I want a macro lens

[moroccangirl]

I bought an olloclip for my iPhone and have been having fun with the macro lens. Now I want a real one!
I can't find a good flower to take a picture of yet. But I took this.

[omega lambda]

nice!

I think Ellen would could be helpful here.  I think she shoots Nikon (as do you, right?) and she got one not too long ago.  I'm sure she researched the heck out of the Nikon options.

[moroccangirl]

It's a fun little lens. I'm not crazy about the fish-eye lens that is on the olloclip but I think that's because I haven't had anything interesting to photograph with it. But I love the macro.

[Eco Ellen]

Heading into two solid days of meetings Nd a presentation but will respond soon!

[moroccangirl]

Ellen! Come back!!

[moroccangirl]

Another one with my phone.

[Eco Ellen]

Sorry! I started replying  yesterday morning and then my laptop battery died.  Then I went to work and have been slammed.

I wanted a macro lens for a long time.  To compensate in the short term, I bought the Canon 400D screw-on adapter.  I got the one to fit my most versatile lens, the Nikon 18-200.  The canon adapter is definitely fun and definitely brings things closer but it is not a macro lens.

I really wanted mind for bugs.  Other things too but I am fascinated by macros of certain bugs & spiders.  Which also means I prioritize being able to stay away from them as much as possible; that is, I want the distance between the lens and the bug to be as much as it can be.

I bought the Nikon 200mm micro lens.  It is a beast.  I keep it in the case all the time and it's put away until I want to use it.  It is a very expensive toy, and I am thrilled that it is mine.

That said, if your subjects are more stationary, or you don't want to spend a ton of money, Nikon has a range of macro lenses that have gotten really great reviews.  I vacillated between the 105 and the 200.  But, there is a 60mm macro as well! That is cheaper and smaller. 

I think if you are going to buy a macro lens and you have the money to do it, you will be happier not compromising and would be best buying a Nikon lens.  It will last forever if you take care of it and hold its value should you decide you don't want it one day.

I also use the 200 to take photos of my jewelry that I put up for sale.

[Eco Ellen]

Here are some of my favorites from last year:


DSC_6490 by ellenshana, on Flickr


dragonfly by ellenshana, on Flickr


hickory tussock caterpillar by ellenshana, on Flickr

[moroccangirl]

Thanks Ellen! And I loooove those shots. You'd love the bugs here.

[Eco Ellen]

We are finalizing some artwork for my office and one of the final choices was my caterpillar! It's going to be printed and hung in reception. I'm so pleased.

[Eco Ellen]

This is the 40mm micro.  Read the reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C50H2Y/ref=s9_simh_gw_p421_d3_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=1A78T7SVQJ7B5JTMAGCZ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939031&pf_rd_i=507846

[Eco Ellen]

What do you think you want the macro for, MG?  General all around use, bugs, flowers, kids?

Like I said, I specifically wanted mine for bugs as a priority, which is one of the reasons why I got what I did.

[Eco Ellen]

Now I need to know if you are getting one. I want to help you pick it out!

[moroccangirl]

I missed your last questions!! I think I want it for general use. Maybe take some nice shots of flowers to put on canvas and hang on the wall. That type of stuff. And kids too.
I haven't bought one yet, or even started looking. Too much going on to even think about it.