My Favorite Macro Lenses!

[bubbaque]

Took this with the Tamron 90mm today.

WWC OG Bounce by Bubba Rivas, on Flickr

 

[Reef AquaCult]

@d2mini are you using any color filters with these lenses? Awesome pics and write up thank you

 

[Sea MunnKey]

That is one (macro lens) that I'm missing for my old Nikon camera ...

 

[d2mini]

@d2mini are you using any color filters with these lenses? Awesome pics and write up thank you

No, but i set the lights to a whiter light and set a custom wb on my camera. Gets me close and then i can tweak in post.

Took this with the Tamron 90mm today.

Sweet!!

 

[Adam_M]

I'm looking at picking up a camera today for Black Friday. Has anyone shot with a Nikon Z6? Was considering grabbing one, but I didn't know how well the FTZ adapter would work with some of these already large macro lenses.

 

[inktomi]

The Z6 seems to get reasonably good reviews. It's nice that it has a focus stacking feature built in, that might be useful for macro photos. The DPReview article on the Z6 gives it a pretty good overall review. I'm sure you'd be happy with it!

I agree though - it's annoying if you always have to use an adapter.

(it's no sony a7 though :p)

 

[Adam_M]

The Z6 seems to get reasonably good reviews. It's nice that it has a focus stacking feature built in, that might be useful for macro photos. The DPReview article on the Z6 gives it a pretty good overall review. I'm sure you'd be happy with it!

I agree though - it's annoying if you always have to use an adapter.

(it's no sony a7 though :p)

Ended up going with the D750 and I picked up the Tamron 90mm Macro. Can't wait to get started!

 

[inktomi]

Awesome! I look forward to seeing some photos from it!

 

[justingraham]

I just got a tamron lens for my Nikon D5300 still messing around with it but I am liking it so far really sharp images

 

[justingraham]

If anyone has a Nikon and wants the tamron 90mm lens used here is the site

https://www.keh.com/shop/tamron-90mm-f-2-8-macro-di-sp-1-1-autofocus-lens-for-nikon-55.html
And tonight If you use code CYB19T for 15% off so for around 225 you can get this lens

 

[inktomi]

Has anyone tried the Lawoa 100mm f2.8 2x macro lens? I'm very curious how it is using it with a tank and the housings we have to use.

$449 full price https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-100mm-f-2-8-2x-macro-apo/

 

[TheReefKeeper]

So after 23+ years in the Hobby I'm going to break down and get a Macro for my Sony A6500 I took these with an extension tube.

Specifically this tube 16MM
Amazon product ASIN B071RCT9XB

And a Sony lense Specifically this one.
Amazon product ASIN B00ENZRQH8

While they all look OK I would like some suggestions on a Better way to take this pic Looking for a Great Macro Camera Lense for my SONY A 6500 Any suggestions would be appreciated!


Thanks

 

[inktomi]

I use the Sony 90mm f/2.8 macro. It's expensive, but an awesomely amazing sharp lens. It'd work with your extension tubes as well - I've used it that way.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

I use the Sony 90mm f/2.8 macro. It's expensive, but an awesomely amazing sharp lens. It'd work with your extension tubes as well - I've used it that way.

Ok cool I’ll look into it and report back with a pic lol
The tube with this lens?

 

[inktomi]

Yep! The macro lens alone gets you close, but if you want better than a 1x reproduction you can use your extension tubes to further increase your magnification.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

Yep! The macro lens alone gets you close, but if you want better than a 1x reproduction you can use your extension tubes to further increase your magnification.

Oh ic ok cool

so is it worth spending the 1k?

 

[inktomi]

Oh ic ok cool

so is it worth spending the 1k?

It's one of my favorite lenses. It was the second I bought for my a7r. If it's in your budget, I'd strongly consider it. I've also used it for non macro stuff - it works well as a 90mm short telephoto as well.

 

[raketemensch]

Since I do my aquarium shots with manual focus anyway, I'm thinking I could save a lot of money by getting a manual lens for my Rebel T7.

The thing is -- I'm still a bit confused about what makes a good macro lens. The "favorite" lenses in the OP list range from 30-100mm, so there's something I'm missing here.

What is it that tells you "this is a high-zoom macro lens?"

 

[d2mini]

What is it that tells you "this is a high-zoom macro lens?"

Not sure I understand your question here?

You would choose the focal length based on your needs.
Large tanks will usually benefit from something longer, nano's something shorter.
Top-down shots may need something shorter if you are shooting coral that is up high and you can get away with something longer if shooting stuff on the sand bed.
If you are looking for one lens that can handle most situations you'll probably want to stick to something in the 60-90mm range.

 

[maroun.c]

Great post and thread thanks for all the info.
Amazing shots.