macro-photography

[balaaji]

I have a nikon AF-S 18-1o5mm lens for nikon D90
is it possible to take good macro shots using this lens
or do i need to buy a macro lens
.please help me with trying to get good close up shots

[Shokinen]

The closest focusing distance for the 18-105mm is 0.45m
Nikon Canada

So set your camera to auto, adjust your focal lens to 105mm and start focusing on an object in your house by pressing to button half-way. Keep doing it while you physically get closer and closer until it cannot focus anymore. You'll see the camera trying to focus but it won't be able. Step back a bit until you can focus again. This will be the closest you can get using this lens. The rest is up your imagination

Take this shot for example. It was taken at 85mm. I could have been closer if I had used my 70-300 but the 16-85 was on and I didn't want to miss the fly. Good thing cause it went off right after hehehe.



Macro lens are interesting when you want to focus up to 1 feet. They also keep a 1:1 ratio. But be carefull not the overate them because you have see some nice pictures on Flickr. At this range things change a bit. You cannot use large aperture because you are very close so you often need a tripod and/or external source of light so it's not as simple as point and shoot.

My 2 cent,
Hope this help

[balaaji]

hi shokinen , thanks a lot . Yes i ve tried that , but when i look at other `proper` macro shots on the net , makes me wonder why am even tryin macro using this lens

[Shokinen]

The macro feature on your camera will never replace a true macro lens. This only affect the camera setting (ISO, Aperture, Shutterspeed) for a close subject. At least what the camera think is good. This will not allow you to get closer than what the lens can physically do.

But like I said, many macro shots were acheived using a tripod and external lighting source. This is due to the fact that your aperture need to be really small to get most of your subject in focus, therefore there is less light getting into your camera. So it's not just about putting the camera to macro.

Anyway, that doesn't stop you from taking stunning picture. You have to learn the limits of your equipment and work with it. This is far more valuable than any new lens you can get


p.s. The next lens on my list is the new 85mm f/3.5 macro lens hehehe.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

p.s. The next lens on my list is the new 85mm f/3.5 macro lens hehehe.

if it wasn't DX, it'd be next on my list too. Alas, it's DX, so i'm saving up for the 105 f/2.8

[balaaji]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

The macro feature on your camera will never replace a true macro lens. This only affect the camera setting (ISO, Aperture, Shutterspeed) for a close subject. At least what the camera think is good. This will not allow you to get closer than what the lens can physically do.

But like I said, many macro shots were acheived using a tripod and external lighting source. This is due to the fact that your aperture need to be really small to get most of your subject in focus, therefore there is less light getting into your camera. So it's not just about putting the camera to macro.

Anyway, that doesn't stop you from taking stunning picture. You have to learn the limits of your equipment and work with it. This is far more valuable than any new lens you can get


p.s. The next lens on my list is the new 85mm f/3.5 macro lens hehehe.

Yeah cool . What about using manual mode to focus while tryin macro `like` shots with my lens??

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

if it wasn't DX, it'd be next on my list too. Alas, it's DX, so i'm saving up for the 105 f/2.8

Never say never but I have to intention to go FF so DX lens are not bothering me at all.



Balaaji, manual setting will allow you to choose the Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed based on what you want to acheive but will not get you closer than what the lens can physically do. Most people use manual focusing (different than manual setting) because at close range, you have to be really precise and they don't want to rely on the camera to do it for them.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

Never say never but I have [n]o intention to go FF so DX lens are not bothering me at all.

I'm just undecided as of now, so any big lens investments get that consideration

[balaaji]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

Never say never but I have to intention to go FF so DX lens are not bothering me at all.



Balaaji, manual setting will allow you to choose the Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed based on what you want to acheive but will not get you closer than what the lens can physically do. Most people use manual focusing (different than manual setting) because at close range, you have to be really precise and they don't want to rely on the camera to do it for them.

yeah , i will try and let you know