Nikon dSLR Users - Macro Lens Recommendations?

[Fuyuzora]

Question for my fellow Nikon users on the forum~

Currently using a D90 with a 18-105mm VR lens which is pretty good for day-to-day shooting, offering a decent mix of wide and zoom capabilities. As of late though, I've been thinking of buying a macro lens for photographing miniatures as well as plant life/flowers.

No need for professional-grade lenses, so budget is <$500.

Don't really know where to start. Any recommendations from personal use, and hopefully some sample shots to accompany?

Thanks. :)

EDIT: Should mention that I know I can go to Henry's/Vistek and play with the lenses, but I'd like to get a few leading contenders before I waste a sales guy's time. Might rent a lens for a weekend once I have an idea of what's good.

[Xerox]

if you are on a budget, you can consider extension tubes to reduce the focus distance of your existing lenses. It won't be 1:1 but it's a cheap alternative.

[gabbygenier]

I have a Nikon 60mm F2.8 macro. if u want to borrow it send me a pm, i dont have much time to use it these days so u can borrow it for a bit to test it out if you want.

http://en.nikon.ca/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2177/AF-S-Micro-NIKKOR-60mm-f%252F2.8G-ED.html

[gabbygenier]

couple of pics i took with it. keep in mind im FAR from beeing good at this haha

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r418/gabbygenier/Zoo/DSC_6388.jpg
http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r418/gabbygenier/Zoo/DSC_2985.jpg
http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r418/gabbygenier/DSC_4305.jpg

and one of my fav all time ive ever taken with my camera :)
http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r418/gabbygenier/DSC_2737.jpg

[Fuyuzora]

Wow! Nice shots, Gab!

I'd definitely appreciate it if I could borrow it for a few days to try it out. Can lend you my 18-105mm if you want to try that out in the interim... Perhaps you could bring it to M&M at some point and we can swap then (although I dont think I'll be able to make it out to M&M this week).

[terapr0]

50mm 1.8 w/ Kenko 3 piece automatic extension tubes is my macro setup. Throw in a good sturdy tripod and a few speedlights w/ wireless triggers and you're golden.

The lens is less than $200 and the extension tubes are about $150-$200. Dont cheap out and buy the crappy manual extension tubes - spend the extra $$$ on ones that will work with your autofocus.

[gabbygenier]

Wow! Nice shots, Gab!

I'd definitely appreciate it if I could borrow it for a few days to try it out. Can lend you my 18-105mm if you want to try that out in the interim... Perhaps you could bring it to M&M at some point and we can swap then (although I dont think I'll be able to make it out to M&M this week).

sure, just post on omc or send me a pm when u want to borrow it. i have the 18-105 already (kit lens) so no need for that one haha.

[terapr0]

I love macro photography. Here's just a few examples of what you can do w/ the right lens, lighting combo and a bit of creativity.

http://www.tohellandback.net/junk/macro/resized-22.jpg

http://www.tohellandback.net/junk/macro/resized-DSC_3453.jpg

http://www.tohellandback.net/junk/macro/resized-LDM_0977.jpg

http://www.tohellandback.net/junk/macro/resized-LDM_4141.jpg

http://www.tohellandback.net/junk/macro/resized-LDM_4153.jpg

http://www.tohellandback.net/junk/macro/resized-LDM_4204.jpg

[derekl]

I too have a d90.
Are there other lenses some of you have used?
Are sigma macro lenses any good?

[terapr0]

I cant speak to the quality of Sigma macro lenses, but I have one of their 10-20 wide-angle lenses, and would highly recommend it. It's certainly no nikon 14-24, but for the price its an awesome lens, and has withstood several years of hard abuse in all kinds of unpleasant environments. Just like all the lens manufacturers, they sell good and shitty glass. You always get what you pay for.


I too have a d90.
Are there other lenses some of you have used?
Are sigma macro lenses any good?