Starting out in macro photography need help

[Joe O]

I'm using a D3100 with kit lens and a 55-200mm dx lens. Can you recommend a good Nikkor macro lens for me? I understand about the crop factor (1.5) for the D3100 changes the focal length. Should I get a smaller focal length lens to make up for this factor? Also, will a lens that does not have AF work on my D3100? Last question, with the crop factor in question can I use an FX lens on the DX format for macro since it will capture a smaller framed image?


Thank You
Joe O

[JFSanders]

Either the Nikkor FX 60mm 2.8 or the Tokina 100mm 2.8 will make you very happy. You will not be using AF while making Macro images, it is very hard for the camera to see at the apertures you will be using to get the DOF needed. If you are really serious about doing this look to invest in a focusing rail head for your tripod and if you don't have a tripod then look for the models that have a rotating center piece. It will make your life much easier. If you want to go all out also look for a ringlight or flash unit to get the light right. And look into focus stacking, it will astound you.

Jim

[Stryder]

Hi Joe

I'm using the D5000 myself and picked up the AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR lens (AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR from Nikon). I would expect it to work just fine on the 3100.

I read of people running with a 60mm macro lens or a 105mm macro, but the price on the 85mm is quite reasonable as the jump from the 85mm to the 105mm is a big one. It has great user reviews which I relied on heavily when I was deciding which one to buy. The 60mm and the 105mm may be f/2.8 lenses while the 85mm is an f/3.5, but the price trade-off made it worth it to me. The pictures are very sharp and clear, and it also doubles as a very nice portrait lens. You just need good lighting. With that in mind, I'm building my own ring light to use as the lighting setup I have now is not very good (it is, after all, an f/3.5 lens!).

Hope this helps.

[Joe O]

Thank you very much for your help.