I really like the Tamron 90 2.8 Macro. Doubles as a great relatively fast portrait lens on an APS-C sensor camera. Plus it gives you a little more room to work for the full 1:1 macro than the 60. I've seen it for about $450 and Tamron often offers rebates. So for a moderately priced alternative to the $500 nikon 60 or the superior $800 Nikon 105 VR Macro it is something to consider.
I really like the Tamron 90 mm 2.8 macro lens. You can also use it on portraits because the 2.8 mm allows you to have a very small focus range (ie the backround is all blurry if you want it to be). 1:1 just means that you see it in the lens like you see it with your eyes
If you want to get serious closeups and don't mind shortening your minimum focus distance to nothing, you can always go with the very inexpensive extension tubes. A set of three Kenko tubes is less than $170. (don't worry about aftermarkets for tubes as there is no glass element to worry about)
Extension tubes are designed to enable a lens to focus closer than its normal set minimum focusing distance. Getting closer has the effect of magnifying your subject (making it appear larger in the viewfinder and in your pictures). They are exceptionally useful for macro photography, enabling you to convert almost any lens into a macro lens at a fraction of the cost while maintaining its original optical quality.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375238-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGN_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html#features
And a note to Photo Jim - The 90 might be superior, but I really wouldn't want anything wider than the 60 at this point. I'm really, REALLY a wide angle girl. Gimme a fisheye baby.. that's next on the list!
Amy
formerly known as Amyrlin
Btw I miss you too ~ K.B. 1971-2006
formerly known as Amyrlin
Btw I miss you too ~ K.B. 1971-2006
This message last edited by @my on 15/04/2010 at 03:42:39 PM
need some help with a camera recommendation
14/04/2010 05:39:06 PM
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Camera stuff
14/04/2010 06:43:33 PM
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Consumer Reports Info for Amy's suggestions:
14/04/2010 06:54:54 PM
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Wow. So $600 is considered "entry level camera" here? *NM*
15/04/2010 12:35:08 PM
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Yes, when looking at SLRs
15/04/2010 12:40:27 PM
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a couple of slightly techincal questions
14/04/2010 06:58:33 PM
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I love my Nikon.
14/04/2010 06:46:11 PM
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those are awesome thanks
14/04/2010 07:01:56 PM
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I am looking to buy a macro lens.
14/04/2010 07:15:32 PM
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As much as I normally don't like aftermarket lenses
15/04/2010 02:59:09 PM
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I'll translate
15/04/2010 03:42:08 PM
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LOL! Thanks
15/04/2010 04:11:50 PM
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Re: LOL! Thanks
15/04/2010 04:38:51 PM
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Re: LOL! Thanks
15/04/2010 04:55:36 PM
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I tend to rate this guy's opinions, by the by:
14/04/2010 11:46:55 PM
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Okay. I'm not much of a photographer. But I do work in a photo lab so I do have helpful tips.
15/04/2010 03:35:50 PM
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stay away from olympus
15/04/2010 01:33:01 AM
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that seems to be the popular opinion
15/04/2010 05:28:50 AM
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I'm a Canon guy.
15/04/2010 02:15:38 AM
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The D5o00 or Canon do seem like the way to go
15/04/2010 05:23:39 AM
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