D70 Macro Lens

[t_chelle16]

I've got a D70 and wometime in the next few months, I'll hopefully be shopping for a macro lens. So I was wondering if there's any in particular you would recommend I look for?

-Chelle

[Obliviou$]

What's your budget? :)

[t_chelle16]

I'd be thrilled if I could get a decent lens for under $300, but I'm guessing I'm probably going to have to spend closer to $500.

Really, all the fancy, controll everything from the camera stuff, although really nice, isn't an absolute requirement (I started out using my mom's old Pentax K100 so it's not that huge of a deal). Same with autofocus.

-Chelle

[paradise]

Really, all the fancy, controll everything from the camera stuff, although really nice, isn't an absolute requirement (I started out using my mom's old Pentax K100 so it's not that huge of a deal). Same with autofocus.

-Chelle

Chelle, this last statement worries me a bit. If you already spent all this money on the D70, and now want to invest another $500 (it will be about $400+ on a Macro lens), you gotta learn all that "Fancy" control stuff. I dont even know what you mean, but you need to use manual shutter/aperature settings to achieve those great photos that will justify using that type of equipment. there is enough info on this site to make it easy. And it's not difficult at all. Just dont start out by saying that your expectations are low, instead force yourself to think exactly the opposite, set 'em high and you will do it faster :)

I dont know much about Nikon lenses, but they are somewhere around the same range as Canon, and Tamron makes a 90mm Macro for both mounts that is excellent. I am sure nikon makes the 60mm and 100mm equivalents, depending on the size of the fish, I would go w/one of those. Bigger fish = 60mm macro, and smaller fish 100 mm.

[t_chelle16]

I know how to control everything manually. I started using the fully manual mode on my camera since day one (mom's old Pentax k1000 was fully manual as well). What I meant was I don't care if I have to control everything via on the camera body or on the lens itself. I guess that would be cpu vs non-cpu lenses.

-Chelle

[paradise]

Sorry, then, it read the other way :) I have not really had much experience w/cpu lenses, every lens I have just does what the cam tells it to do, I used to auto focus, but it can never compare to manual once you get into it.

[hir0]

hi Chelle. what type of macrophotography are you interested in the most? meaning what type of subjects. i hope you know, that an external flash IMO is very necessary for most types of macro.

[phishphorphun]

I guess that would be cpu vs non-cpu lenses.

chelle, I think what you were asking is if the macro lenses have the cpu contacts for your D70 to control all metering and af functions. They do. Whether it be Nikon, Tamron, or Sigma (probably your best choices), they all have the cpu contacts to get all the bells and whistle from your camera.

You can check out this thread for previous discussions on your subject:

http://aquatic-photography.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2712

[t_chelle16]

I was thinking mainly fish, but also other subjects such as flowers. My fish are mainly smaller fish like mbuna (4" - 5"), cories, bettas, etc. My biggest fish is my 8 1/2" oscar and my 18-70mm zoom (kit lens) is somewhat adequate for that.

And my brother has an external flash he's going to be giving me.

-Chelle

[hir0]

Hi Chelle. I think my most used lens for fish photos is my Tamron 90mm macro. it allows me stay a comfortable distance from my tank, and it's very sharp. If you wanted to go with the least expensive route on the 90-105mm range, the sigma 105 macro is hard to beat. keep in mind AF is not so fast, but generally many people prefer manual focus for macro work. for a little more you could get a sigma 150mm which i think Alan Hill could vouch for. it appears to be quite sharp, but you'll be quite a ways from your tank with that one. You could always go with a 50mm or 60mm macro lens - but I'd probably go with something longer first to satisfy most of your macro needs.

[t_chelle16]

Thanks a bunch. I'll look into those.

-Chelle

[alanhill]

I think I read somewhere that it is hard to find a macro lens which isn't good. I think you can almost let your budget and the price decide whether you go for Nikon, Tamron or Sigma.
The focal length is a harder choice: I like a 90mm macro for 35mm film, which is equivalent to 60mm on a D70 (and I am going to get one when I switch to digital for aquarium photography). On the other hand you may find a 90mm is more versatile for flowers, portraits etc. As hir0 said I have got a 150mm Sigma macro for those sort of shots, and I'm very pleased with it - but I don't expect to use it much for aquatic work.
There's no substitute for trying them both on your camera in the photo store and seeing how they handle.

Alan

[t_chelle16]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know anything about the Vivitar 200mm f3.5 macro lens?

I was at a flea market today and saw one for $55. It was in a display case so I couldn't get a really good look at it. Does anyone know if it will even mount to the D70 (I know there are a few Vivitar's that will) and if so, is it worth going back to check out?

-Chelle

[Ibn]

Never seen or read about it (did some research while looking for a macro lens myself). You probably will have to get a Nikon mount for the lens. Even if it does mount, it'll be a manual lens (not a bad thing since you'll be manually focusing with macros anyways) and there will be no metering. My older Tamron is like so and the metering and the mount leaves some room for improvement.

For that price, I would rather pick up a Nikon 55mm f/3.5 macro. No metering, but it's a Nikon lens so you don't have to worry about the mount. It's also one of the best macro lens that Nikon ever produced.