Now that I've got a DSLR, which macro lens should I buy? - Page 4

reelfishy · 04/29/2012, 02:08 AM

Good info.. Just ordered my t3i. Will a Tamaron AF 90mm macro be able to get detailed shots of corals in my 24" deep tank?

Mikigo · 06/08/2012, 10:21 PM

hi

i have a 5' deep tank. nikon d70. what macro lens do you guys recommend for those close up pics?
thanks

BlueCorn · 06/09/2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikigo

hi

i have a 5' deep tank. nikon d70. what macro lens do you guys recommend for those close up pics?
thanks

I have no idea what your budget is. It'll be virtually impossible to get 1:1 magnification for most of that tank. If money is no object, I'd look at the Nikon Telephoto AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4.0D ED-IF

Even that lens has a working distance of only 1.6'

illcssd · 06/10/2012, 10:53 AM

So doing a lot of reading, but I'm not finding this lens in the 4 pages of this thread. I have a Nikon D40, and am wondering if anyone has this lens and it's any good?

Craigslist ad:
Nikon Nikkor 105mm f 2.5 Ai-s MANUAL focus lens in MINT condition.
This lens is extremely sharp and the lens of choice for portraiture. $275.00 obo
Same lens in same condition sells easily for $350+ on EBay if you can find one.
This lens is truly MINT and comes with front and rear caps, also mint. email any questions
and i'll get right back with you and thanks.

Misled · 06/10/2012, 11:03 AM

I do believe that is not a macro lens. It is a great portrait lens and is very sharp, but won't get 1:1 magnification. I'll look into it for you later though. There is a 105 f2.8 AI-s manual that is a macro and that would be fine

TimeConsumer · 06/11/2012, 04:08 AM

Well after reading through this thread I ended up with more questions than when I started. I know nothing about photography, but would like to work on it. My girlfriend has a Canon EOS Rebel XS that I've been using. I've just been using the kit lens and would like to purchase a macro lens for it. But the EF 100mm f/2.8 costs around $600. Will it behoove me to spend more on the lens than the camera is even worth? Particularly if I have no idea what I'm doing?

Misled · 06/11/2012, 05:18 AM

It will if you learn what you are doing.

illcssd · 06/11/2012, 03:29 PM

I couldn't find anything on that lens, Jesse. Did you?

Misled · 06/11/2012, 04:11 PM

Yes, it's a portrait lens. It's not a macro. It is a very nice lens but won't do what we really want it to for a reef tank macro. You can look into a Sigma 105mm f2.8 or a Tamron 90mm f2.8. Both are highly reguarded and very nice lenses and also can be found on ebay and CL. You can also look at B&H dot com and Adorama dot com for used equipment. Neither lens will auto focus on the D40, but for macro shooting you're better off in manual anyway.

BlueCorn · 06/11/2012, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misled

Yes, it's a portrait lens. It's not a macro.

If the price was right, that lens and a set of extension tubes could perform very nicely.

jezuz! · 07/02/2012, 03:11 PM

i plan on buying the cannon ef 100mm f/2.8 macro usm ill be using it for insect and coral close ups. experiences with this lens ?

Stolireef · 08/12/2012, 03:52 PM

This is probably a stupid question (love when a post starts like this) but...

If your goal is primarily online posting of your shots, and you shoot with a decent depth of field, do you really need a macro lens or will you get good quality just shooting at a wider angle and then blowing up the focal point up on your computer. I'm assuming a pretty low resolution for online posting.

I'm sure I didn't say this perfectly so please forgive me. The last time I used an SLR, it was a Canon AE-1 and I was a junior in high school (we used chisels and slabs of rock to take notes in class). Thanks.

CBrady001 · 01/15/2013, 09:55 AM

Nikkor f2.8 105mm Micro

PERIOD!

Off brand lenses are CRAP!

humaguy · 01/28/2013, 06:36 PM

nikon 60mm f/2.8g ed af-s micro-nikkor....
outstanding lens....

gcline87 · 03/20/2013, 07:52 PM

I have shot professionally for the NCAA for years now and have experience with the Nikon 105 and 85mm macro lenses. Canon L series are also phenomenal glass. I would not go with Tamron or Sigma from previous experience with lots of their glass. Their focus motors are louder, take longer to focus, and the glass is not as sharp. Price is always a consideration, but for me I have always loved the Nikon 105mm f/ 2.8.

ebacon · 03/21/2013, 05:56 AM

Got to go with the canon 100mm redline, it's pricey but its worth it

jonthany · 04/14/2013, 08:17 PM

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM or Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro

Misled · 04/14/2013, 09:36 PM

For shooting a tank, I'd say the 100mm. The MP-E is quite the different lens. I'd love one for shooting bugs. Plus I'd need a Canon body.

Aquaculture76 · 05/11/2013, 11:22 AM

Hey guys, I have a Canon Rebel Xsi and although I have read through this thread, I was wondering if going with a Sigma 70-300mm DL Macro Super Zoom Lens will be good for getting some nice macro shots of my corals. I know I could get a Canon eF 100mm f/2.8 USM...but I don't really want to spend that kind of money at this moment. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Misled · 05/11/2013, 12:32 PM

The Sigma 70-300 is not a true macro. I won't say you won't be able to take pics with it, but a true macro has 1:1 magnification. If you are working on keeping costs down a Sigma 105mm macro or a Tamron 90mm macro would be your best bet.

LOVETHISHOBBY · 06/06/2013, 05:16 PM

Hello everyone. I have a Nikon D3100 and looking for a macro lens recommendation. I will be taking top down photography of mostly coral frags and small colonies. Coral placement is approximately 5 inches below the water level. I'm currently using the lens that came with the camera. I can get fairly good colony shots, but frag shots are just plan blurry no matter how I adjust the settings and lighting. I’m shooting under LED’s with T5 supplementation. I would say the light level is low to moderate. I'm also using the Avast top down porthole. Of course, cost is a factor. With that said, which lens would you recommend? Thanks a bunch!

jonthany · 07/03/2013, 10:57 AM

Question....
What is the difference between the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM and the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM? I guess Im asking what the L stands for? Also what are the advantages of it....
Thanks!

BlueCorn · 07/03/2013, 04:05 PM

The L is the new version and it has IS (image stabilization). The L stands for luxury, believe it or not. Both are very capable.

jonthany · 07/03/2013, 04:42 PM

So with the use of a tripod which you should be using anyway... There is no big different between the two correct?

BlueCorn · 07/03/2013, 07:17 PM

correct.

Lots of folks believe the original should've carried the L designation all along.

04/29/2012, 02:08 AM	#76
reelfishy reelin and dealin Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Korea Town, Cali Posts: 1,440	Good info.. Just ordered my t3i. Will a Tamaron AF 90mm macro be able to get detailed shots of corals in my 24" deep tank? __________________ Punch you in your forehead! Imma make all my ching chongs sing songs!

06/10/2012, 10:53 AM	#79
illcssd Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 1,295	So doing a lot of reading, but I'm not finding this lens in the 4 pages of this thread. I have a Nikon D40, and am wondering if anyone has this lens and it's any good? Craigslist ad: Nikon Nikkor 105mm f 2.5 Ai-s MANUAL focus lens in MINT condition. This lens is extremely sharp and the lens of choice for portraiture. $275.00 obo Same lens in same condition sells easily for $350+ on EBay if you can find one. This lens is truly MINT and comes with front and rear caps, also mint. email any questions and i'll get right back with you and thanks. __________________ --Austin 60g Ecotech anemone cube;

06/10/2012, 11:03 AM	#80
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	I do believe that is not a macro lens. It is a great portrait lens and is very sharp, but won't get 1:1 magnification. I'll look into it for you later though. There is a 105 f2.8 AI-s manual that is a macro and that would be fine __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

06/11/2012, 04:08 AM	#81
TimeConsumer Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 1,919	Well after reading through this thread I ended up with more questions than when I started. I know nothing about photography, but would like to work on it. My girlfriend has a Canon EOS Rebel XS that I've been using. I've just been using the kit lens and would like to purchase a macro lens for it. But the EF 100mm f/2.8 costs around $600. Will it behoove me to spend more on the lens than the camera is even worth? Particularly if I have no idea what I'm doing? __________________ Steve - Retired from reefing, for now.

06/11/2012, 05:18 AM	#82
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	It will if you learn what you are doing. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

06/08/2012, 10:21 PM	#77
Mikigo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 465	hi i have a 5' deep tank. nikon d70. what macro lens do you guys recommend for those close up pics? thanks

06/11/2012, 03:29 PM	#83
illcssd Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 1,295	I couldn't find anything on that lens, Jesse. Did you? __________________ --Austin 60g Ecotech anemone cube;

06/11/2012, 04:11 PM	#84
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	Yes, it's a portrait lens. It's not a macro. It is a very nice lens but won't do what we really want it to for a reef tank macro. You can look into a Sigma 105mm f2.8 or a Tamron 90mm f2.8. Both are highly reguarded and very nice lenses and also can be found on ebay and CL. You can also look at B&H dot com and Adorama dot com for used equipment. Neither lens will auto focus on the D40, but for macro shooting you're better off in manual anyway. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

07/02/2012, 03:11 PM	#86
jezuz! Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: texas Posts: 49	i plan on buying the cannon ef 100mm f/2.8 macro usm ill be using it for insect and coral close ups. experiences with this lens ? __________________ Daniel 450 in progress

08/12/2012, 03:52 PM	#87
Stolireef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 3,180 Blog Entries: 5	This is probably a stupid question (love when a post starts like this) but... If your goal is primarily online posting of your shots, and you shoot with a decent depth of field, do you really need a macro lens or will you get good quality just shooting at a wider angle and then blowing up the focal point up on your computer. I'm assuming a pretty low resolution for online posting. I'm sure I didn't say this perfectly so please forgive me. The last time I used an SLR, it was a Canon AE-1 and I was a junior in high school (we used chisels and slabs of rock to take notes in class). Thanks. __________________ I want to burn twice as bright and half as long. Oh, and a full tank crash is just an excuse for a new build. Current Tank Info: 125 Rimless Leemar, Apex, Trigger 30 Elite Sump, Vertex 180i Skimmer, 2 X Gen4 Radion XR30W, BM Doser, 2xMP40WES, 2xTunze 6095, Sicce Syncra 4.0.

01/15/2013, 09:55 AM	#88
CBrady001 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 17	Nikkor f2.8 105mm Micro PERIOD! Off brand lenses are CRAP!

01/28/2013, 06:36 PM	#89
humaguy Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Western Ct, NYC Posts: 8,218	nikon 60mm f/2.8g ed af-s micro-nikkor.... outstanding lens....

03/20/2013, 07:52 PM	#90
gcline87 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 76	I have shot professionally for the NCAA for years now and have experience with the Nikon 105 and 85mm macro lenses. Canon L series are also phenomenal glass. I would not go with Tamron or Sigma from previous experience with lots of their glass. Their focus motors are louder, take longer to focus, and the glass is not as sharp. Price is always a consideration, but for me I have always loved the Nikon 105mm f/ 2.8.

03/21/2013, 05:56 AM	#91
ebacon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: St Charles Mo Posts: 1,084	Got to go with the canon 100mm redline, it's pricey but its worth it __________________ Everybody Loves Bacon

04/14/2013, 08:17 PM	#92
jonthany Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Long Island Posts: 147	Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM or Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro

04/14/2013, 09:36 PM	#93
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	For shooting a tank, I'd say the 100mm. The MP-E is quite the different lens. I'd love one for shooting bugs. Plus I'd need a Canon body. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

05/11/2013, 11:22 AM	#94
Aquaculture76 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 22	lenses Hey guys, I have a Canon Rebel Xsi and although I have read through this thread, I was wondering if going with a Sigma 70-300mm DL Macro Super Zoom Lens will be good for getting some nice macro shots of my corals. I know I could get a Canon eF 100mm f/2.8 USM...but I don't really want to spend that kind of money at this moment. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

05/11/2013, 12:32 PM	#95
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	The Sigma 70-300 is not a true macro. I won't say you won't be able to take pics with it, but a true macro has 1:1 magnification. If you are working on keeping costs down a Sigma 105mm macro or a Tamron 90mm macro would be your best bet. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

06/06/2013, 05:16 PM	#96
LOVETHISHOBBY Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Fort Fun, IN Posts: 298	Macro lens recommendation Hello everyone. I have a Nikon D3100 and looking for a macro lens recommendation. I will be taking top down photography of mostly coral frags and small colonies. Coral placement is approximately 5 inches below the water level. I'm currently using the lens that came with the camera. I can get fairly good colony shots, but frag shots are just plan blurry no matter how I adjust the settings and lighting. I’m shooting under LED’s with T5 supplementation. I would say the light level is low to moderate. I'm also using the Avast top down porthole. Of course, cost is a factor. With that said, which lens would you recommend? Thanks a bunch! __________________ Trying not to take life so seriously! Current Tank Info: 90gal reef

07/03/2013, 10:57 AM	#97
jonthany Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Long Island Posts: 147	Question.... What is the difference between the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM and the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM? I guess Im asking what the L stands for? Also what are the advantages of it.... Thanks!

07/03/2013, 04:05 PM	#98
BlueCorn Retired Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,908	The L is the new version and it has IS (image stabilization). The L stands for luxury, believe it or not. Both are very capable. __________________ Doug [I]Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made when establishing tonal relationships. ~ Ansel Adams[/I]

07/03/2013, 04:42 PM	#99
jonthany Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Long Island Posts: 147	So with the use of a tripod which you should be using anyway... There is no big different between the two correct?

07/03/2013, 07:17 PM	#100
BlueCorn Retired Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,908	correct. Lots of folks believe the original should've carried the L designation all along. __________________ Doug [I]Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made when establishing tonal relationships. ~ Ansel Adams[/I]