Is it OK to do macro with a zoom lens?

[Daniel Veazey]

I don't have a macro lens. I made this with a 55-200 mm zoom lens, f/5.6 1/500 exposure on ISO 100. Is there anything wrong with getting an image like this instead of using a macro lens? I cropped a whole lot, too. Did I do well? I really would like to hear things I can do to improve. I'm a total beginner.



EXIF data:
Camera: Nikon D3000
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 200 mm
Focal Length: 201.6 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

File Size: 329 kB
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MIME Type: image/jpeg
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Image Height: 593
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Date and Time (Modified): 2010:05:26 01:42:06
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Exposure Program: Manual
Date and Time (Original): 2010:05:25 18:30:17
Date and Time (Digitized): 2010:05:25 13:30:17
Compressed Bits Per Pixel: 4
Max Aperture Value: 5.7
Metering Mode: Spot
Light Source: Unknown
Sub Sec Time: 50
Sub Sec Time Original: 50
Sub Sec Time Digitized: 50
Color Space: sRGB
Sensing Method: One-chip color area
CFAPattern: [Green,Blue][Red,Green]
Custom Rendered: Normal
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Auto
Digital Zoom Ratio: 1
Focal Length In35mm Format: 300 mm
Scene Capture Type: Standard
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
Maker Note Version: 2.10
ISO: 100
Quality: Fine
White Balance: Auto
Focus Mode: AF-C
Flash Setting: Normal
White Balance Fine Tune: 0 0
WB_ RBLevels: 1.76953125 1.48828125 1 1
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Exposure Difference: -1.8
Flash Exposure Comp: 0
ISOSetting: 100
Image Boundary: 0 0 3872 2592
Flash Exposure Bracket Value: 0.0
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Crop Hi Speed: Off (3904x2616 cropped to 3904x2616 at pixel 0,0)
Serial Number: 3341829
Color Space: sRGB
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Vibration Reduction: On
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Picture Control Name: Standard
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Contrast: Normal
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Hue Adjustment: None
Filter Effect: n/a
Toning Effect: n/a
Toning Saturation: n/a
Timezone: -06:00
Daylight Savings: Yes
Date Display Format: M/D/Y
ISOExpansion: Off
ISO2: 100
ISOExpansion2: Off
Lens Type: G VR
Lens: 55-200mm f/4-5.6
Flash Mode: Did Not Fire
Shooting Mode: Continuous
Auto Bracket Release: Manual Release
Lens FStops: 4.92
Shot Info Version: 0217
Noise Reduction: Off
WB_ RGGBLevels: 0 0 453 256
Lens Data Version: 0204
Exit Pupil Position: 97.5 mm
AFAperture: 5.8
Focus Position: 0x11
Focus Distance: 1.12 m
Lens IDNumber: 144
Min Focal Length: 55.0 mm
Max Focal Length: 201.6 mm
Max Aperture At Min Focal: 4.0
Max Aperture At Max Focal: 5.7
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Primary AFPoint: Center
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Directory Number: 100
File Number: 2881
Compression: JPEG (old-style)

[mk12mod]

nicely done!! as far as the macro/zoom question.... it doesn't bother me either way; then again I am just getting into the macro scene...

[BigFuzzy]

There's never anything wrong with how you go about getting an image you're happy about. Period. What we, as outsiders to your creative desires, feel you should do is irrelevant.

Having said that, on a technical note, cropping a lot will prevent you from showing your image on a larger scale and also you lose detail/sharpness which is a big factor in 'good' macro. If you want to get into macro, i still think it's best to buy a dedicated lens, or use macro tubes to get the most out of it.

For a beginner, you did a really good job. Sharpness appears pin sharp, and composition is good. Love how you can see the petals in the background but they don't overlap with foreground. All-in-all I think a very good effort.

[Laurenbiz]

Yes, it's OK, especially when you take fab photos like this! I really do like the end result here. Keep up the good work with your zoom lens :-)

[PWhite214]

However you can get close enough to get your intended photo is the way to go. I really like the photo, so keep going. When and iff you feel the need to get closer (more Magnigication) you can look in the Techniques Section to find ways to handel that. I hope you post some more .

Phil

[JessicaO]

This is a fantastic picture, very sharp and nice colors. Composition is great too. I personally try to crop in-camera rather than afterwards on the computer. It forces me to think while I'm taking the picture and I often end up trying many different angles and such. Doing this helps me get a good pic in the end. But yours is really great, and everyone has to find what works for them.

[Agnew]

I use the same lens for my macro shots as well.
I am saving for a macro lens but I have 3 kids and kids are expensive!

I think you did a wonderful job with this shot. Nice colours and the detail is sharp.

[squirbit79]

Great photo! A macro lens will let you get much closer to the subject, allowing you to skip quite a bit of cropping while getting a great photo. I think my lens allows me to focus within 12" or so of the subject. However, there will be other considerations also such as depth of field and lighting that add in new challenges. Keep up the good work.

[Cindie Lou]

I'm new to photography as well and have the same camera and lens. You did a fantastic job in my opinion. Keep taking shots like this and thanks for sharing and showing us what our kit lens can do.