Camera Lens Question for D200
NumisOxide
Posts: 11,010 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have a Nikon D200 digital SLR Camera I bought used to take coin photos. It came with this lens. Is this an adequate lens to take clear macro photos? Thank you.
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If you want macro results you'll need a macro lens. That is not one.
But try it out and see if it meets your needs.
Lance.
Lance,
I did try it out and it didn't like the results.Can you recommend a macro lens that will work with the d200?
I use a Sigma 180mm primarily, and a 105mm for larger items (medals, etc.). I've been using those lenses for 10+ years and they do great work. A lot of folks also use the Sigma 150mm macro. A telephoto lens like what you have is not geared for close-up photography. It may work well for landscapes, but not coins. I use a similar lens (Nikon 28-300 or Tamron 24-70 for slab or OGP shots (and landscapes), but nothing where I really care about nailing the details).
Awesome! Thanks Jeremy.
I was wondering why I was maxing out my copy stands height range to get focus. 😆
Ok I see thats like a $500 lens used. Any macro lens in the $250 range.
I have four macro lenses I use for different purposes. My favorite is a heavy (three pounds!) 200mm Minolta but it is a tad too long for silver dollars or larger. A copy stand is only so tall. So my back-up is a 180mm Sigma.
Neither of these is good for slab shots. So I use a 90mm Tamron there.
Sometimes you want to shoot much bigger things, like large ingots or bank notes. And for that a 50mm Sony macro works great.
If a single macro lens is all that can be managed just now then I'd suggest something in the 100mm range. Great compromise. You will be thrilled with it for coin photography.
I'd be less concerned with brand than with price, and of course making sure it will fit your Nikon mount. I've had good luck buying used.
Lance.
Thank you Lance as well. Appreciate the information!
I have an ancient 105mm Micro-Nikkor lens that I use on a D40 body. Only works manually but I've always used manual cameras anyway so no problem. Mine cost under 100$. I have a set of cheapo extension tubes for really small coins.
I will disagree with this.
The lens is the MOST important part of a photography system. Way more important than the camera body.
You should be very concerned with buying a high-quality brand and less concerned with the price.
Agreed
If you’re going to stick with the D200 or an APS sensor sized Nikon DSLR then the 85mm macro lens from Nikon is a good choice. Probably overall the most ideal and can be found inexpensively.
As with many things, there is a range of “it depends”. Working distance is very important but too much can present other problems. Lighting is very important and even without a macro lens proper you can get good results with good lighting as long as you can get at least a 0.4x reproduction ratio. That info will be readily available online for any lens.
You missed the point. No argument that the macro lens is a critical element. What I was saying is don't get stuck on "it's gotta be a Nikon, for instance". Sigma or Tamron will do just fine. Even a budget Samyang. I can't name any terrible Nikon-compatible brands. So shop around.
And, FWIW, don't be concerned if the macro is manual focus only. Most of us who shoot professionally don't use auto focus.
Lance.
Also worth mentioning you can always put on a Canon 250D or 500D (depending upon size) closeup attachment lens (threads on like a lens filter) and it will allow you to focus closer. It’s inexpensive and usable on multiple lenses. You don’t get the any added sharpness but it can be an inexpensive option to try. There are other brands like Raynox that are good. The best option would be a 2 element one.
Will this work for the D200?
Sure, if you get the one in Nikon mount. It’ll work fine. In my opinion the working distance will be a bit long if you’re not using a tall enough copy stand, though. With the D200 your field of view will be more like a 160mm lens on full frame. So you’ll have to have the camera further back for larger coins.
Some comments on the brand.
You can buy a Nikon (for example) pretty much without thinking. All of their lenses will be, at minimum, excellent. But if you want to buy a "compatible" brand, you should check professional reviews. By professional, I mean a review that has used an optical lab to check optics and quality, rather than just subjective factors. A review by Joe Schmoe isn't an acceptable review in my mind.
In general (unless professionally reviewed to be very good or better), I would stay away from ANY Chinese-made lens. I believe Samyang is Chinese, but I don't know them. The Japanese have been making quality lenses for 70 years, the Germans even longer.
Samyang/Rokinon is made in South Korea. They are a very good, lower cost option.