Just wondering, if you were to chose a micro lens - which among the following would you go for?

60mm
85mm
105mm non VR
105mm VR

as a general all around micro/macro lens...

thanks.

105mm VR no doubt. That is also the only macro lens that has AF-S.

@John

There is no 85mm Micro-Nikkor lens. There is a 200mm though. :)

@Rosalie

I think John was referring to this lens. http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=147

I say the 105 VR. it has VR + AFS

I'd say the 105VR. It's up there in my wishlists. You could take macro shots without being near your subjects.

105 VR gets my vote!

BTW there is no Micro 85mm :)

Peace!

depends naman on what you will be shooting. with most of my macro work, i use a tripod. so i dont need the VR function. my 60mm is perfect for my use.

but lets say you gonna do insects then 105 range might be safer for you. VR will come in handy if hand held..

@Rosalie

I think John was referring to this lens. http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=147


@Zandy
I stand corrected. :) Forgot about the 85mm PC... manual lens.

i have a 60mm and it's perfect for my needs. (i don't shoot wildlife or insects.)

105mm VR no doubt. That is also the only macro lens that has AF-S.

Obviously, I would go with Zandy in this. :)

Ill go with 60 or 105 Vr. I stil dont have them , soon , very soon!

@Rosalie

I think John was referring to this lens. http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=147

right on. i had this lens, its one tough cookie and a pain to use. once you get the manual focus right you are blessed with really, really sharp images. not to mention added versatility with the tilt options.

dont forget there is a 70-180 macro nikkor as well but they are getting very hard to come by nowadays. if i were to get my first macro lens im defintely going to consider the 60mm. its tack sharp and you can really get your working distances real close. unless you are shooting skittish animanls though then the 105 vr would be the ideal choice becasue of the added working distance.

1. nikkor 105vr
2. tamron 90mm - though not a nikkor
3. nikkor 60mm

Aris is right... the Tamro 90 is a great alternative lens to the nikkor micro's :)
TJ parpan has shot some crazy images with it :)

Aris is right... the Tamro 90 is a great alternative lens to the nikkor micro's :)
TJ parpan has shot some crazy images with it :)

i am yet to own any other brand of glass aside from nikon, maybe except for the rayxar but im willing to try this tamro 90 in the next eb:)

To add another great 3rd party Micro: Try the Tokina 90mm... You won't be sorry! :)

60 for food shots, 105 for tiny insects, 105vr if hand holding. The 85 T/S has macro down to 1:2 magnification.

Incidentally, my travel-lite kit is a 18-35/3.5~4.5 and a 60 macro.

@earl, bro tokina 100mm yata yun. not sure though. :)

105mm VR no doubt . . . all around for me but having the 60 would also be nice but if i were to choose just one 105 pa rin VR siyempre :)

I have a brand new 105VR if anyone's looking for one. :)

Guys, thanks a lot for all the feedback and suggestions!!! I guess 105 is getting most of the votes. Am not sure if it would be feasible to get the 60mm micro since I have a 50mm (though not a macro). Would it be just as sharp?

The 85mm is an old lens...and I guess most don't know about it. But for the price of a new one nowadays around (1,000++US$), may be better off with the 105 VR.

I think I may have now an idea of what to save up for!!! :D

Keep them coming!!! and confuse me some more...hehe...

thanks again and much appreciated!

I have a 60mm but I'm planning to get a 105mm VR after some more moonlighting.

I'd get the Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4 anytime of the day! :)

John, IMHO, the 105mm vr or non vr, 60mm and 200mm f/4 are all winners. It would just depend upon the circumstance of where and when you'll use them.

ps - I opted for the 105mm vr...the money pit is just getting deeper and deeper.

John, IMHO, the 105mm vr or non vr, 60mm and 200mm f/4 are all winners. It would just depend upon the circumstance of where and when you'll use them.

ps - I opted for the 105mm vr...the money pit is just getting deeper and deeper.

amen brutha!

Talking about macro, I understand that the 105 goes all the way to 1:1 magnification, now what if i want more? Say 5:1 (or is it 1:5, basta 5x magnification)? Is it better to use them macro filters or bellows na ang katapat? I have a project kasi that requires the magnification of a pin-head sized item to fill at least half the frame.

I have a brand new 105VR if anyone's looking for one. :)

Just open it and get it over with! You know you want it! Hehehe! :D

Go, Jerry!!!

Hush girls! Bad influence! :P When are we going to have lunch hmmm?

Talking about macro, I understand that the 105 goes all the way to 1:1 magnification, now what if i want more? Say 5:1 (or is it 1:5, basta 5x magnification)? Is it better to use them macro filters or bellows na ang katapat? I have a project kasi that requires the magnification of a pin-head sized item to fill at least half the frame.

85 1.4 plus extension tubes

@jerry

let's shoot and then have lunch!!!

@Carlo.. like the regular 85/1.4? Cool.. how many extension tubes and what magnification did you get?

@Jerry
Game! This Saturday!?

Talking about macro, I understand that the 105 goes all the way to 1:1 magnification, now what if i want more? Say 5:1 (or is it 1:5, basta 5x magnification)? Is it better to use them macro filters or bellows na ang katapat? I have a project kasi that requires the magnification of a pin-head sized item to fill at least half the frame.

Wonder if magnification will be closer if 105VR plus TCs? Just a thought... :)

@Carlo.. like the regular 85/1.4? Cool.. how many extension tubes and what magnification did you get?



never tried, im just basing my statement on the pics ive seen with the 85 1.4 + extension tubes. il try to dig up the images.

the 85mm pc has stellar results, here are some of em. a pain to use though and defintely more convenient for table top items.

Focus point was on the eye. Table top tripod, 1/6 sec, ISO 400, D200, F5.6 (effective 7.1).

http://www.donzo98.com/Test%20Images/Nemo.JPG


Manual focus on 31...wide open.

Full pic...

http://www.donzo98.com/Test%20Images/PCRuler.JPG


Crop...

http://www.donzo98.com/Test%20Images/PCRuler%20copy.jpg

@jerry

let's shoot and then have lunch!!!

@jerry
I agree shoot then lunch... :)

@Rosalie & Dindin, sige 3some-shoot-then-lunch-date. :) My fave girl-friends sa DPP! :)

@Rosalie & Carlo

I just recalled a Nikon macro photography brochure where it shows that in the high end of the magnification scale, Nikon recommends either a 50mm or 28mm na naka-reverse ring. The 60 and 105 macro is good up to 1:1 or 2x without any cumbersome attachments, but beyond that, it's regular rings and bellows, and reversing rings, etc..

I'll hand hold my 28 or 50 in reverse later and see what I get. :)

@Carlo.. like the regular 85/1.4? Cool.. how many extension tubes and what magnification did you get?

?

this is the pic i was telling you about.

85 with extension tubes.....16 and 18 ga. hypodermic needles:
http://www.pbase.com/vernix/image/44669620.jpg

Jerry, i think you may be happy with the 85m pc. too bad i sold mine already. il try to get it back from my friend:)

here some from ming thein of nikonians

http://hometown.aol.com/mingthein/watches/opera3/images/operathree01.jpg

http://hometown.aol.com/mingthein/watches/opera3/images/operathree03.jpg

more http://hometown.aol.com/mingthein/watches/opera3/images/operathree04.jpg





http://hometown.aol.com/mingthein/watches/opera3/images/operathree10.jpg






http://hometown.aol.com/mingthein/watches/opera3/images/operathree07.jpg





http://hometown.aol.com/mingthein/watches/opera3/images/operathree08.jpg

@Rosalie & Carlo

I just recalled a Nikon macro photography brochure where it shows that in the high end of the magnification scale, Nikon recommends either a 50mm or 28mm na naka-reverse ring. The 60 and 105 macro is good up to 1:1 or 2x without any cumbersome attachments, but beyond that, it's regular rings and bellows, and reversing rings, etc..

I'll hand hold my 28 or 50 in reverse later and see what I get. :)

I have a friend who used to shoot his macro shots using a reverse 50mm (w/o the reverse ring).... got pretty close to a fly. Good luck! :)

I have a friend who used to shoot his macro shots using a reverse 50mm (w/o the reverse ring).... got pretty close to a fly. Good luck! :)

and this is where i begin my footsteps into the unknown. this is uncharted territory for me. let us know how it goes ive always been curious as how reversing rings worked on standard lenses. thanks:)

I just ordered a reversing ring, will use it with my 50/1.8 AI lens. I remember having done this na pala before - cheap macro photography - even destroyed a 2x teleconverter to turn it into an extension tube. Will try it later and share what I get. I was just playing around before so didn't take the experiment seriously. I now have a real project so I hope the lessons will stick this time. :)

Rosalie/Dindin, too bad I can't show you the 105VR on our lunch date. :)

I just ordered a reversing ring, will use it with my 50/1.8 AI lens. I remember having done this na pala before - cheap macro photography - even destroyed a 2x teleconverter to turn it into an extension tube. Will try it later and share what I get. I was just playing around before so didn't take the experiment seriously. I now have a real project so I hope the lessons will stick this time. :)



am looking forward to this. im really curious as to whether these extension tubes or reversing rings can be an alternative to buying a dedicated macro lens. thanks

Rosalie/Dindin, too bad I can't show you the 105VR on our lunch date. :)

That's ok... got to try out my friend's. :)

am looking forward to this. im really curious as to whether these extension tubes or reversing rings can be an alternative to buying a dedicated macro lens. thanks

My friend who used to shoot with a reverse 50mm bought rin a 105mm. :)

Yes, because the reversed 50mm works at higher magnification ratios but not the lower ones. Likewise, you can onlyshootlikethisclose with the 50mm reversed.

guys i made an offer to my friend and will be getting my 85mm micro nikkor pc back soon. if anyone wants to play or experiment with this lens let me know.

carlo, if you plan to sell the 85pc.. let me know :D

Guys, if you really want to get a higher magnification, extension tubes is the way to go.
:Grin:

Yes, because the reversed 50mm works at higher magnification ratios but not the lower ones. Likewise, you can onlyshootlikethisclose with the 50mm reversed.

Thanks for clearing this up.... :)

Guys, if you really want to get a higher magnification, extension tubes is the way to go.
:Grin:

Never tried using extension tubes but based on what I've read, problem is the longer the extension tubes, AF becomes harder. Although can always shoot manual... Oh, and you lose stop/s of light depending on the extension tube, right? :)

carlo, if you plan to sell the 85pc.. let me know :D

i actually sold 3 weeks ago in another message board but offered the buyer his money back and a small bonus in anticipation of tableshop shooting in our restos. il keep you in mind though:)

i actually sold 3 weeks ago in another message board but offered the buyer his money back and a small bonus in anticipation of tableshop shooting in our restos. il keep you in mind though:)

mmmmmmmm... 85mm PC :)

Oh, and you lose stop/s of light depending on the extension tube, right? :) yup this is right...

Never tried using extension tubes but based on what I've read, problem is the longer the extension tubes, AF becomes harder. Although can always shoot manual... Oh, and you lose stop/s of light depending on the extension tube, right? :)

I don't think you lose any stops since there is no glass that would block the light. Just my thoughts though, I haven't played with mine much to confirm this.

The Kenko tubes that I got came as a set of 3 so you can pick one that is appropriate to your lens and what you're trying to accomplish.

regards,

yup this is right...

I stand corrected then. :)

I don't think you lose any stops since there is no glass that would block the light. Just my thoughts though, I haven't played with mine much to confirm this.

The Kenko tubes that I got came as a set of 3 so you can pick one that is appropriate to your lens and what you're trying to accomplish.

regards,

the extension tubes move the lens away from the body/sensor...the tubes you have can be used individually, or together...i think there are some markings on the tubes and they may indicate how much light is lost? correct me if i'm wrong here...:D

the extension tubes move the lens away from the body/sensor...the tubes you have can be used individually, or together...i think there are some markings on the tubes and they may indicate how much light is lost? correct me if i'm wrong here...:D


Kuya John, I have a set of of three tubes. 30mm, 20mm & 12mm (?) Forgot
Can be used separately or as a cluster. Ideally, the tubes' mm should approximate the lens' focal length. But of course, you can choose any combination you'd like.

Light loss? No idea... :D

I have no extension tubes yet, but that might be my next purchase. A set of three tubes by Kenko is worth 8k in Hidalgo. There was no mention of light loss though although I am not sure about this. On the other hand, I am sure that there will be light lost with the use of Teleconverters.

the extension tubes move the lens away from the body/sensor...the tubes you have can be used individually, or together...i think there are some markings on the tubes and they may indicate how much light is lost? correct me if i'm wrong here...:D

No f/stop markings on mine. :)

hmmm... extension tubes or a 60mm f/2.8 micro... hmmm..

how much would the 105mm f/2.8 VR cost now? :D

hmmm... extension tubes or a 60mm f/2.8 micro... hmmm..

how much would the 105mm f/2.8 VR cost now? :D

around 45k-48k

105 VR is good. You can use it with AF-TC since it is an AF-S.

hmmm... extension tubes or a 60mm f/2.8 micro... hmmm..

how much would the 105mm f/2.8 VR cost now? :D

Depends on what you intend to shoot. :)

food shots for me :)

food shots for me :)

60mm gives better DOF than 105VR for food shots :) But if you can try the lenses, that would be the best way to decide.

Kuya John, I have a set of of three tubes. 30mm, 20mm & 12mm (?) Forgot
Can be used separately or as a cluster. Ideally, the tubes' mm should approximate the lens' focal length. But of course, you can choose any combination you'd like.

Light loss? No idea... :D

eh since yo have the tubes, e...try it out and let us know!!! :Sick: hehe

No f/stop markings on mine. :)
my mistake...mm pala ang nakasulat...:BlackEye:

Kuya John, I have a set of of three tubes. 30mm, 20mm & 12mm (?) Forgot
Can be used separately or as a cluster. Ideally, the tubes' mm should approximate the lens' focal length. But of course, you can choose any combination you'd like.

Light loss? No idea... :D

There is light loss depending on which extension tube is used. Check this out for more info: http://www.thkphoto.com/products/kenko/slrc-04.html :)

There is light loss depending on which extension tube is used. Check this out for more info: http://www.thkphoto.com/products/kenko/slrc-04.html :)

ayan alden...ayaw kasi mag research! :D thanks rosalie!!!

how would the tubes affect DOF?

ayan alden...ayaw kasi mag research! :D thanks rosalie!!!

how would the tubes affect DOF?


Hahaha! You're welcome, John! Alden will have to use his tubes now to answer your question re DOF. :)

from the choices, i'll probably get the 105VR. fast focusing considering thats its a macro lens. not to mention its super silent!:)

have a query though... ive checked a couple of micro lens from nikon - 60mm, 105mm and 105mm VR - they are all f/2.8 glass.. but its not a constant 2.8(f/stop changes depending on the magnification). based from reviews.. this is normal.

but was just surprise when i compare it to my old sigma 105 f/2.8 (it has a real constant f/stop - regardless of the magnification).

any input guys?:)

@ carlo

Trial shots using a reversed 50mm handheld, no reversal ring... and a lot of patience... :D

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/11028/DSC_6915.jpg

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/11028/DSC_5180c.jpg

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/11028/DSC_0741x.jpg

Those are great shots, Joel! I guess it was really hard trying to do that. :) They're sharp!

@ carlo

Trial shots using a reversed 50mm handheld, no reversal ring... and a lot of patience... :D

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/11028/DSC_6915.jpg

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/11028/DSC_5180c.jpg

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/11028/DSC_0741x.jpg

joel, awesome shots if you dint tell me i would have guessed you useda 105vr for that one. anyway youl have to show me how to do this. how exactly do you mount a reversed 50mm?

@joel
Finally saw this thread... those are nice images!!! :D

from the choices, i'll probably get the 105VR. fast focusing considering thats its a macro lens. not to mention its super silent!:)

have a query though... ive checked a couple of micro lens from nikon - 60mm, 105mm and 105mm VR - they are all f/2.8 glass.. but its not a constant 2.8(f/stop changes depending on the magnification). based from reviews.. this is normal.

but was just surprise when i compare it to my old sigma 105 f/2.8 (it has a real constant f/stop - regardless of the magnification).

any input guys?:)

Curious about this too since even the Tamron 90mm changes aperture depending on magnification. :)

Levi, I'm sure the lens changes aperture, it probably just doesn't show on your camera. What camera were you using then?

Joel, I love that fly shot! The 50mm is really a winner and reversal rings are less than 600pesos in Quiapo.

wow better get me a reversal ring then... good way to utilize the 50mm lens. Great shot joel !!!

Levi, I'm sure the lens changes aperture, it probably just doesn't show on your camera. What camera were you using then?

Joel, I love that fly shot! The 50mm is really a winner and reversal rings are less than 600pesos in Quiapo.

Levi uses a D70s but I tried his lens too on a D50, same thing. :) Re reversal rings... Joel didn't know there was such a thing! :D

if thats the case il get one of these rings:)

Those are great shots, Joel! I guess it was really hard trying to do that. :) They're sharp!

Thanks Louie... it was really pain in the neck ... at least back then... :)

@ Perry, Rosalie, Jerry and Carlo

Thanks all!... Yup did it the "very hard way" hahaha... I got a reverse ring from HK after several months of shooting handheld...hahaha... Anyway, get the ring, it will save your neck from lot's of pain... :D ...

Btw, one cool thing about shooting in reverse, try to read the exif and it will show that the aperture opening is "F/0"... :)

Hahaha! You're welcome, John! Alden will have to use his tubes now to answer your question re DOF. :)

Kuya John, the DOF is very shallow. Qualitative lang, no way of quantifying it. Won't do any research about it. Don't want to. Hehe

And speaking of research on light loss, I don't have to. I employ the tried and tested TLAR technique.
:)

The 50mm is really a winner and reversal rings are less than 600pesos in Quiapo.

Yes Sir Jerry, the lens reversal ring is really one of the cheaper alternatives to do macro. And you gain more magnification as you use wider angle lenses. You can check out this thread (http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=1305), in case you haven't seen it.

Levi, I'm sure the lens changes aperture, it probably just doesn't show on your camera. What camera were you using then?

Joel, I love that fly shot! The 50mm is really a winner and reversal rings are less than 600pesos in Quiapo.

hi jerry. I tried them on a D70, D70s and D50 - same thing.. the aperture remains constant regardless of magnification. Its also recorded in my photos EXIF.

Just wondering, if you were to chose a micro lens - which among the following would you go for?

60mm
85mm
105mm non VR
105mm VR

as a general all around micro/macro lens...

thanks.

all of this lenses are relly work and perform well but i probably choose 105 non VR great micro lens for me.

And speaking of research on light loss, I don't have to. I employ the tried and tested TLAR technique.
:)

hehe...tamad ka lang ata!!!

I have a brand new 105VR if anyone's looking for one. :)
Why do you want to get rid of it? Or don't you ?

more


[img]http://hometown.aol.com/mingthein/watches/opera3/images/operathree08.jpg

Tell us how you did th elight on these, please

Why do you want to get rid of it? Or don't you ?
hi eli,

jerry is selling the lens because he is a dealer of columbia...:D

hey guys how much is the 105mm micro nowadays locally? :)

VR or non VR?

umm i dunno, either!

VR = around 43K; non VR = around 18-20K:) These are brand new prices. Been looking at these lenses for quite some time since these are the lenses I want to get in the future.

hey guys how much is the 105mm micro nowadays locally? :)

Local is relative: I am in EU now; In Asia HKG and SIN prices are around 600 euro (VRII). It's a fantastic lens.

Local is relative: I am in EU now; In Asia HKG and SIN prices are around 600 euro (VRII). It's a fantastic lens.

sorry i meant philippines because the banner on top says digital photographer philippines :D hahaha! i forgot there are many people here abroad! so you've got the VR version yeah? argh so many lenses i want, not enough money available :Grin:

how would you compare this to the sigma 70-200mm f2.8 macro?

wow...this is an interesting discussion and read. :) Will try out the suggestions stated here on extreme macro. Thanks guys!

@levi and rosalie
regarding the aperature of the Nikkor Micro and why it doesn't go down to 2.8, I think the explanation lies here in this link.... http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=1927&forum=DCForumID6&viewmode=threaded

Peace!

same here as ian.... great read! very enlightening.
now got to get myself one of those reversal rings for my 50. (tipid mode) hehe.

for the tipid mode, you can maximize the macro ring for D lenses (those with aperture rings) so you can manually adjust the aperture of the lens as desired :)

Don't discount used lenses.

Provided you don't need the longer working distance - you can get the superb 55mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor AIS for dirt cheap these days if you're lucky. Since you're going to be manual focusing on macro shots anyway, the AIS lenses could offer really good value over the likes of the 60mm.

OT: I just want to know how the 105mmVR Nikkor performs as a portrait lens. Does it have a good bokeh?

where can we get those reverse rings? are they avaiable in Hidalgo?

VR = around 43K; non VR = around 18-20K:) These are brand new prices. Been looking at these lenses for quite some time since these are the lenses I want to get in the future.
Hi Red,

Stop looking and start using. One of my best all around primes is the 105f2.8D Micro Nikkor (there was no VR then yet).

http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/78720511.jpg

From portraits to landscape to just about anything, it's great--fast and sharp. Here are some sample images:

Dawn in Tawi-Tawi.

http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79263027.jpg

On Golden Pond.

http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/78908189.jpg

Wish you the best,

Noli

Sir Noli,

Is the 105mm F/2.8 still available nowadays? Wala nakong nakikitang ganun.. If you don't mind sir, how much did you get it before? Thanks! :)

Hello Red,

Nikkor Micro lenses are probably the sharpest nikkor around. With or without VR, it doesn't matter, IQ is still superb. I have the 60mm, and its one of my fave/sharpest lens.

However, also ask the question, do I need a Macro lens? Some people buy macro lenses for those "what if I want to do macrophotography/close-ups" rather than "i'll need it for my macrophotography/close-ups". Of course you can argue that you can use Nikkor micro for other purposes like portraits or even landscapes (as what Nilo posted above). But again, you can achieve (almost) the same quality using your 18-135 lens.

Just my 2cents.

Hi Melvin! Thanks for the input :)

I have a question though, can a shot of the kit lens at 135mm and manual focus be comparable to a 60mm shot? both are macro shots.

Thanks in advance! :)

OT: I just want to know how the 105mmVR Nikkor performs as a portrait lens. Does it have a good bokeh?

Sir, the bokeh is creamy smooth. :)

@Melvin and Noli,

Thanks for our inputs guys. Im not really in a hurry to purchase a macro lens, I dont have a budget yet. I'll probably get an UWA if I get the money. I like nature and landscape photography thats why I'm considering of getting a macro lens to complement the UWA:Grin:

Hi Melvin! Thanks for the input :)

I have a question though, can a shot of the kit lens at 135mm and manual focus be comparable to a 60mm shot? both are macro shots.

Thanks in advance! :)

Definitely not, the macro lens is a specialized lens. You cannot compare its result to the kit lens even if you do manual focus.

red,

that is the best practice of all! be patient and stay away from impluse buys! just look around and you'll get some good deals. with this trait i was able to get a 60 and 105 macro without really burning a hole in my pocket! hehehe

red,

that is the best practice of all! be patient and stay away from impluse buys! just look around and you'll get some good deals. with this trait i was able to get a 60 and 105 macro without really burning a hole in my pocket! hehehe

Thanks Dino,

The newbies (I myself included) should always put this habit in mind. Know what their shooting style and get the lens suitable for them:)

OT: I just want to know how the 105mmVR Nikkor performs as a portrait lens. Does it have a good bokeh?

Hi Cesar,

I am not sure about the 105mmVR but the non-VR version is a great portrait lens. And it has nice bokeh even at wide open. Here are two samples I took yesterday here in Bongao. These are full frame jpeg images. I did not do any enhancement or retouching nor sharpening even after I reduced the file size from 34.7MB to about 700KB for the web.

This is at full aperture at 1/20seconds. The pinkish tinge is the effect of alpenglow lighting.
http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79276571.jpg

And this is at f4. The haze effect comes from a burning pile of leaves under a mango tree nearby.

http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79276563.jpg

Both taken with the Finepix S5 Pro, set at F2 film simulation and shade white balance.

All the best,

Noli

@noli

what do you mean by F2 film simulation? does the F2 refer to the aperture or a certain kind of film?

http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79276571.jpg

I think the softness of the photo is due to the 1/20 shutter you used. Can you post another example with a faster shutter? I'm sure it will be sharp.

http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79276571.jpg

I think the softness of the photo is due to the 1/20 shutter you used. Can you post another example with a faster shutter? I'm sure it will be sharp.

Hi Peter,

By default, the output of digital cameras are soft. That is why we need to sharpen them in an editing software. You're right, my speed was slow and the models were not completely still. The samples I posted here were not sharpened. They are jpeg images straight from my card without any post processing work in photoshop.

Here are samples I took early this morning of what the Micro Nikkors were designed for: close-up work.

This is good--tastes like honey!
http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79312777.jpg

Look Ma, I can carry it!
http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79312764.jpg

Leave something for me!
http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79312742.jpg

I can not speak for the other Micro Nikkors but the 105mm is perfect for my needs. I also use a Pentax 50mm f2.8 Macro but the distance to my subjects is sometimes too close. These images were taken as the sun was rising and I was constantly battling with the slight breeze in the flower shots.

All the best,

Noli

@noli

what do you mean by F2 film simulation? does the F2 refer to the aperture or a certain kind of film?

Hi Dino,

In the Finepix S5 Pro (just like in the S3 Pro) the film simulation refers to a certain film effect setting. You can set it to normal (I think that's F1) where skin tones are preserved or B/W. In the F2 film simulation, it is like the Velvia 50 "effect" where the colors are more vibrant and saturated. This is where my S5 is set. Saves me time in the computer.

The following image was taken also in F2 simulation and the white balance setting in Shade even the sun was peeping fron the horizon. I personally like the warmer effect.

Next in line.
http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/79312748.jpg

Wish you the best,

Noli

oooooooooooooooohhh...thanks for the heads up noli! :)

oooooooooooooooohhh...thanks for the heads up noli! :)

You're welcome Dino. But I have to clear that up. My Manual says there are six settings. Standard, F1, F1a, F1b, F1c and F2. The first is the standard image composition mode and is ideal for a wide range of subjects, including portraits and scenery. In this setting you can change to B/W.

F1 suppresses flaring in flash highlights when the flash is used and also stresses smooth tonal transitions in the reproduction of skin tones. It is ideal for studio work where the aim is professional-standard negative.

F1a - Saturation is slightly enhanced in comparison with F1 mode.

F1b - Reproduces skin tones with smooth transitions. Also provides vibrant reproduction of natural colors such as blue skies and is ideal for daylight portraits.

F1c - Increased sharpness in comparison with the F1. Ideal for fashion shooting.

F2 - This mode provides vibrant reproduction of natural colors such as blue skies and is ideal for landscape and nature photography.

In all modes except Standard, you can finetune the color, tone and sharpness.

So far, I have only used the F2 mode.

Hi Peter,

By default, the output of digital cameras are soft. That is why we need to sharpen them in an editing software. You're right, my speed was slow and the models were not completely still. The samples I posted here were not sharpened. They are jpeg images straight from my card without any post processing work in photoshop.

Noli

Of course I know that Noli... Here's an example of a portrait taken using a micro nikkor 60mm. Forgive the colors, this was a test shot. I'm just using this as an example...

No PP done on this other than a resize...
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/p_jaena/DPP%20retouch/DSC_1602.jpg

Here's the actual 100% crop...(again to PP whatsoever)
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/p_jaena/DPP%20retouch/DSC_1602100crop.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/noligabilo/image/78720511.jpg



hi noli,

just like to ask where did you get the adapter (if that's whats called, sorry am still a noobie) for the gorillapod? am planning to get from amazon and i didnt saw one attached to it or even as accessories for it (unless of course i havent seen the whole product line at amazon). anyways, thanks in advance..

btw, nice shots! :)

@peter

wow! :=)

hi noli,

just like to ask where did you get the adapter (if that's whats called, sorry am still a noobie) for the gorillapod? am planning to get from amazon and i didnt saw one attached to it or even as accessories for it (unless of course i havent seen the whole product line at amazon). anyways, thanks in advance..

btw, nice shots! :)
Hope Noli wouldn't mind me answering....

I think its 322RC2 (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/2319?livid=80%7C81&lsf=81&child=2) HEAVY DUTY GRIP BALL HEAD from Manfrotto.


http://www.manfrotto.com/webdav/site/manfrotto/shared/_images/Manfrotto/product_images/322RC2.jpg

Excellent shot Peter!! Now I'm really sold with the 60mm :D

@Mikko & Ivan - hehehe. Thanks guys! Kayo talaga, test shot lang yun. :D

hi noli,

just like to ask where did you get the adapter (if that's whats called, sorry am still a noobie) for the gorillapod? am planning to get from amazon and i didnt saw one attached to it or even as accessories for it (unless of course i havent seen the whole product line at amazon). anyways, thanks in advance..

btw, nice shots! :)

Hi Mikko,

Thank you for the nice words.

I got my gorillapod from JT Photoworld? or Worldaire? in Makati. I guess it was 2.7K. The 5/8 in. adapter comes with it and you screw it in the 1/4 in. thread to attach ballheads with that size thread. It is looped in the string that holds the gorillapod to the packaging.

Joseph is right. I used the Manfrotto 322RC2, much lighter than my original Manfrotto 222.

All the best,

Noli

Of course I know that Noli... Here's an example of a portrait taken using a micro nikkor 60mm. Forgive the colors, this was a test shot. I'm just using this as an example...

No PP done on this other than a resize...
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/p_jaena/DPP%20retouch/DSC_1602.jpg

Here's the actual 100% crop...(again to PP whatsoever)
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/p_jaena/DPP%20retouch/DSC_1602100crop.jpg

This is great Peter. Nice natural colors. I had the chance to use a friend's D70s with my 105mm but the colors were not close to this.

I will do a 100% crop to what I posted earlier (the one that was soft) together with one where the subjects were more still and post it later for comparison.

gud day,

i have a nikon d70 w/ 60mm macro lens and having problem w/depth of field. im using it in dental photography....fyi dentist po ako. any suggestions w regard to the settings so that i could have a clear picture of teeth from front to back. any help is highly appreciated

MARAMING SALAMAT PO

gud day,

i have a nikon d70 w/ 60mm macro lens and having problem w/depth of field. im using it in dental photography....fyi dentist po ako. any suggestions w regard to the settings so that i could have a clear picture of teeth from front to back. any help is highly appreciated

MARAMING SALAMAT PO

Use manual focus and focus on the middle part of the area you want to be in focus. If you focus on the front teeth for example, the back teeth will not be in focus. Depth of field covers the area in front and behind the focus point. Try using F16-22 and manual focus somewhere in the middle of the mouth. See if that helps. :)

Interesting thread. Chanced upon it while doing some research on Macro/Micro lenses. I'm actually weighing my options as I would like to get into Macro photography.

At this point I do not think I can afford a Micro-Nikkor lens as most cost more than what I just paid for my D40x. Reverse rings look like a great, cheap option, but I have concerns about how safe it is to expose the back side of the lens without some sort of protection (like we would with a UV filter for the front of the lens).

Anyone have some feedback on the Kenko extension tubes or a similar product, wouldn't mind using them as long as they can produce relatively good shots. My goal is good macro shots on a budget.