View Full Version : Nikon 55mm f/3.5 macro??
Bobalouy
08-02-2005, 5:09 PM
Well I want to get a macro lense for my D70, for the occational 'new coral' pic, but I don't have much to spend (just bought a telephoto)
I here the Nikon 55mm f/3.5 macro is a good lense. And I see alot of them on ebay, but they all look different. Is there a certin one I should look out for. Or are they all the same just different model years?
Thanks
phishphorphun
08-02-2005, 6:21 PM
I think if you are set on a Nikon macro lens, you may want to consider the 60mm 2.8d. It's sharper, and faster than the 55mm. It would serve you well for aquatic photography. A new one is about $385 plus a $35 rebate right now here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=nikon+60mm+2.8d+macro+lens&image.x=10&image.y=6) . IMO you would probably want to step up to 60mm after you had the 55mm for a while. Save up and get it instead of investing in something you will probably get out of soon.
I'll post a picture of the one that you're looking for if you're deciding on this little gem (there are many, but only one of them goes to 1:1 ratio and is the cream of the crop to boot). I have this in my bag as well and it is considered to be one of the sharpest lens ever made by Nikon. The only drawback to this lens is the fact that it doesn't have autofocus (not really necessary with macro lenses) or metering.
phishphorphun
08-02-2005, 8:15 PM
I'll post a picture of the one that you're looking for if you're deciding on this little gem (there are many, but only one of them goes to 1:1 ratio and is the cream of the crop to boot). I have this in my bag as well and it is considered to be one of the sharpest lens ever made by Nikon. The only drawback to this lens is the fact that it doesn't have autofocus (not really necessary with macro lenses) or metering.
I have read this is a great lens also. But, I would prefer having the af and metering, even for macro. I still rely greatly on the af because of my eyesite. Is the 55mm that much sharper than the 60mm? If the 60mm is close enough, why sacrifice the af and metering used on a new camera. Seems like taking a step backwards to me. :-(
I have read this is a great lens also. But, I would prefer having the af and metering, even for macro. I still rely greatly on the af because of my eyesite. Is the 55mm that much sharper than the 60mm? If the 60mm is close enough, why sacrifice the af and metering used on a new camera. Seems like taking a step backwards to me. :-(
Yup, those are indeed the shortcomings for this great lens. The D70 doesn't have metering with such an old lens, but a pro body, such as the D2X does. Sharpness wise, I think it's really hard to tell the difference and the 60mm is on par with the 55mm. Due to this, it is a step backwards, but take this into consideration...used 60mm lens go for around $250 whereas 55mm lens go for about 20% of that. For those who really only want to try out macro photography, this is a great lens.
Be forewarned though, the learning curve for using this lens is very high.
Bobalouy
08-03-2005, 12:39 AM
Ibn - Please post a pic, I definatly want to get one of these. Im not too conserned with the AF, since I'll only really be taking pics of my coral, its not like they are swimming around.
As for the metering, is it someing that you can kind of guess and then adjust after each shot till its correct?
Thanks!
Bobalouy
08-03-2005, 12:45 AM
is this it?
http://members.cox.net/ptl785/485.JPG
Took some pictures of the lens, but found better pictures as well as some good background on this lens. FYI, here's the lens that's in my bag.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/late70nikkor/micro/index.htm
Max magnification of 1:2 and requires the PK-13 extension ring to reach 1:1 (or use with bellows to get greater than 1:1 magnification).
For a picture of the 55cm Micro Nikkor which can get down to 1:1 without extension tube, take a look at this.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/micronikkor/index1.htm
It's the lens right below the all chrome looking one.
The lens that you have pictured, I believe is the Non-AI 55mm micro lens (since it requires the M2 extension tube). Can't mount non-AI lenses on the D70, so I would definitely forgo that lens and trying to do so will damage the lens mount on your D70.
Here's some comparison of the lens. This is the AI 55mm f/3.5 in my bag.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/ebn4/Macro%20lenses/DSC_3936.jpg
Front lens element. Take note of how deeply recessed the lens element is. Also, note the fact that there are no designation on the inside of the lens (versus the one that you have pictured). The designation of non-AI lenses are on the inside whereas the AI version is on the outside.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/ebn4/Macro%20lenses/DSC_3939.jpg
Here is the lens next to a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens to get an idea of its size.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/ebn4/Macro%20lenses/DSC_3969.jpg
Close up of the Tamron lens. It's an older lens and you can see the Nikon adapter to use the lens. The mount is the same as for the Nikon and while it will mount, it won't meter. It will however go to 1:1.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/ebn4/Macro%20lenses/DSC_3944.jpg
Here are a couple of pictures for comparison. Since the Nikon only goes to 1:2, I shot the Tamron at 1:2 also at f/22. First the Tamron.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/ebn4/Macro%20lenses/DSC_3954.jpg
Here's the Nikon 55mm f/3.5 shot.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/ebn4/Macro%20lenses/DSC_3958.jpg
You might want to see what the difference by going to 1:1 is like. Here is a picture from the Tamron at 1:1 (sorry, but missed the focus, but you get an idea of what the difference is comparing this to the previous two pictures).
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/ebn4/Macro%20lenses/DSC_3957.jpg
As for answering the question in regards to the metering. It is indeed a guessing game in the beginning, but after awhile it becomes easier to guess what it is (this is where the learning curve is). Also, as in any macro photography, a stable support is really needed, especially when you're at max magnification.
That's it. Hope I didn't confuse you further. Let me know if you have any questions.
wow great info Eric. i didn't know the tamron90 you had was this one. anyways, regarding metering - i don't use any type of ttl when i do fish photography. i use the histogram and can normally nail down the exposure within the first 5 shots or so. not a problem with digital. regarding the lens, what lenses do you currently own? if you have a 50mm, you could get a 50mm extension tube and get 1:1 reproduction.
Bobalouy
08-03-2005, 9:37 AM
Wow thanks Ibn, that was a huge help!! I would have definatly bought the wrong lense. Its nice to have pics to compare when searching on ebay.
wow great info Eric. i didn't know the tamron90 you had was this one. anyways, regarding metering - i don't use any type of ttl when i do fish photography. i use the histogram and can normally nail down the exposure within the first 5 shots or so. not a problem with digital. regarding the lens, what lenses do you currently own? if you have a 50mm, you could get a 50mm extension tube and get 1:1 reproduction.
Yeah, both of them are more dated lenses, but they were a great way to get started. I will probably add another lens to the collection, but will look for something longer. That's pretty low on the list right now though. :)
Not a problem. I ran into the same problem in the beginning when I was looking for the 55mm f/3.5 micro (didn't even look at the 55mm f/2.8 micro since there are reports of problems with the blades sticking) and am glad that I can shed some light on it.
Roy W.
08-03-2005, 2:03 PM
How about Sigma`s 50mm F2.8 EX Macro?
I love this lens....
Bobalouy
03-28-2006, 12:43 AM
Well I finally got this lense around christmas time, and just thought I would bump it up with some pictures for anyone interested.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bobalouy/12g%20Nano%20Cube/zoo_kr2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bobalouy/12g%20Nano%20Cube/bluezoo.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bobalouy/12g%20Nano%20Cube/hydroids.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bobalouy/12g%20Nano%20Cube/echino_macro.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bobalouy/12g%20Nano%20Cube/sexy2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/bobalouy/12g%20Nano%20Cube/12-26-05_5.jpg
Some nice pics, there. I had to use mine this weekend also, since I no longer possess the 105mm micro.
SW pic
http://i.pbase.com/o4/35/597035/1/57808218.DSC_0740.jpg
FW pic
http://i.pbase.com/o4/35/597035/1/57861253.DSC_0796.jpg
Bobalouy
03-31-2006, 3:26 PM
nice for some reason mine never seem that crisp, or mabe Im being picky.