Steve'sDigicams

jpegasus · Aug 21, 2008, 11:14 AM

I just got the Nikon D60 with an 18-200 Nikon Lens. However, I occasionally would like to take a closeup.

What older macro lens could I use with this camera that would be best for taking pictures of smaller items, such as coins, stamps, etc.

I realize that an older lens, intended for a 35mm Nikon,probably wouldn't autofocus with the N60, but I would be perfectly happy focusing it myself. Would there be any drawbacks to this?

Any help that someone could provide would be appreciated.

Peg

ReneB3 · Aug 21, 2008, 5:16 PM

I have an older Sigma 50mm Macro I bought used for about a hundred dollars. I think it would work well for things like stamps and coins. The Nikon lens is about three times that. I also have an older Nikon 105 macro that is good for bugs and things you can't get quite so close to. But again the Nikon lenses are more $$$. The newer Sigma Macro lenses do a very nice job and are very affordable. You can also try a close up set on your 18-200, not as good as a Macro lens but very inexpensive and easy to carry in your kit. And your 18-200 would still autofocus.

ReneB3 · Aug 21, 2008, 5:18 PM

And there is no drawback to manual focus for macros, most of the time I have to focus manually anyway because of the narrow DOF.

jpegasus · Aug 21, 2008, 5:49 PM

That's some great information, Rene! I hadn't thought about using closeup filters. That might be an even better idea -- easier to lug around anyway.

I'm going to start searching eBay for some good prices on one or the other.

Thanks for the input!

Peg

tjsnaps · Aug 21, 2008, 6:11 PM

Some things you should know if your going to buy used manual focus lens.

You will lose all metering function in the camera You will be able to shoot in the manual setting . But will get no reading from the meter. This really is not that big of deal. Just take a test shot and study it as well as the histogram.

If lens is real old (made prior to 1978) it can damage your camera . These lenses can be modified to work and many have but you must be careful about this as many of these modifications were not done complete.

Lenses marked Ai or Ai-S are OK to use Lenses marked Ai-P (do not confuse this with Nikkor-P) will even meter but they are harder to find and usually more expensive.

All auto-focus lenses will meter but only the AF-S lenses will autofucus on a D-40, D40X and D-60

jpegasus · Aug 21, 2008, 6:17 PM

Thanks, TJ! Now I'm getting an idea of what to look for. I'm heading for Europe next month with this brand new camera and have a lot to learn. I want to come back with some super photography.

Peg

ReneB3 · Aug 22, 2008, 6:59 AM

I wouldn't buy a manual focus lens. The autofocus won't work on your camera but the meter will on an AF lens. And you never know what you will have for a camera body next. I have many lenes 15 or more years old that I had for film cameras that work on my D80/D300. That $100 Sigma 50mm marco is an autofocus. Slow and sloppy but takes great pictures.

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Aug 21, 2008, 11:14 AM	#1
jpegasus Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3	I just got the Nikon D60 with an 18-200 Nikon Lens. However, I occasionally would like to take a closeup. What older macro lens could I use with this camera that would be best for taking pictures of smaller items, such as coins, stamps, etc. I realize that an older lens, intended for a 35mm Nikon,probably wouldn't autofocus with the N60, but I would be perfectly happy focusing it myself. Would there be any drawbacks to this? Any help that someone could provide would be appreciated. Peg

Aug 21, 2008, 5:16 PM	#2
ReneB3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 193	I have an older Sigma 50mm Macro I bought used for about a hundred dollars. I think it would work well for things like stamps and coins. The Nikon lens is about three times that. I also have an older Nikon 105 macro that is good for bugs and things you can't get quite so close to. But again the Nikon lenses are more $$$. The newer Sigma Macro lenses do a very nice job and are very affordable. You can also try a close up set on your 18-200, not as good as a Macro lens but very inexpensive and easy to carry in your kit. And your 18-200 would still autofocus.

Aug 21, 2008, 5:18 PM	#3
ReneB3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 193	And there is no drawback to manual focus for macros, most of the time I have to focus manually anyway because of the narrow DOF.

Aug 21, 2008, 5:49 PM	#4
jpegasus Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3	That's some great information, Rene! I hadn't thought about using closeup filters. That might be an even better idea -- easier to lug around anyway. I'm going to start searching eBay for some good prices on one or the other. Thanks for the input! Peg

Aug 21, 2008, 6:11 PM	#5
tjsnaps Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 652	Some things you should know if your going to buy used manual focus lens. You will lose all metering function in the camera You will be able to shoot in the manual setting . But will get no reading from the meter. This really is not that big of deal. Just take a test shot and study it as well as the histogram. If lens is real old (made prior to 1978) it can damage your camera . These lenses can be modified to work and many have but you must be careful about this as many of these modifications were not done complete. Lenses marked Ai or Ai-S are OK to use Lenses marked Ai-P (do not confuse this with Nikkor-P) will even meter but they are harder to find and usually more expensive. All auto-focus lenses will meter but only the AF-S lenses will autofucus on a D-40, D40X and D-60

Aug 21, 2008, 6:17 PM	#6
jpegasus Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3	Thanks, TJ! Now I'm getting an idea of what to look for. I'm heading for Europe next month with this brand new camera and have a lot to learn. I want to come back with some super photography. Peg

Aug 22, 2008, 6:59 AM	#7
ReneB3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 193	I wouldn't buy a manual focus lens. The autofocus won't work on your camera but the meter will on an AF lens. And you never know what you will have for a camera body next. I have many lenes 15 or more years old that I had for film cameras that work on my D80/D300. That $100 Sigma 50mm marco is an autofocus. Slow and sloppy but takes great pictures.