Close up shot of insects.

[drkallol]

<p>Hello,<br>

I am using Nikon D90 with 18-105 Nikkor vr with Slick close up kit(+4D & +6D) for insect macro shot but not getting enough magnification.How can I get better magnification maintaining a good DOF.<br>

Thanks & regards.<br>

Kallol</p>

[bob_sunley]

<p>How much magnification are you looking for? Maybe a macro lens and extension tubes might be enough. High magnification and large DOF are mutually exclusive, you can have one or the other, but not both at the same time. One way to get is is take many images, changing the focus point a little each time and combining the images with a Z-stacking software.</p>

<p>For a good read on the subject, go here. http://www.krebsmicro.com/</p>

<p>His work is fantastic, see http://www.microscopyu.com/smallworld/gallery/contests/2005/ the First place image.</p>

<p> </p>

[drkallol]

<p>Thanks for response.I wish to get 5X or more magnification.Is it possible with extension tube?If yes what should be the length of that tube & more over is it compatible with Nikon D90 & Nikkor 18-105mm lens?<br>

Thanks & regards.<br>

Kallol</p>

[JakeQ]

<blockquote>I wish to get 5X or more magnification.</blockquote>

<p>There is no way to get acceptable image quality at 5x magnification from a zoom that is designed for photographing your family at the beach or your daughter`s prom. You better start looking for other solutions (like T2 tubes and a decent enlarger lens).</p>

[Two23]

<p>That is a LOT of magnification. You will run into a lot of problems, such as razor thin DoF and blur due to vibration. It can be done with enough practice, good technique, and the right equipment. I agree that for what you want, you will need an entirely different, more specialized lens just for starters. Maybe also a bellows?<br>

Kent in SD</p>

[akira]

<p>Kallol, I've browsed through your gallery here and am quite impressed. You've already made great closeups of insects including a frame-filling mosquito!</p>

<p>Why do you ask the question AFTER you've shot them?</p>

[akira]

<p>Okay, now I know you used Coolpix P90. To fill the frame of larger format like that of D90 with those tiny insects will require, as Kent pointed out, a specialized set of equipments. I don't think Nikon currently offers any lens that suits your purpose directly. You should combine odds and ends to achive x5 magnification: bellows (PB-6), reverse ring (BR-2A), a wideangle prime lens (35mm or shorter), a sturdy tripod, efficient lighting etc.</p>

<p>Canon makes MP-E 65mm/f2.8 macrophoto which offers x1-x5 magnification on its own.</p>

[drkallol]

<p>Many many thanks to all of you for your valuable suggesions.How it will be if I mount a +4D close up kit on Nikkor 70-300mm vr lens?Will it help me in this regard to some extent?<br>

Regards.<br>

Kallol</p>

[ilkka_nissila]

<p>Why not just get a macro lens that goes to 1:1 on its own first, it'll give much better image quality than the 18-105. E.g. 105 VR or something in its class (an older Micro-Nikkor or a third party lens will be fine). Then you can start to think about high magnification, for which you will need a bellows and then some specialized lenses for each magnification range. Check out the <a href="http://www.photomacrography.net/">http://www.photomacrography.net/</a> forums for advice on specific equipment. You're likely to find yourself spending some time on E-bay to find the lenses for what you want to do. The depth of field will be extremely shallow, of course.</p>

[Jerry_]

<p>A bellows will get you into the *close range* on a digital SLR body. Depending on the size of the insect, a AF 200mm f4D Micro-Nikkor lens might work... But keeping the insect stationary, and having a great depth-of-field is going to take a lot of practice.</p>

<p> </p>

[sebastianmoran]

<p>Kallol, I believe a 35mm lens reversed on a Nikon bellows is a good way to get about 5x. You won't get near this magnification with a conventional lens and simple front-of-lens accessories.</p>

<p>The right combination of stacked lenses might get you 4x. Google for more info.</p>

<p>At 5x, the depth of field will be very thin regardless of the lens you use. DOF is subjective and all calculations are arbitrary, but here is a <a href="http://www.tirpor.com/macro/macro_DOF.htm">Depth of Field calculator that is valid for macro</a>. At 5x and f/5.6 nominal aperture, the calculated DOF is about 50 micro-meters; that's 1/20th of a mm, very thin. If you want DOF in macro photography of still objects, try focus stacking.</p>

[sem_svizec]

<p>You can get 5x magnification with your 18-105VR. You need to use it @18mm reversed (BR-2A or similar adaptor with a thread that fits on the filter thread), and probably some extension tubes (cheapos will do). Mind it will be all-manual, you will need control the aperture with the small lever, you will hardly see anything and will most likely need flash, and DoF will be so thin that you will have a hard time finding your subject and will be able to shoot just a "slice" of it.<br>

<a href="http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1039&thread=33249374&page=1">http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1039&thread=33249374&page=1</a></p>

[micah_liam]

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