What low-priced lens can I buy for my Nikon D70S for close-up photograpy?

Question

I want to take extreme close-up photos of flowers, insects, and other objects. What lenses can I buy to accomplish my goals?

Answer 1

If you want to go as cheaply as possible, follow iiifrdst's advice and get close-up lenses that screw on like filters. I used them for many years before I could afford a macro lens. You can stack a 1+2+3 and take pictures of the fuzz on a bumblebee's behind.

Since you said "D70s" and I have already written this piece, I'll pass it along.

I'm using a Nikon 60mm macro lens, which isn't "cheap," but it's wonderful.

Read the end notes, which have some more leads.
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I'll tell you what I use and what you might consider. I got a Nikon D70s for personal use, with the thought that I could also get a macro lens and use it in the office. I got myself a new camera for personal use, as I found that I wanted to leave this setup in the office at all times. I would say that a Nikon D50 would be perfectly adequate for intraoral use, but you might find a good buy on a D70s, as they are being closed out right now. 6 MP is PLENTY for intraoral use. You would not need a huge memory card for limited use, but I'd still suggest a 1 GB card with accelerated write speed, like a Sandisk Ultra or Extreme or a Lexar 80x card.

I am using a Nikon 60 mm Macro lens, which translates into about 90 mm in "35 mm equivalent." This gives plenty of working distance. Nikon also has a 105 Macro and the brand new 105 VR Macro, but you said, "simple and effective."

I use the built-in pop-up flash rather than a $400-600 marco lighting set-up. It's free. "Simple and effective."

Set the camera in Aperture priority and choose f:11, f:16 or so, depending on personal preference. Set the EV at -0.7 stops. Perhaps you would like a different EV setting, but this is what works for me. After that, in autofocus, it's a point and shoot with wonderful results.

The Macro 60mm f:2.8 lens sells for $400.
The Macro 105mm f:2.8 lens is available for $660.
The Macro 105mm f:2.8 VR is out of stock, but sells for $830.

SO - pick your price and find a match. If you can find a D50 and 60mm Macro lens, you would have an excellent intraoral camera for under $1,000. I have seen kits to modify point and shoots that cost more than that.

Here's a sample shot from my D70s with the 60mm lens. I admit that it is not "presentation quality," but it was just a quick shot to communicate with the lab.

http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/D70ssample.jpg
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Here are some USED items on eBay as of today:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-60mm-2-8D-AF-Micro-Nikkor-Lens-60-mm-2-8-D_W0QQitemZ230035781836

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIKON-NORMAL-MACRO-60-MM-F-2-8-AF-FILM-OR-DIGITAL-SLR_W0QQitemZ180035165068

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-Nikkor-AF-D-60mm-2-8-Lens-60-Micro-NR-152045_W0QQitemZ120038828265

This Sigma lens doesn't look too bad for the money:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=341927&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Answer 2

I still shoot in film, but I believe that most if not all of Nikon's lenses include screw-in filter threads. Thus, look for a set of close-up filters which will screw into the front of your prime lens. You need to know the filter size for your particular lens. Many Nikkor lenses use 52mm filter sizes.

Look on ebay for the closeup lenses in strengths 0, 1, 2 and 3. You will need a tripod, a small f-stop for depth of field, and plenty of light. A complete set can be purchased on the bay for $15-25 USD.

Nikon also made some of the best macro lenses available. They can be used manually (no auto-focus or exposure) on any Nikon camera as the company has not changed the mount since introducing it in the late 1950's. They will be more expensive than the screw-on filters, but much better quality pictures will result, and you can use the lens as your normal 50-55 mm lens. Used Nikon lenses also hold their value, so you should be able to get most of your investment back in the future. There are some great deals on ebay if you are careful. KEH in Atlanta is a very reputable company to buy and sell used equipment. Nikon macro lenses are some of the best made and are widely available on the bay.

Answer 3

You can consider Precision Design 0.25x Super AF Fisheye Lens for Nikon D40, D60, D90, D300, D300s, D7000, D3000, D3100 & D5000 Digital SLR Cameras All glass lens elements; Exceptionally large depth of field Reduces your lenses focal length by an amazing .25X; Offers attention-grabbing and distinctive perspectives Optimized to work with almost any lens with a minimum focal length from 18mm to 50mm Includes set of adapter rings to work with 52mm, 55mm, 58mm & 62mm filter diameters Can offer ultra wide angle, diagonal fisheye and circular fisheye images; Especially useful for real estate or shooting in confined spaces

Answer 4

Check www.keh.com until you see what you want but be ready to buy as soon as you see it; their products don't stay on the shelves very long!

Answer 5

Check that on eBay