New Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G DX Macro lens

[IOW_Birder]

Hi Everyone,
Im just getting into macro photography, I already have a Nikon 55mm-300mm zoom, which is good for long shots, but need a macro lens for photographing small insects etc. The soon-to-be-released Nikkor 40mm lens looks appealing at only £249, what do you think? Im currently using a panasonic compact camera which has a macro setting for close pics, but want the nikon quality,
Thanks,
Dave

IOW Birder Isle of Wight birds and nature blog.

[squishy]

The working distance will be minuscule with a 40mm macro, I would imagine it would be exceedingly frustrating for use with insects.

Personally I would take a second hand tamron 90mm or sigma 105mm instead.


Or alternatively (or in the mean time), you could try a raynox supplementary lens with the 55-300, the DCR-250 is suprisingly high quality and only £40, it did me fine on a bridge camera till I could afford a dedicated macro lens

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raynox-RADCR...3182025&sr=8-1

Several members on here will attest to the value of the raynox

[IOW_Birder]

Hi Squishy,
I have been taking quite a few pics with my panasonic compact, at very short distances, almost touching the bugs in fact, and have had some quite good results, so I dont think the close working distance would be a problem, see pic below

The closest focus from the lens will be about 2".
Cheers,
Dave

[nutmeg]

I started off using a compact camera for macro and, like you, had to get very close to the subject - and I got some results I was happy with.

However, the experience when working with a 100mm macro lens on a DSLR is just so much better and I rarely have to worry about casting a shadow or spooking the insect. I've also used a 50mm macro (Sigma) and though OK for some subjects I found it limiting for most insects.

With my compact I could move just the camera towards the subject until I got very close because I could see the image on the screen - with a DSLR, when looking through the viewfinder, I have to move all of me closer, so it's far better to have a decent working distance.

If it wasn't too heavy for me, I'd probably get a Sigma 150mm macro for even greater working distance.

[DorsetDunk]

I have a 60mm macro (canon) and was really glad i purchased it over a longer lens you may have a longer working distance with them but it also magnifys more movement thus making things difficult to get pin sharp
it really depends on what your subjects are if you are large insects such as butterflies or dragonflies the longer lens may be of use but check how close your existing lens focuses down to
if you intend to go supermacro say stuff under 5mm then the 40mm coupled with extension tubes would be a wise choice
but to be honest i would wait for some feedback on the lens after it has been field tested I spent almost a month reading reviews on lenses before making a decision and i am so pleased i got the right lens for the subject matter i take, it certainly out performs the 100mm when it come to sharpness

[IOW_Birder]

Thanks for your replies guys, its certainly given me some things to think about

[rogpow]

Hi Dave,

I've got Sigma 50mm/Nikon 85mm/Sigma 150mm macro lenses.
I'm not a million miles from you (East Cowes) if you want to try them out to see the differences you get with each focal length.
Maybe meet up somewhere like Newtown, Brading Marshes?

Rog

[nightshade]

IOW birder, I have the 105mm Sigma macro, and would have preffered the 150mm Sigma macro. The target is not always accessible enough to get up close but the 150mm will allow you to get that shot, or in my case I add the 1.4 Kenko converter to the 105mm.

[marvin]

hi

i'm sure the dx 40mm will be very sharp but for a little less money i would get a second hand tamron 90mm or a little more money (around £299) the tamron 180mm.

good luck whatever you choose.

tim

[IOW_Birder]

Thanks for your comments everyone, a few days ago I was dead set on buying the 40mm lens, but am now re-thinking!!
Roger, sounds like a good idea, maybe meet up at Brading sometime?