Want to take a few macro shots with non-macro glass... what would you use?

[stayathomedad]

D300

50 1.8
17-55 2.8
18-200
70-200 2.8
tokina 12-24


which lens would you use for macro shots...

yes I know it's not a pretty list, but it's what I got....

 

[Randy]

D300

50 1.8
17-55 2.8
18-200
70-200 2.8
tokina 12-24


which lens would you use for macro shots...

yes I know it's not a pretty list, but it's what I got....

ru kidding....it's a great list
go to b&h and chk the min focus distance for each lens
off the top of my head i would say the 50 1.8

 

[ShaunK]

Take your 50 1.8 and reverse it on one of your other lenses... try your 70-200.

 

[couguar]

what is your intended subject?

if you want close macro i'd try reversing the 50 1.8. you can do it without a ring but you will need a steady hand. it can be quite fun once you get the hang of it.

you focus by moving closer and farther from the subject ( be sure the lens is focused at infinity ). switch the camera to manual, and meter before removing the lens; the camera will keep the shutter speed, then you have to manually dial in the aperture on the lens. also be sure to turn off auto-focus on the body. i don't think it would damage anything, but just in case...

 

[panda81]

if spending money is an option, you can buy a canon 500D "filter" and throw that on your 70-200/2.8. it's not cheap, but will still cost less than a real macro lens.

 

[Tim W]

if spending money is an option, you can buy a canon 500D "filter" and throw that on your 70-200/2.8. it's not cheap, but will still cost less than a real macro lens.

If you want to try this out, get the 77mm size and stick it on the 70-200. I got one these things a couple of days ago ($129 from an EBAY HK seller). It works well on my 85/1.4 and I look forward to trying it on my 70-200 shortly - time and weather permitting.

 

[Conrad]

I have the 70-200 w/ 500D filter. It works great. The only problem that I can see with this combo is that the focusing distance is limited. You can only focus when you are a certain distance from the object/subject, a sweet spot. The sweet spot is very small, plus or minus an inch or so. Once you derived from this sweet spot, you will not be able to focus.

 

[Nikkor AIS]

Me thinks you need to get some extension tubes. I think you will need to get some off brand one's for your AF glass. Another great little tool is the BR-2A reversing ring which will turn your 50 1.8 into a low budged macro. Another option is to just buy a beater 55 2,8/3.5 AI/AIS. You can pick them up for dirt cheap. And they still give you amazing IQ

Gregory

 

[BourbonCowboy]

17-55 isn't too bad...

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[Tosh]

There's a 55 3.5 ai for sale over at Miranda.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/671903
Folks are asking him to list prices. Unlikely to be much above $100, if that.

I have an older 55 3.5 ai-modified micro and just love it. It seems easily the equal of the 60 2.8 micro that I once had.

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Handheld, 1.60 at 3.5 (wide open).

 

[ora-et-labora]

A very cheap solution is a achromat diopter (like the mentioned 500D), but I would take the 250D and put it on the 50/1.8. I did the same with the Zeiss 50/1.4, which is also not a macro lens, and got nice results. My second choice would be the mentioned Micro Nikkor.

 

[DaniLew]

I vote for the BR-2A reversing ring - less than $30. Here are 2 pictures I took this afternoon; just playing around...

graham cracker with cinnamon: 50mm at 14

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silk flower stamen: 50mm at 1.4

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[stayathomedad]

D300

50 1.8
17-55 2.8
18-200
70-200 2.8
tokina 12-24


which lens would you use for macro shots...

yes I know it's not a pretty list, but it's what I got....

Perhaps I should clarify...

Of the lenses listed above, which one would you use for macro shots?

I will be at a wedding next week with the above lenses... which one would you use for the macro shots?

No gadgets, no extra purchases, just those lenses listed above...

 

[etrigan63]

I got myself the Kenko Extension Tube set and they work great!

Here is a link to a flickr set I made called Ordinary Abstracts all using Kenko extension tubes and a CV Nokton 58mm F/1.4 SL II.

The tubes maintain the links between the body and the CPU lens.

 

[Uncle Frank]

None of your lenses can take a macro, but some of them can take good closeups. Based on their max reproduction ratios, here's how they rank:

18-200 - 1:4.5
17-55 2.8 - 1:5
70-200 2.8 - 1:5.6
50 1.8 - 1:6.6
tokina 12-24 - 1:8

 

[Cope]

None of your lenses can take a macro, but some of them can take good closeups. Based on their max reproduction ratios, here's how they rank:

18-200 - 1:4.5
17-55 2.8 - 1:5
70-200 2.8 - 1:5.6
50 1.8 - 1:6.6
tokina 12-24 - 1:8

Based on Franks listing, I would recommend the 17-55. It would be my 1st choice for a wedding anyway.

 

[williamkazak]

Interesting discussion. I use my 35 F2 AFD as my closup lens right now.

 

[Big Daddy]

Of what you have, I'd recommend the 17-55. It'll focus down to 14.2" and should produce better shots than the 18-200VR (unless you're shooting in dim enough light that you feel you really need the VR).

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