Nikon SLR Cameras

Good starter lens for macro images?

Guest
Guest

I have a nikon D3100 and I love to take picture of plants, the lens I currently use doesn't get good close ups and I'd like to see if there are any (relatively) cheap starter level lenses for me.

fhotoace
fhotoace

The Nikkor AF-S 40 mm macro f/2.8 would be the best and actually the least expensive, under $280.

One of the more popular macro lenses is the Nikkor AF-S 105 mm macro f/2.8 because it allows the shooter to be further a way from the subjects. It costs about $985. As you can see, the 40 mm is a less expensive starter level macro lens.

NOTE: While the 40 mm is inexpensive, it is NOT cheap. The word "cheap" insinuates that the lens is poorly made and of poor quality

The Status Is Not Quo
The Status Is Not Quo

Tamron 90/2,8 or any 50mm prime lens with extension tubes

retiredPhil
retiredPhil

First, get the most out of your current kit lens. Put it in the close-up mode and see if that is what you want. After that, you need macro (or micro) lenses.

tkquestion
tkquestion

The lens your camera came with, 18-55 VR actually let you get pretty close. I'd start with that.

Once, I took an image of a bee feasting on a flower using my D60, which is two generations older than your model. I was using 18-55. When I cropped it close, I could clearly see the bee was carrying two pollen balls on his legs. I could even see individual particles of pollen on the ball. I was able to print it on 8.5x11 paper with some noticeable pixels but not badly. That's not bad for a cheap kit lens.

Otherwise, you could go with Nikon's 40mm or Tamron's 60mm. They are both highly rated.
I personally have a 105mm VR but that's probably too much for your needs.