Macro with Nikon D50

[unforcederror]

Hi all,

I own a Nikon D50 with Kit lens (18-55mm). Is it somehow possible to get macroshots with this kind of lens? I've been experementing, and so far it seems to work although I should could need some more good advice Thx.

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by unforcederror

I own a Nikon D50 with Kit lens (18-55mm). Is it somehow possible to get macroshots with this kind of lens? I

Basically, the answer to this seems to be no. Although this lens has an 11" minimum focusing distance which can allow you to get quite close up at 55mm, it isn't a true macro.

You do have some options though.

You could invest in some Close Up Filters which basically act as a magnifying glass on the end of your lens that you screw on like a normal filter.

You could also buy a Reverse Mount Adapter which will allow you to mount your lens the reverse direction, basically turning it into a macro. Not a bad option if you're comfortable with manual focusing and you're careful not to scratch the glass.

Finally, you can get even more suggestions from The Poor-Man's Macro Group on Flickr.

Good luck finding a solution that works for you

[binny]

You can try reversing the lens for free before you buy anything.

Pringles Macro

But I'm not sure I would want to try it on one of my lens's. But you can buy a really cheap second hand lens to try it on.

I bought a Sigma Telephoto lens 70-300 for my D50 that can also do some macro. While it can't do 1:1 macro, 1:2 is better than nothing.

Macro Water Splash Set

Andrew

[handicap18]

You'll have better luck with your Tamron 55-200 Macro. You'll be able to focus a lot closer at the 200mm end. It most likely wont be 1:1, probably 1:2 and possibly 1:3 or 1:4, but it will be more than the 18-55mm.

I just recently started getting more into Macro. I used to use a Quantaray 70-300 that had a macro feature at the 300mm but was 1:2 ratio. Earlier this month I got the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro. WOW what a lens. Got it used at keh.com at a very good price and it's in excellent condition. Takes very sharp photos and will focus up to about 3 inches. Only issues is that inside 10' or so of the subject it only opens to about f/3 or f/3.5 which is still pretty wide.

Here's one pic I took as an example: