HELP!!!! Macro lens for a Nikon D5200

Unicorn · June 23, 2015, 04:04:30 PM

Despite the fact that I'm flat broke, I was lucky enough to get a beautiful new Nikon D5200 for my birthday a few months back.

It has a lovely Tamron DiII AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR lens.

Finally, after months, I actually found time to open the box and start reading the manual and firing off a few test shots.

As I'd really like it to use for my coin pics I know I need a descent macro lens as the min focus length with my lens is 45cm. (I know Troutski uses a Tamron SP AF90 F/2.8 Macro with great results).

Unfortunately they're a bit beyond my finance level so I thought I'd ask you pros for some advice on possible alternatives etc.

With my finances I can probably get one using "Hardly Normal's" interest free terms, but don't really want to get ripped off in the process. (I had an idea that they had the Tamron macros like Troutski's available, but thought they were around $900).

Here's a link to HN's web page for lenses. Are there any here that would suit? (Sorry for my lack of knowledge, but I have no idea).

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/cameras-printers-stationary/camera-accessories/lenses?p=1

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

An after thought ....... is there any way I can manually adjust my current lens to have a closer focus distance?

Goldseeker · June 23, 2015, 05:00:09 PM

My son has bought a Canon EFS 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM with an additional three year guarantee for $528.95 which is far less than the price on your above link.

The lens was bought from Ted's Camera Store at Highpoint here in Melbourne.

I can make enquiries if they are prepared to do another "out of sale" sale for you if you like.

PM me if interested.

Unicorn · June 23, 2015, 05:15:56 PM

Hi Goldie, thanks heaps for the info and the offer to enquire for me.

I was really hoping to be able to get an altrernative version at Harvey Norman using their interest free terms (which is about the extent of my budget at the moment).

I've found some Tamrons on ebay like Trouts ranging from the $275 (secondhand) to $400 (new) but buying outright might have to wait for quite a while yet.

Another question for the pros ..... on my lens box (after the specs in the OP) it says "LD Aspherical (IF) Macro" ....... I might have to do some reading to get my head around what that means, or perhaps someone might convert that to english for me.

Coiny Chris · June 23, 2015, 05:22:07 PM

Hello,

Have a look on Ebay for Opteka. They are a lens maker, and you will be able to get an adapter that will screw onto your existing Lens. They also make large Zoom lens's for an affordable price. They have a screw thread, and you screw on an adapter for your brand of Camera body. I have a few Lens's and consider them to be good value, and worth a look.

Fordprefect · June 23, 2015, 05:47:37 PM

The alternative is extension tubes, Set of three Metal Body with Elec Contacts Meiki comes to mind about $60 on the bay.

Will do the job with your standard lense set at 55mm, the min focus
distance of 490mm will probably limit filling the sensor for full coin shots but the 24mp sensor should still catch plenty of detail.

When you do get the Dedicated Tamron 90mm Macro the tubes can be used on it as well turning it into a Longer Lense (Good for extra close).

Unicorn · June 23, 2015, 06:16:33 PM

Thanks for the info Gents!!! Very helpful.

JeffH · June 23, 2015, 06:34:16 PM

I think extension tubes is worth looking at. Don't even think about a teleconverter.

Unicorn · June 23, 2015, 07:24:38 PM

Thanks Jeff.

I've gone with FP's suggestion. $52.95 for Meike Electronic Mount Auto Focus Macro Extension Tube Set Ring for Nikon DSLR. :yahoo:

Thanks again!!!!!

trout · June 24, 2015, 04:58:10 AM

I am not sure what I paid for my macro lens but it was nowhere near $900, more like $400 from memory and I got it from eBay new.

Robster · June 24, 2015, 08:26:51 AM

I have a set of Kenko extension tubes and find them excellent.!:angel:

Unicorn · June 24, 2015, 09:01:09 AM

Quote from: 'trout' pid='74804' dateline='1435087690'I am not sure what I paid for my macro lens but it was nowhere near $900, more like $400 from memory and I got it from eBay new.

Yes, the $900 was a figure I recall from Harvey Norman, they always seem to have stuff marked at RRP. There's was a few places on ebay that had them around the $400 mark for new ones which is so much better.

Fortunately the extension tubes fitted the finances (they'll now be my Fathers Day present come early).

Can't wait for them to arrive!

trout · June 24, 2015, 09:49:30 AM

A lot of fun can be had with a new camera setup, Enjoy :yahoo:

Unicorn · June 24, 2015, 10:01:56 AM

Thanks Trout, I can't wait to read enough of the manual to understand what all the bells and whistles mean. It's like a plane's instrument panel!!

trout · June 24, 2015, 10:04:37 AM

Did you get a tripod or a stand with the camera?

Unicorn · June 24, 2015, 11:21:34 AM

Unfortunately not and I know I'm going to need one. I might have to go out to the shed and whip something up once the tubes arrive and I work out the best focus distance.