Macro lenses for SPS

HeadStrongGrafx · Aug 9, 2016

Im curious what kind Macro lenses you guys prefer to use on taking photos of your SPS to get maximum color and detail??

I have a Nikon D5500 and am looking for a nice Macro Lens for it.

If all possible can you recommend a lens and possibly post a pic so I can compare?

Kcrush4989 · Aug 9, 2016

I'm in the same boat. Just bought a canon t3i and am looking for a good lens. Also do you guys shoot with uv filters or any other filters by chance?

ZJedi945 · Aug 10, 2016

I currently use this lens. Nikon Nikkor 55mm Macro

Now since it is fully manual it might be a tad of a learning curve but you can't beat the price.

If you want a little more focal length I would take a look at these...
Sigma 105mm Macro
OR
Tokina 100mm Macro

Personally I have been eyeing up that Sigma for about 6 months now. For the type of photography I usually do it will come in handy. Bonus for reef shots.

Here is a few photos from the 55mm and a video clip.

ZJedi945 · Aug 10, 2016

Kcrush4989 said:
I'm in the same boat. Just bought a canon t3i and am looking for a good lens. Also do you guys shoot with uv filters or any other filters by chance?

I have a UV filter on only to protect the lens glass itself. Sometimes I remove it since I tend to get a double reflection if shooting anything with a bright spot.

Ike · Aug 10, 2016

I'd suggest a cheap olympus or nikon underwater camera. You'll be shocked at how good the photos are and may no longer want a macro lens. The you can go out and buy some nice coral with the money you save

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 10, 2016

Nikon lenses are best. Sigma and tokina are next and more affordable. Yup I'm a manual focus guy to.
Sharpness is about the quality of the lens and some teqnique too. DEf poke the photo forum for tips and ask questions.
Color is not so much to do with the lens but there can be some very very very

subtle differences. So don't sweat that.

Kcrush4989 said:
I'm in the same boat. Just bought a canon t3i and am looking for a good lens. Also do you guys shoot with uv filters or any other filters by chance?

Here's a good talk about color and reef light and filters. Yea it's about phones here but the science is the same. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/good-photo-with-iphone-6-led.259554/page-2#post-3094880

JBNY · Aug 10, 2016

If you have a Nikon I would recommend the Tokina 100mm Macro lens. I have the Nikon 85mm Micro and have used the Nikon 105mm I like the Tokina the best, very sharp and easy to work with..

BigJim · Aug 10, 2016

JBNY said:
If you have a Nikon I would recommend the Tokina 100mm Macro lens. I have the Nikon 85mm Micro and have used the Nikon 105mm I like the Tokina the best, very sharp and easy to work with..

+1. I have the Tokina 100mm on my Nikon D7000. I think it is the best bang for the buck.

PatW · Aug 10, 2016

I would suggest the Nikon 105 micro. But it is pricy. The Nikon 60 mm micro is a great lens and far less dear. But many companies make excellent affordable macro lenses like sigma, tamron and tokina. You can check out reviews on Digital Photography Review, B & H Photo video and Adorama.

Zwogle · Aug 11, 2016

For shots strait though the glass I use a cheap lens extender (Fotasy is the brand) and my normal 18-105 lens. It has a great range, from creatures right on the glass, to back of tank.

Sharvey103 · Aug 11, 2016

I have a Nikon D7200 and use AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G

HeadStrongGrafx · Aug 11, 2016

Ive been keeping my eye on this lens... tamron 90 mm f/2.8 DI VC anyone have any experience with it??

thomas hudson · Aug 11, 2016

Tokina 100mm all day long.. the price is right and its great looking.

thomas hudson · Aug 11, 2016

[url=https://flic.kr/p/frEHQY]

DSC_4473.jpg by Thomas Hudson, on Flickr[/URL]

thomas hudson · Aug 11, 2016

thomas hudson said:
DSC_4473.jpg by Thomas Hudson, on Flickr

It is not that pixelated on flickr or the original btw.

KoiTang · Aug 13, 2016

I'm not sure about nikon but for canon, I'd recommend the 100mm macro 2.8L lens.

Anirban · Aug 13, 2016

HeadStrongGrafx said:
Ive been keeping my eye on this lens... tamron 90 mm f/2.8 DI VC anyone have any experience with it??

For your reference majority of WWC coral pictures were shot by this lense......now I don't think you need any more references. If you are a nikon user either you get a AF 105 nikon micro 2.8 manual focus (cheaper and if you have steady hands or a tripod) or this Tamron lense. Everything else come after these two.

HeadStrongGrafx · Aug 16, 2016

Anirban said:
For your reference majority of WWC coral pictures were shot by this lense......now I don't think you need any more references. If you are a nikon user either you get a AF 105 nikon micro 2.8 manual focus (cheaper and if you have steady hands or a tripod) or this Tamron lense. Everything else come after these two.

I pulled the trigger and bout this lens. should have it tomorrow.

Cant wait to try it out.. I'll post pics