Macro advice with lenses please

[TJC]

I currently use a Nikon D80 + sigman 105MM macro lens + Sigma ring flash + the options of Kenro ext tubes.

The clarity of the macro "snaps" are good but how do I get greater detail using std lens.

Reversing rings ?? , if so what lens would anyone recommend??.

I would be looking for 3x magnification if poss.

To get the magnification I am currently having to crop + enlarge but then the finer details tail off

Any advice would be appreciated.

I cannot answer any replies immediatly so please be patient I will get back within a week or so.

Regards
TJC

[chris-p]

The best, most flexible system would be bellows but they're only suitable for use on a solid surface - you would never be able to shoot hand held with them.

You can get cheap ones for around £50 which are completely manual or they go up to about £400 for fully automatic ones. I think the top end ones from Novoflex come in Nikon mount and maintain electronic aperture control, metering, autofocus... the lot.

The problem with reversing rings is that you need manual control of the aperture - in other words you have to have an aperture ring on the lens otherwise you can only ever shoot fully stopped down or wide open. Also, because it's reversed, the shorter the focal length, the greater the magnification so something short and manual would do the job fine.

You could also try a coupling ring?

[TJC]

Thanks for being patient with my reply

What I omitted was that the detail I wanted to get was in the field and not studio based.

I currently use the Sigma 105mm, the Sigma 180mm has been discontinued leaving me with the expensive Nikon option or Tamron 180MM.

Any thoughts on these options or any experience with the Tamron 180mm??

Tried a Nikon 50mm f1.8 D AF Lens withan extension tube + ring flash, f16-f19
also added a +2 Dioptor on the front

Great detail but alot of cropping involved

Regards
TJC

[greenwing]

TJC, I can't help you much, apart from directing you to Tony Jeffree and the pages that he links to.

Chris

[TJC]

Thanks Chris

Lots of reading on the link

That will pass the long winter evenings and shorter summer nights.

If I reach a compromise on lens length and quality I will keep you informed

Thanks again you seem to be the oracle on the forums.

TJC