Don't Know Which Lens to Choose?

I need to get a new lens because I just got hired for a macro photography. I have DX Nikon and my budget is $0-140. I was thinking a prime lens but I'm not sure if that would be good if I want to use it for something else… Help!

I have a Tamron 90mm which would be 135mm on your DX, a tad awkward as a workhorse lens. So if you are not going to do that type of work for long, I would rent or borrow a macro.

Picking a good lens for a digital SLR camera requires some preparation. There are many options available when choosing a DSLR lens. Think about what type of photos you like to take and keep it in mind while you find a lens to help you achieve these shots. There are three key components to consider in a lens that will help you pick a good one.

1. Determine the focal length you want your lens to have. The focal length, or how much of your subject you'll be able to fit into a photo, is measured in millimeters and is usually marked on the outside end of a lens. A standard focal length runs anywhere from 35mm to 85mm. That length is used for both portrait and landscape shots, as well as a variety of other subjects. A lens with a 28mm or lower focal length is a wide-angle lens and is good for capturing vast landscape shots. Telephoto lenses run between 100mm and 300mm. They are the best choice for close-up shots.

2. Assess the maximum aperture available on the lens. The maximum aperture is signified by an "f-number" marked on the outside end of the lens. Lower f-numbers mean the lens has a larger maximum aperture, which is what determines how much light is allowed through the lens. A lens with a low f-number will let a lot of light through, allowing you to take photos in low light, as well as achieve a blurred background effect behind a crisp subject. Choose a lens with a low f-number and large maximum aperture for use in natural light or for indoor photos.

3. Consider whether you'd like a prime or zoom lens. A prime, or "fixed-focus" lens, does not zoom in or out. It is fixed on one focal length. An example is a 50mm lens, which is popular for portrait photography. Prime lenses deliver a fixed-frame picture and help you learn to effectively set up shots. A zoom lens has a focal range, such as 18mm to 55mm or 70mm to 200mm. Zoom lenses allow you to take photos of close-up or far-away subjects.

4. Decide if image stability or "anti-shake" is important to you. Image stabilizing lenses have a built-in mechanism that will reduce blurriness in photos you take in low light, or at a low shutter speed without a tripod. An image stabilizing lens minimizes the shake and vibration of your hands when you shoot the photo and produces a crisper image.

5. Ensure the lens mount of whichever lens you choose is compatible with your brand of camera. The lens mount is the part of the lens that connects to the camera's body. Choose a lens that specifies compatibility with your brand of camera. A lens may fit physically on your camera, but if it's not compatible the electronic features, like autofocus and digital controls, won't work properly.

You can't buy a decent lens for $140. Even off eBay, you are going to get nothing more that extra kit lenses (generally junk), or a nifty 50 (which is a great lens, but not for macro work).

You need to spend several $100 for a decent macro lens.

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