Need advice for a possible macro lens.

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Camera Fun

Senior Member
I'm trying to decide if a macro lens would be justifiable. There are times when I want to take a close-up/macro shot but I also want some flexibility for general photography so I wouldn't have to change lenses if a sudden opportunity for another shot came up.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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Elliot87

Senior Member
You could look at something like the Nikkor 40mm 2.8 macro. This would double up as a pretty fast standard prime lens.
But it really depends what sort of macro shots you want to take and what focal length would be useful to you for general photography. If you plan on shooting insects like butterflies, you will most likely want a longer focal length macro upwards of 90mm to give you a better working distance that will mean you are less likely to spook them. Something like the Tamron 90mm, Tokina ATX 100mm or Nikkor 105mm I believe are good and would act as a portrait lens too but might be too long for your other needs.

Edited: I wrote SIgma 100mm when I actually meant the Tokina 100mm2.8. I haven't used those lenses but I've heard good things.
 
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nzswift

Senior Member
A macro/micro lens also takes high quality general shots. Think about the focal length you most are most wanting/lacking and go for that. Another consideration is not to dismiss the old AI/AIS manual focus Nikon Micro lenses (with the appropriate extension rings is you want 1:1, (not often). AF is pretty much redundant in macro work and is you buy a AF lens you will probably find yourself using it in M mode... Will work fine on your D7000 too.
 
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Elliot87

Senior Member
nzswift said:
Another consideration is not to dismiss the old AI/AIS manual focus Nikon Micro lenses (with the appropriate extension rings is you want 1:1, (not often). AF is pretty much redundant in macro work and is you buy a AF lens you will probably find yourself using it in M mode... Will work fine on your D7000 too.
Click to expand...

I agree with this as a good option too. I have the 55mm 2.8 AIS lens and I love it. I don't find the manual focus much of a handicap for using it in general and it is excellent for macro work.
 
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