lens help- nikon

[Mindsgoneawol]

i have a nikon D-70 and would like to get a lens for taking pis of my critters. i think its the macro lens? which should i be looking for? i would be greatfull for any help..

[Fly Guy]

I use this one. For the money its the best you can do i think without having to spend close to a grand on the nikkor

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._f_2_8_Di.html

Not sure if it fits the d70.......its fits my d80 and d100 though......

[hng]

Oh boy, that's pricey! Anything in the $200 range?

[tabblet15]

Sorry to break it to ya, but any good macro glass isn't going to go for $200. Typically the $400-$500 range for pretty good macro glass (at least thats what i have experienced in the canon line).

[tabblet15]

Heres another. I personally haven't used this lens, but I have seen some really good photos from it. Its also about the cheapest macro I've seen in the 90-105mm range. $399
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG

[hng]

What should I look for in a macro lens? What makes one better than another? I know those a broad questions.

[FishDaddy]

Originally Posted by Fly Guy

I use this one. For the money its the best you can do i think without having to spend close to a grand on the nikkor

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._f_2_8_Di.html

Not sure if it fits the d70.......its fits my d80 and d100 though......

That's the one I use, too. It works fine on my D70. It will not autofocus on the D40/D40X or new D60 as it doesn't have an internal focus motor.

Top of the line in that range is the Nikon f2.8 105mm VR, but it comes with a price tag to match.

Originally Posted by hng

What should I look for in a macro lens? What makes one better than another? I know those a broad questions.

A good macro lens should have a constant aperture of f2.8; focal length of at least 90-105mm to allow you some separation from the subject; and 'good glass'. The 'good glass' is subjective but in general, it means 'costs more'.

Dick

[nikonnurse]

I second the tamron.

[teach]

What's a good zoom for the d70?

[FishDaddy]

Originally Posted by teach

What's a good zoom for the d70?

Teach, what zoom range are you interested in? Nikon makes zooms from 12-24mm to 200-400, with third party lenses covering an even wider range. It would help to know what your intended use would be and also price range.

Dick

[teach]

Nothing too major. I guess just something for the kids soccer/baseball games. All I have is the lens that came with the camera (18-70mm). I did order the macro Tamron that ya'll recommended.

[FishDaddy]

A good lens for that purpose would be the Nikon 70-300 VR f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S, and it's reasonably priced. The Vibration Reduction feature makes a big difference when handholding. I had the non-VR version of that lens and needed at least a monopod to hold it steady at the long end of the zoom.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...G_AF_S_VR.html

Hope that helps.

Dick

[teach]

That is very helpful. Thank you.

[Mindsgoneawol]

Originally Posted by Fly Guy

I use this one. For the money its the best you can do i think without having to spend close to a grand on the nikkor

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._f_2_8_Di.html

Not sure if it fits the d70.......its fits my d80 and d100 though......

sure hope it fits a d70.. its ordered.. as of yesterday.. lol..

Originally Posted by FishDaddy

A good lens for that purpose would be the Nikon 70-300 VR f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S, and it's reasonably priced. The Vibration Reduction feature makes a big difference when handholding. I had the non-VR version of that lens and needed at least a monopod to hold it steady at the long end of the zoom.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...G_AF_S_VR.html

Hope that helps.

Dick

another good lens to look into. i have a tripod.. looks like that would be great for taking pics of the kids on the bikes and generally playing too.. bookmarked.. lol. thanx again..

Originally Posted by FishDaddy

That's the one I use, too. It works fine on my D70. It will not autofocus on the D40/D40X or new D60 as it doesn't have an internal focus motor.

Top of the line in that range is the Nikon f2.8 105mm VR, but it comes with a price tag to match.


A good macro lens should have a constant aperture of f2.8; focal length of at least 90-105mm to allow you some separation from the subject; and 'good glass'. The 'good glass' is subjective but in general, it means 'costs more'.

Dick

its ordered and can't wait to get it into my hands.. may be asking more questions about it.. i sure hope to get some good shots of the critters with it. think i am going to see about hooking the camera into the pc and using the pc to take the shots remotely.. i think my father has the software to do that for the camera. just need to see what else i need to hook it all up.. fun project for next weekend..

[FishDaddy]

Originally Posted by Mindsgoneawol

its ordered and can't wait to get it into my hands.. may be asking more questions about it.. i sure hope to get some good shots of the critters with it. think i am going to see about hooking the camera into the pc and using the pc to take the shots remotely.. i think my father has the software to do that for the camera. just need to see what else i need to hook it all up.. fun project for next weekend..

That should be an interesting project, Awol. Hope the lens works out for you. Remember that the depth of focus with macro lenses can be very, very shallow, particularly at the wide apertures.

Dick