverter). They are best used on a lens like the 50mm 1.8 or similar. I dont know how well they would work on a 18-70 kit lens.

milou · 11-01-2006, 22:37

Joe - you happy with the Sigma? Must admit, I'm very tempting twixt that, the 150 version or the Canon 100.

Marianne · 11-01-2006, 22:57

The macro lens that I use with my D70 is a Nikkor 60mm Micro lens....I love it and that lens is one of the reasons I am now living with Barry

IanC_UK · 11-01-2006, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marianne

The macro lens that I use with my D70 is a Nikkor 60mm Micro lens....I love it and that lens is one of the reasons I am now living with Barry

LOL be careful how you say that

Marianne · 11-01-2006, 23:09

steady....

jewel · 11-01-2006, 23:57

Joe T · 12-01-2006, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by milou

Joe - you happy with the Sigma? Must admit, I'm very tempting twixt that, the 150 version or the Canon 100.

Yes, I am happy with it. I havent tried any other macro lenses though....

Arkady · 12-01-2006, 09:35

The Micro-Nikkor 55mm manual-focus is one of the best around and should be pick-uppable second-hand quite cheap.

***Dave*** · 12-01-2006, 09:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidUK

(I am trying to find a stop-gap to prevent me giving into the temptation of the Sigma 10-20mm at £330 notes!)

No chance....check out latest shots here & here with the Sigma

Cracking lens & extremely sharp

milou · 13-01-2006, 12:32

Just bought: 1 x Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens - hey ho.

Joe T · 13-01-2006, 13:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by milou

Just bought: 1 x Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens - hey ho.

Nice one!

Ribby · 13-01-2006, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by milou

Just bought: 1 x Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens - hey ho.

Onestop-digital matey?

busterboy · 13-01-2006, 17:57

11-01-2006, 20:06	#1 (permalink)
DavidUK Getting Comfy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leeds Posts: 191	Going a bit Macro! Ok folks, haven't posted for some time, hope everyone is well and had a good break over Christmas and New Year... I'm thinking of having a play with some Macro photography. Can anyone recommend a not too expensive, budget-esk Macro lens for my D70?

11-01-2006, 23:57	#11 (permalink)
jewel Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,133	lol

11-01-2006, 20:09	#2 (permalink)
Joe T Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Amersham, Bucks Posts: 978	I use a Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro with my D70. IIRC its the best of its length, unless you want to spend a lot more on a Nikon. If you want less focal length, there is a Nikon 60mm which is good. If more length is required, try the Sigma 150mm or 180mm versions. I find 105m is a useful length. It is just about long enough for insects, but not too long for everything else. Let me guess, youve just seen the pic Steve posted in Photo Sharing? HTH.

11-01-2006, 20:21	#6 (permalink)
Joe T Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Amersham, Bucks Posts: 978	The cheaper alternative is a set of extension tubes. Check out the Kenko ones. A set can be got for around £100. (Make sure you buy extension tubes, and not a teleconverter). They are best used on a lens like the 50mm 1.8 or similar. I dont know how well they would work on a 18-70 kit lens.

11-01-2006, 22:37	#7 (permalink)
milou Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 583	Joe - you happy with the Sigma? Must admit, I'm very tempting twixt that, the 150 version or the Canon 100.

11-01-2006, 22:57	#8 (permalink)
Marianne Been here a while Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cambridgeshire Posts: 326	The macro lens that I use with my D70 is a Nikkor 60mm Micro lens....I love it and that lens is one of the reasons I am now living with Barry

11-01-2006, 23:09	#10 (permalink)
Marianne Been here a while Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cambridgeshire Posts: 326	steady....

12-01-2006, 09:35	#13 (permalink)
Arkady Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Aldershot, Hampshire Posts: 1,198	The Micro-Nikkor 55mm manual-focus is one of the best around and should be pick-uppable second-hand quite cheap.

13-01-2006, 12:32	#15 (permalink)
milou Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southampton Posts: 583	Just bought: 1 x Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens - hey ho.

13-01-2006, 17:57	#18 (permalink)
busterboy Been here a while Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Harrogate. Yorkshire Posts: 496