105mm
f2.8 Macro:
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I have always loved macro
photography. The ability to take vivid images of small objects
opens up a whole new world of photography. On days when the
sky doesn't cooperate with capturing landscape images, you
can often get out the macro lens and concentrate on what is
at your feet.
For those wanting to get an introduction
to close-up photography there are screw on lenses that will
convert your regular lens to close up. I decided that I would
use a macro lens enough to justify getting a lens dedicated
for the job. My search landed me a Nikon 105mm f2.8 Macro.
I love it! It is super sharp and has allowed me to capture
many great images.
Macro lenses from most manufacturers
come in prime focal lengths only and usually in around three
ranges: 50-60mm, 100-105mm, and 180-200mm. My experience will
lead most people away from the 55mm macro lens. The short
focal length means that you are often so close to your subject
that you end up casting a shadow on your image. Not good!
I have had this happen to me with a 105mm lens and I am sure
it would be a real problem at 55mm.
The advantage of getting more space
between you and your subject is especially important if you
are photographing critters. They tend to get scared if you
get close, so you will have an advantage if you can use as
long a focal length as possible. I wanted the 105mm lens over
the 180mm as it would double as a portrait lens and seemed
like a logical step to go with my other lenses.
The only frustrations with this
lens deals with the inherent challenges of macro photography.
Three words - depth of field! When you focus closer, your
depth of field vanishes to nothing. Try to pick compositions
where all parts of your subject are perpendicular to the axis
of your lens - you will be able to keep all parts on the same
focal plane. The other tip is to reduce the size of your aperture.
This results in longer exposure times - get the tripod handy!
If you are trying to do all of this outdoors with wind . .
. good luck and welcome to macro photography.
The only pitfall to this specific
lens is that the focus throw (how much the focus changes with
a given twist of the barrel) is very quick. Works well on
close subjects but is a bit frustrating when using the lens
for portrait. With such a sensitive focus throw, I have a
hard time accurately focusing on peoples faces.
Overall, the Nikon 105mm macro is
a great lens and comes highly recommended. For a great description
of the Nikon 105mm macro, visit this
site.
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