Macro lenses

[Fourwings]

Having finally decided on which model of DSLR to treat myself to, the next dilema is to aquire a good macro lens for it.

I am looking at either a 150mm or 180mm dedicated lens as I strongly feel that I can match the results from any 105mm macro with either my Fuji S7000 or Coolpix 5700 , plus the longer macro lenses would be very useful for getting close to the more elusive species that will not allow close approach.

What I'd like is anyones opinions/advice on what they consider to be good lenses within this class, I know that there are many excellent photographers within the membership of this site, alot of whom already use DSLR's, so your advice would be very welcome.

Just for the record the DSLR that I have chosen to purchase is the Nikon D70s, this is based largely on the fact that I already own several good Nikon lenses that will fit the D70s.

fourwings

[pxl8]

I think I would go for the 180mm Sigma which can be bought online for £434 inc. It has a great rep. and the results I've seen are fantastic.

Bear in mind that the 1:1 working distance is around 28cm from the front of the lens to the subject (the 46cm quoted is subject to focal plane) which is still pretty close for some shy subjects.

The results are only as good as the post work though. If you shoot jpg, load them into PS, scale and save at web size then you'll be disappointed at the lack of detail and sharpness.

[nightshade]

look for a good ring flash if you are serious about true macro

[Boddie]

What is a ring flash?

[pxl8]

It's a flash that is mounted on the front of the lens designed esp. for macro work lighting subjects close to the lens. Not cheap and not my first choice of macro lighting as the results tend to be quite flat.

A much cheaper alternative for me was to rig up a tube of mirrored card from the on board flash leading to a diffuser box that puts light down and in front of the lens. Cost me about £3 in parts and gives a nice simulation of natural diffuse sunlight.

When I've got the money for a decent flashgun I'll probably spend some time building a more advanced version that's adjustable for different angles, etc.

[henrya]

Quote
Not cheap and not my first choice of macro lighting as the results tend to be quite flat
Endquote

And tends to give distracting circular highlights in eyes and on shiny beetles.

henrya

[nightshade]

ring-flash there are multi-tube models now which allow better modelling but I
do agree without reflectors they do tend to flatness perhaps someone knows more about it

[arvensis]

I've just bought a Sigma 150 macro lens and it is built like a tank! Will post some piccies with it soon.

Mark

[nightshade]

Tried a Tamron 90 macro lense, very good friend would not let me keep it!

[Kev Lewis]

The Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro is a very nice piece of glassware and has been said very well built. It has focus range limiter switches which improve the af response time but I tend to use it in manual as I'm quicker than the af lol.

The standoff distance is comfortable for most insects without disturbing them and it makes for a very good portrait lens as well. The Canon MR-14Ex ringflash will fit this lens with a 58mm adaptor ring