Shooting macro with a Nikon d90

[Alex Ristea]

I have the 18-105mm kit lens, what lens do I need in order to be able to shoot macro?

[Nicole]

A dedicated macro lens? It actually really depends how much you want to spend and how into macro you are.

The cheapest option is macro filters that screw on. These are basically magnifying glasses that go on the end of whatever lens you have and will let you get a more close up shot. The quality on these isn't the best though, but if you're just starting out and are either unsure or have a small budget, I consider them an option.

Actually, another cheep option is reversing a lens on your camera. If you only have the one lens you might not want to risk damaging the lens, but you can reverse mount a lens and that will also magnify the item. This can be really cheap if you're into DIY: DIY - Reverse Macro Ring | DIYPhotography.net

The next option is extension tubes which let your camera focus closer than it's minimum distance. I haven't used extension tubes so I couldn't vouch for their quality, but from what I've seen the quality is usually a better than the macro filters. But they also cost more.

And then you have the option of a dedicated macro lens, which will almost certainly give you the best quality, but at an equally high price. You could do something like the 60mm Micro lens from Nikon or the 105mm Macro lens from Sigma (I have the Sigma and have used the Nikon). Or there's the new 85mm Nikon which seems to be getting good reviews.

But I think your first step is to decide how much you want to spend to get into macro photography because that will go a long way to determining what your options are. Best of luck!

[Alex Ristea]

Thanks very much Nicole!

I was wondering if I had to buy a new lens or if there was an attachment I could get, but you answered all of my questions, and then some!

[Nicole]

Not a problem. Happy to help!

[diminutives]

I have taken "macro" shots with the kit lense (18-55 mm) that came with my Canon Rebel XSi. The photo shown below was taken just this way:



I had posted a while ago as to what constitues "macro". As I have learned, their is a very fuzzy line. What some folks consider macro may simple be a "close up" or "zoom" photo to others. As one of our moderators put it, how often does one get close enough to see the hairs on the back of a grasshopper?

How I did it? This one, very simply, all "auto" and my subject was very cooperative in not moving, allowed me to get real close and click... got the shot. I've also used the "macro" mode with the kit lense and get great results. I do have a macro lense now and switch between them depending on the photo task at hand.

Hope this helped!

[i speak in math]

Here's a few that I took with a fully manual 50mm lens from 1975 and some vivitar extension tubes. Total cost for the ability to take these macros: $100

[diminutives]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Here's a few that I took with a fully manual 50mm lens from 1975 and some vivitar extension tubes. Total cost for the ability to take these macros: $100

Nice job! What type of critter is in the third photo??? Great pics!

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by diminutives

Nice job! What type of critter is in the third photo??? Great pics!

The third shot is an empty cicada shell

[Chip]

I'm not sure if/how a reversing ring will work with a "G" lens like the 18-105, since it doesn't have an aperture ring. My understanding is that the lens will always be set at it's narrowest aperture if mounted by a reversing ring . . . . which would make getting enough light difficult.

FWIW, I just got a Nikon reversing ring for my D90, but I have a few old primes with aperture rings on them. Quality is quite good from what I can tell.

And very nice photos, Eric.

[veekeey82]

Hi all,

I have recently bought my first SLR. After a long decision process, going between Canon and Nikon
and reading photo blogs I decided on Nikon D90. I am still trying to figure out the settings.

I really like taking close up pictures. But for Macro setting of D90 there is sth that I cannot figure out.

When I am on Macro setting, the shutter is not working when I am close to the object. I have to keep a certain distance from the object so that the shutter works. But then, the picture does not come out as I wanted it to be because of the distance I keep. Even if I zoom in to the max. it is not what I wanted.

I was using a simple digital cam (Canon SX110IS) and I was veeeerry happy about the macro settings outcomes. I hope it is not because of the lack of D90 but because I am doing sth wrong so that I have this problem. Can anyone have a suggestion on it? Do I have to have a special lens for macros? My camera lens is 18-105mm f/3.5 - f/5.6 DX Nikkor.

Thanks!

VICTOR GUHA....
PLS HELP ME OUT...PLS ....
U CAN MAIL ME ON
veekeey82@yahoo.co.in