Help with finding Macro/Micro Lens for Nikon D3000

<p>Hey everyone, I'm a self made photographer in which i started my hobby about a month ago. I purchased the Nikon D3000 and sure do love it! I am going to upgrade my camera in the future but since I'm just starting out the D3000 is good for now.<br /> I'm into Macro shots and taking pictures of small objects (bugs, flowers, etc.) and my Nikon AF-S 18.55mm 1:3.5-5.6 is OK. I can take some really good shots but sometimes it just doesn't do the job that well. Sometimes it just holds me back from making that shot and I become very frustrated over time. And let me add that it is very slow at times.<br /> SO I've come to ask to see if anyone can recommend me a good Macro lens for my Nikon D3000. I am a student, not really on a tight budget, but the lens shouldn't be too pricey. I can go upto maybe $750. I've searched the internet up and down and can't find any info on a good pair of lens. I want the lens to be sturdy and built good enough so over time I wouldn't have to replace due to damage or it being fragile.</p>

<p>Hope you guys can help me :)<br /> Thanks,<br /> -Amir M.</p><div></div>

<p>You can buy an old used Nikon AI Manual Focus 55mm f2.8 or f3.5. You will not have AF, and won't even have metering, but for flowers and such that aren't moving, just keep fiddling with exposure and looking at your display and you'll be fine, and you'll be out 150 bucks or less. And own a VERY sharp and wonderful lens.</p>

<p>If you must have Auto Focus and metering and such, you're in the 400/500 and up category with that camera.</p>

<p>You can also buy a close-up lens. I don't know much about them, others may pipe up.</p>

<p>The AF-S 60/2.8 is a quality lens for a reasonable price, works for macro and general photography and I believe the quality will be satisfactory for several years to come.<br>

For approaching more shy creatures or keeping the background simple in macros, a 105 mm macro lens is good, although these cost more and are bigger, so there's always something to consider.</p>

<p>around 55mm/60mm is fine for flowers but for most live bugs you need a 90mm (minimum) or longer focal length lens -- even on a APS-C DSLR like D3000. Possible candidates for you would be the Nikon 85mm Micro, the Tamron 90 SP AF macro or the Tokina 100mm ATX Pro D.</p>

<p>Of these three only the Nikon 85mm will autofocus on the D3000 so that is the one I would recommend if you plan on using AF for your closeups. it should be good for the occassional portraits too. remember that it is a DX lens so can't really be used on FX bodies.</p>

<p>If you can live without AF, the Tamron 90mm is a great buy. Image quality from the older non-Di version is virtually indistinguishable from the latest Di version, and good deals can be had on the used lenses market for the non-Di one.</p>

 

<p>They make a Tamron 90mm that autofocuses on the D3000. It's designated Model 272E.</p>

<p>>It's designated Model 272E.<br>

AFAIK the built-in motor version is 272EN, while 272E is screw-driven with the aperture ring (mostly not sold new anymore).<br>

Check also the new Tamron 60/2 DX (mind that the macro working distance is almost the same as with the 90mm, unlike the Nikon AFS 60/2.8).<br>

If you are into bugs or snakes, and don't mind using a tripod most of the time, take a look at Sigma 150. </p>

<p>Amir, you can not go wrong with any macro, either the Tokina 100 f/2.8, Tamron 90 f/2.8, Nikon 105 mm f/2.8 ( according to your budget this is too pricey ) or the Sigma 150 mm f/2.8, which is the one I got and so far I am very happy. If you are going to shoot insects, then you need an xtra focal length and the Sigma ( which is within your budget $729.00 ) is the one I do recommend. Here is one of the pictures that I recently took with my D300 and this lens. Have a happy shooting !!</p><div></div>