Best cheap macro lens for Nikon D3100?
I have the Nikon D3100 and really want a lens for macro work, preferably sub £400. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Also, I have a question - can you manual focus on an autofocus lens?
The cheapest macro lens that Nikon puts out is the 40mm f/2.8
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...Search=yes
the next cheapest is the 60mm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._2_8G.html
I couldn't find the 40mm on amazon.co.uk, but here is the 60mm
http://www.amazon.co.uk/...0013A1XDY/
and yes, you can manual focus on an autofocus lens. Just switch the little tab on the side of the lens. For macro photography, most photographers use manual focus anyway
Unless you want super macro shots and are happy with ones like,
you can safely keep the kit lens. It has very good macro capabilities for normal users.
anyway, now the only lens i have is the 35mm 1.8g. I use it to take all sorts of photos i want…
Yes, you can manual focus most autofocus lenses.
In fact, for macro work, you will most certainly want to manually focus anyway as most cameras have issues with focusing close up.
Perhaps the best macro lens for the price is the Tokina 100mm macro. It requires a camera with a focus motor, so it won't autofocus on your D3100 (it takes a D90 and above to autofocus).
But since you are in macro, you will be manually focusing anyway.
It is priced at $450 US, which is under your budget.
The other advantage is that it is 100mm. For Macro work, I prefer longer lenses as you can get a bit further back. This is important if you are photographing bugs and things that can get scared off.
Although Nikon makes 40mm, and 60mm AF-S macro lenses, they have to be too close for my comfort.
The only downside is many macro lenses also work out as good portrait lenses, as they are typically f/2.8 or faster. This is unfortunate for you as you would want autofocus at that time - but it is not essential of course. In a portrait environment, you could take a few moments to manually focus the lens.
http://www.althephoto.com
You can always focus manually with lenses that auto focus. Simply switch to MF and rotate either the front ring or the ring on the lens made for it.
Here's a Nikon Lens Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2010/02/canon-430ex-ii-speedlite-review/