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<blockquote data-quote="Ironwood" data-source="post: 77043" data-attributes="member: 10447">I just rechecked the comparison series of pics, looking at the centre photos ( the Mackay Cedar Sierra Ballpoint )To my eyes, the Macro photo looks superior.I didn't mention in the posts, but the 2 later lots of photos, the Paua Sierra ballpoint, and the bolt action pen, were both taken with the 18-55mm.I am not unhappy with the results I can get with that lens, in fact with the zoom, its a bit easier to fit the pen to the frame, where as with the 55mm macro, I need to move the tripod in or out to suit ( or up and down).But the thing I like about the macro lens is the focus adjustment ring needs to be turned a lot more in or out to get the focus just right, like about 1/4&quot; to 1/2&quot; of turning movement compared to about 1/16&quot; to 1/8&quot; on the zoom lens.I am still not 100% sure I am getting the focus as good as I could get it. I have given up trying to use live-view, the pixelated screen on the D3100 is just too vague for me.Even looking through the viewfinder I always wonder if I am getting it right. My eyes are getting to the stage where I have to wear 2x glasses to read, and I have been looking through the viewfinder with them on, because I cant see the detail well enough without them.I havent tried adjusting the little diopter dial on the side of the viewfinder yet, maybe I should give that a go.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Ironwood, post: 77043, member: 10447"] I just rechecked the comparison series of pics, looking at the centre photos ( the Mackay Cedar Sierra Ballpoint ) To my eyes, the Macro photo looks superior. I didn't mention in the posts, but the 2 later lots of photos, the Paua Sierra ballpoint, and the bolt action pen, were both taken with the 18-55mm. I am not unhappy with the results I can get with that lens, in fact with the zoom, its a bit easier to fit the pen to the frame, where as with the 55mm macro, I need to move the tripod in or out to suit ( or up and down). But the thing I like about the macro lens is the focus adjustment ring needs to be turned a lot more in or out to get the focus just right, like about 1/4" to 1/2" of turning movement compared to about 1/16" to 1/8" on the zoom lens. I am still not 100% sure I am getting the focus as good as I could get it. I have given up trying to use live-view, the pixelated screen on the D3100 is just too vague for me. Even looking through the viewfinder I always wonder if I am getting it right. My eyes are getting to the stage where I have to wear 2x glasses to read, and I have been looking through the viewfinder with them on, because I cant see the detail well enough without them. I havent tried adjusting the little diopter dial on the side of the viewfinder yet, maybe I should give that a go. [/QUOTE]

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