Nikon SLR Cameras

Cheap Nikon D80 Macro Lens?

Tyler D
Tyler D

I need a cheap macro lens for work.
The lens will be left in the office so it doesn't need to be the most durable.
I was looking into a 50mm then found out that 50mm isn't Macro.
I'm looking for a lens for around $100 - $200 max
Can you please give me some good good focal lengths and cheap brand names?

What's the different effect a 60mm Macro then a 50mm?

Thanks

Added (1). I found a 40mm on this website but doesn't look very appealing.
Its only $190 compared to the $270

http://www.wydeals.com/products/Nikon-40mm-f%7B47%7D2.8G-AF%252dS-DX-Micro-NIKKOR-Lens-for-Nikon-Digital-SLR-Cameras-%252d%252d-0O005P50U2L01%0D%0A.html

I was just not sure what would be best for taking pictures of peoples mouths / teeth and implant products we use.

Dr. Iblis
Dr. Iblis

Macro means that the lens has a 1:1 image ratio. If the subject is 3mm long, it will appear 3mm long on the sensor. They also have very close focusing distances

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...4294185277

as you can see, the 40mm macro is the cheapest at ~$270

Vinegar Taster
Vinegar Taster

They do make 50mm macro lens. The difference between a 50mm & a 60mm is 10mm.
Cheap means poor quality.
What do you need this lens for? It sounds like you have no photography skills.

Jens
Jens

The cheapest available macro lens is the Nikkor 40mm AF-S at $280.

It may be a tad short in terms of focal length for many applications, you need to get really close to the subject with it.

The difference between a 60mm macro lens and the 50mm prime lens is the minimum focusing distance. Don't be fooled by the two having similar focal lenghts and both being fixed focal length lenses. Macro works by allowing the camera to focus even if the subject is very close to the lens, and that ability is what distinguishes macro lenses from other lenses.

There's a way to get macro shots with your budget though:

A 50mm f/1.8D prime lens with a set of $10 extension tubes. It must be the D version though, as the G version does not have an aperture ring - and you'll need that one as you otherwise won't be able to set the aperture when using such cheap extension tubes that don't have electronic contacts. The lens basically gains close focusing/macro capability with the extension tubes at the expense of not being able to focus at infinity anymore. You can take the tubes off at any time again though, it's not a permanent modification.

I use this setup myself, and it works well within its limitations. Namely, you don't get autofocus (which may be a dealbreaker, as you mentioned in the other quesiton that you shoot closeups of people's mouths. These tend to move, making autofocus quite useful). Also, you have to set the exposure entirely manually by trial and error, the light meter won't be of any help. In a constant lighting situation this is viable, but not in changing light situations.

Edit:
That price seems too good to be true and that site doesn't appear to offer any information about the company behind it. I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.

AWBoater
AWBoater

The least expensive good 1:1 macro lens is the Nikon 40mm f/2.8 micro.

It won't do everything due to it's short focal length, but it isn't bad. I have one that I use when I'm on vacation when I don't have room for my 100mm Macro, close-up flash, etc.