Micro Lens for D300?

[Tinkerbell]

I'm pretty new to the photography world and have realized that I love to shoot micro. I seen on a post somewhere on this site that you should have a micro lens if you really want to shoot that and also said that a lot of lens' say micro but really aren't..So how do I know the difference? Could anybody suggest a lens that I could buy (preferably on the cheaper side ) Thank you in advance

[OsmosisStudios]

The term "micro" is Nikon-speak for "macro" (a more interchangeable term). You can get dedicated macro lenses (always primes) and marketing-marco lenses, which don't achieve true macro, only close-up.

Macro is getting a 1:1 reproduction ratio.

If you're looking for a Macro/Micro lens, Nikon has several offerings

60mm (AF-S and AF-D, the former being the newer and better of the teo)
85mm (AF-S, DX, VR) (a bit slower, but cheaper. DX only)
105mm (AF-S, VR, faster and longer: most consider this the ideal)
200mm (AF-D, f/4. Slower, but very long. COnsidered the best. No longer available new).

There are other versions available from third party manufacturers if you're interested. Sigma for instance makes a very good 105mm and 150mm, while Tamron makes an excellent 90mm.

[sk66]

On the cheaper side, I have the Sigma 150mm Macro which is very good. None are "cheap" though. Personally I prefer a longer Macro lens for the greater working distance.

[Tinkerbell]

Thank you both very much for you info!

[lynweber]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

If you're looking for a Macro/Micro lens, Nikon has several offerings

60mm (AF-S and AF-D, the former being the newer and better of the teo)
85mm (AF-S, DX, VR) (a bit slower, but cheaper. DX only)
105mm (AF-S, VR, faster and longer: most consider this the ideal)
200mm (AF-D, f/4. Slower, but very long. COnsidered the best. No longer available new).

There are other versions available from third party manufacturers if you're interested. Sigma for instance makes a very good 105mm and 150mm, while Tamron makes an excellent 90mm.

Will the AF-D nikon versions work on the D5000? I never thought about that version perhaps its cheaper? I recently invested in a 70-300mm with Macro built in but its 1:2 ration buts its a start. I bought the Tamron.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by lynweber

Will the AF-D nikon versions work on the D5000? I never thought about that version perhaps its cheaper? I recently invested in a 70-300mm with Macro built in but its 1:2 ration buts its a start. I bought the Tamron.

Work? yes. AF? no.

AF-D means there's no AF-S motor, so your D5000 wont be able to autofocus with it. It'll still give you everything else though.