New to Macro (Nikon)

TarHeelReefer22 · Nov 19, 2013

Hey guys I have to say there is nothing more impressive to me other than a well maintained SPS tank than some of the Macro shots I have seen on here. I am new to this type of photography and would say an amateur when it comes to photography in general. I am currently using a Nikon d3200 with the standard 18-55mm lens. As you can imagine I am getting frustrated with "noise" and other problems with trying to get a high quality macro shot with this lens. I was wondering if you Nikon guys can suggest the best Macro or I guess Micro len for the price for my Nikon! Thanks and of course photo examples are always welcome this is an example of one of mine with my current lens...

no where near close enough for me I want to see nice detail on each polyp and particles going into the mouths! :nerd:

Rothgar · Nov 19, 2013

I'm not Nikon... But I would say a nice NIkkor fixed focal length like around 100mm with a low F stop(F/4 or lower). The 100mm is so you can get in nice and close and the low F stop to lower you " noise " and allow you to shoot in lower light.

(Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens 2160 B&H)

The issue with that 18-55mm is that as so as you zoom to 55mm your f stop jumps to f/5.6 and is causing you to have to shoot at a high ISO or very slow shutter speed for that amount of light that is in the tank.

TJ's Reef · Nov 19, 2013

Good info as am in the same boat here, have the Nikon D3100 and would really like to be able to get better macro shots.

Cheers, Todd

3dees · Nov 19, 2013

unless you want to spend more money, look on e-bay or craigslist for a used Sigma or Tamron. both are great macros and much cheaper than Nikon. I use a Sigma 150mm 2.8 with my Nikon D300. it's a big heavy lens best used on a mono pod but the 105mm or Tamron's 90mm are awesome. the one thing that makes macro so much easier is the use of an off camera flash.

rworegon · Nov 19, 2013

Not a Nikon guy either, I shoot Pentax but honestly, you will never get the spectacular Macro shots you are looking for unless you get a fixed focul length dedicated "Macro" lense. That being a lense that is capable of 1:1 size. I recently picked up a used Sigma 70mm macro and I love it. Tamaron also makes a good Macro in their 90mm. If you're stuck on Nikon products then Nikkor makes some really good glass but expect to pay for it.

prdubois · Nov 19, 2013

Nikon takes good shots

jservedio · Nov 19, 2013

I agree 100% that you need a fixed focal length dedicated macro with some reasonably fast glass (like f/2.8). However, if you want to play around using your stock lens, you can use a "Closeup Set" to decrease your minimum focus distance. A set like this: Amazon.com: Neewer 52Mm 4Pc Close-Up Kit Macro Lenses For Nikon D40 D40X D60 & All Other 52Mm Lenses: Camera & Photo will allow you to use your stock lens MUCH closer. before I got my dedicated macro lens, I would use my stock 18-55mm and 55-200mm with these to get super close up shots.

You will have to stack them for longer focal lengths and you won't get amazing focus (those extra lenses reduce FOV and cause slight distortion), but they are a very cheap way to start learning macro and the basics of your new camera.

IMO the biggest challenge shooting a fish tank is getting the correct White Balance for our super high color temperate lights and LEDs. A good "white card" set is in order too so you can set a custom white balance ("Auto" only goes so far - probably around 14-15k on my older Nikon).

For shooting in your fish tank, don't waste your time on the cheap Micro-Nikkor 40mm - the focal length just isn't long enough and the 1:1 ratio happens at something like 1.6" whereas a 105mm will give you like 12" for a 1:1 ratio.

If you are interested in doing macro outside of your fish tank, definitely get an off-camera light. It is the best investment you will make for your camera after you have your basic lenses. A good tripod, shoot-through umbrella, umbrella stand, and remote flash kit (2x hot-shoe to 3.5mm cable and a cable) and a manual-capable flash (cheap flash like YN-560ii) is what you will need and will run right around $150 for all of it. Check out http://strobist.blogspot.com/ - that is by FAR the best site to learn proper lighting from. Definitely learn macro shooting and proper manual lighting before springing on a ring-mounted lighting rig or some serious CLS capable speedlights.