Help choose correct macro lens

[RushReefer2112]

Hey there, as said, I'm looking into finally getting a macro lens. I purchased a d3300 last Christmas on black friday sale with the 18-55 and 55-200 kit lens. I'm not sure how much better the pictures could have gotten because I'm not an expert with photography.

Pictures were taken under 2x250w 14k halides. No supplements, although I've got led and t5 supplement now. Will try taking more pictures soon. Let me know what you think. I tried editing in photoshop as best as I could. Do you think I've got what it takes to shoot in macro with this camera and end up with pictures that are decent? If so, I'd like your suggestions on a good bang for your buck lens.
Chase

 

[zeeGGee]

If you really want macro shots, get a dedicated Macro lens. I'm using a Tokina 100 ATX pro. Same here, I'm a newbie on both photography and reef hobby.. [emoji846]

Some of my macro shots:

 

[RushReefer2112]

Those are incredible pictures. I appreciate your response and will take a look at that lens shortly! Thanks!

 

[zeeGGee]

Those are incredible pictures. I appreciate your response and will take a look at that lens shortly! Thanks!

You're welcome.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

100mm macro lens would be a good choice, get one that has a minimum aperture of 2.8 or less. If I was shooting Nikon I would look at their choices first. Then compare the resolution both center and corners, to a few aftermarket lenses with the same specs.

 

[RushReefer2112]

Thanks. I appreciate your response as well!

 

[RushReefer2112]

I'm going to try as best that I can to shoot the tank tomorrow with my standard kit lens again. If they turn out somewhat decent, I'll post them here. Very close on pulling the trigger on a lens but want to try some things with the camera first.

Have either of you used a "close up lens kit"? They screw into the threads at the end of the lens and are supposed to magnify by 2x, 4x, 10x, and you can stack them to get 8x, 20x, 40x, 80x. If so, are they worth the money to at least try? I'm not trying to become a professional photographer but I would really like to get some 5x7 or 8x10's of some cool things printed out. LMK, Chase

 

[zeeGGee]

I'm going to try as best that I can to shoot the tank tomorrow with my standard kit lens again. If they turn out somewhat decent, I'll post them here. Very close on pulling the trigger on a lens but want to try some things with the camera first.

Have either of you used a "close up lens kit"? They screw into the threads at the end of the lens and are supposed to magnify by 2x, 4x, 10x, and you can stack them to get 8x, 20x, 40x, 80x. If so, are they worth the money to at least try? I'm not trying to become a professional photographer but I would really like to get some 5x7 or 8x10's of some cool things printed out. LMK, Chase

I heard about it but haven't tried it though. How much is it?

 

[RushReefer2112]

Some are as cheap as 10 bucks all the way up to hundreds. I assume the cheap ones use a weak, plastic lens where the expensive ones are actual strong glass.
I'm almost certain the picture quality would be lower with the cheap kits but on a 5x7, I think it may be virtually impossible to tell a difference. I could see how it makes a difference if I plan to blow it up on a big poster or canvas print. I might give it a shot! Either way, I'll be updating here to let everyone know. c:

 

[hybridazn]

I run a Tamron 90mm macro and love it, it takes fantastic macros and also is a great portrait lens. If you want to get closer you can always purchase extension tubes to use with a macro

 

[zeeGGee]

Some are as cheap as 10 bucks all the way up to hundreds. I assume the cheap ones use a weak, plastic lens where the expensive ones are actual strong glass.
I'm almost certain the picture quality would be lower with the cheap kits but on a 5x7, I think it may be virtually impossible to tell a difference. I could see how it makes a difference if I plan to blow it up on a big poster or canvas print. I might give it a shot! Either way, I'll be updating here to let everyone know. c:

Try to think about it. If you really want to
go for a macro shooting, invest on a GOOD dedicated lens. [emoji846]

more sample photos:

 

[Marquiseo]

Get a Tamron 90mm Macro lens. This image below was shot with the same camera you have (Nikon D3300) + the Tamron 90mm Lens:

 

[zeeGGee]

Tokina 100ATX Pro

 

[Latinreefer]

What are your camera setting to get those beautiful shots? Any photshop done to achieve these great pics ?

Thanks

 

[zeeGGee]

What are your camera setting to get those beautiful shots? Any photshop done to achieve these great pics ?

Thanks

Nikon D7200...I use manual setting, handheld. Need to buy a tripod though. Photos downloaded directly to iPhone from the camera. No photoshop. Just the iPhone photo editor for exposure adjustment.