Good starter macro/micro lens?

[elkidogz]

So, I'm confused.

Nikon - AF-S DX 85MM F/3.5 G ED VR VIBRATION REDUCTION 1:1 MACRO LENS FOR DIGITAL SLRS (52MM)

Nikon | News | AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR

Priced here $489.95 Nikon | AF-S DX 85MM F/3.5 G ED VR VIBRATION REDUCTION 1:1 MACRO LENS FOR DIGITAL SLRS (52MM) *FREE SHIPPING* | 2190 | Tri-State Camera, Video, and Computer


I think this is the macro lens for my camera. I'm just unsure as to if that's 100% correct, and if it's going to be the best 'bang for the buck' type purchase. I've found myself trying todo macro photography with my two lens kit (the two the camera came with) and I'm not able to get the shots I want, I had a great ant hill the other day, it was being attacked all day long by another ant hill. I wanted to capture the epic event, but my gear wasn't up to the challenge...

So, I'm trying to get some macro shots of flowers, and bugs and what not. Is this going to be the fit for the job? Do you have any other suggestions?

[Rina Minca]

I'd also love to know what to look for for a macro lense. I have a beginer Canon dSLR.

[lynweber]

I purchased the tamron 70-300 with Macro builtin it does a great job. the 85mm i think is good for portraits to i am working up to that!

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by lynweber

I purchased the tamron 70-300 with Macro builtin it does a great job. the 85mm i think is good for portraits to i am working up to that!

But the tamron, at minimum focussing distance, only does 1:2 macro (if you can call it macro) Looks like the 85mm above will do 1:1. That gets you much closer. Looks like it would be a great lens.

My set up is a $60 smc 50mm f/1.4 (from 1975) with some $50 vivitar auto extension tubes = another 50mm for 1:1 magnification.


This is actually two shots pano'd together so you can see the whole thing
ISO: 200 -- Aperture: f/11
Exposure: 1/180 sec -- Focal Length: 100mm

ISO: 200 -- Aperture: f/11
Exposure: 1/180 sec -- Focal Length: 100mm


ISO: 200 -- Aperture: f/16
Exposure: 1/180 sec -- Focal Length: 85mm

ISO: 200 -- Aperture: f/11
Exposure: 1/180 sec -- Focal Length: 85mm