Lens Suggestion for Full Frame
anonymouscuban
Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
So I'm really considering selling my wide angle DX lens to fund the purchase of a macro lens. I own a Nikon D300 and a D700. I have a few questions that I would love some help answering:
Thanks for the help.
- First, what focal length am I best off getting for macro work? Do I get a 50mm, 90mm or 105mm?
- Am I better off using my D300 body, which is a crop sensor, or using my D700 full frame?
- Is VR that helpful in relation to the price?
- Do I need extension tubes, if so, which ones?
- I assume flash is helpful. Do you shoot with the flash mounted on the hotshoe or is a flash bracket better?
- If the latter, can you give me suggestions?
Thanks for the help.
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Comments
#1 Macro lens around 100mm focal length so 90 or 105 would be fine
#2 With a 1:1 macro lens you are probably better off with the crop camera - it does give more "print magnification"
#3 From the comments I've heard VR is not that useful when shooting near 1:1 ie minimum focus.
#4 You don't need ext tubes unless you want to shoot at higher magnification than 1:1, if you do then get Kenko or similar auto ext tubes.
#5 Flash is useful in macro although not essential. Best with an off camera flash bracket
#6 The Hakuba LH-1 ballhead (Ebay) works pretty well
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Brian v.
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So are these the extension tubes I'd want to get for great magnification? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375238-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGN_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html
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Flash is not a problem for me. Fortunately, I understand how to use flash very well.
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Hmm... that is really no different than any other flash application. Diffused light up close to get a nice, soft light with minimal to no specular highlights. The smaller the light source, the closer you need to get. Makes sense.
I also understand how shutter and aperture affect the use of flash. The former controls ambient light, the latter regulate light from flash.
Not trying to sound like a know-it-all... just making sure there is nothing different hugely different about lighting bugs as opposed to people.
BTW, soon as I sell my wide angle lens, I'm pulling the trigger on a macro lens and extension tubes. Can't wait.
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Oh yeah. Although I've never shot macro, I can imagine the difficulties and that it's going to take some trial and error to understand how to work with flash in such close range to the subject.
I've been cruzing the various posts on this forum regarding flash technique and also the different hardware used. I'm thinking also using Goldenorfe's simple bracket setup. I like to keep things as simple as possible since it usually ends up working better than going really complex out the gate. I also have some ideas for light modifiers that I will share if they work.
I'm really excited about this whole thing. I'll be able to use the lens I get for portrait work but I will also be able to get interesting shots of stuff in my backyard when I don't have human subjects to photograph.
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Do you have a link to Goldenorfe's posting about constructing a macro flash rig?
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