Macro Photography

I have a D800 Nikon. Am considering doing macro. What lens and flash system do you recommend?

Do a search. The subject is extensive but well-covered. My favorite lenses are the 55mm and the 200mm nikkors. but either may be best for you. A ring flash is practical, but some folks like other options. Pretty deep subject, all in all.

An inexpensive lens to consider if you're just getting started is the Tamron 90mm. Pretty sharp with great bokeh, etc. If you're going to be working outside, spend $20 on a diffuser as well (I believe I have a couple in the 18-24 inch range). Makes controlling the light a lot easier. I've not tried a flash with macro and have no recommendations for you there.

what is your subject matter?

Patrick: Part of the equation is what do you want to shoot with a macro lens. If the subject matter are things will will stay still, you can use a shorter macro lens. For little critters, a longer lens will probably prove valuable. The other part of using a longer focal length is that it becomes easier to control the background and what is in it. If you are planning on using your D800 full frame body, then a longer focal length is probably a better choice. Flash systems: I'm not a fan of ring flashes as the light is generally pretty flat even with the ability to adjust the ratio of light from each of the flash elements. I'm not a Nikon shooter, so this link may not be compatible with your D800? I don't know for sure. It is a system much like the one I use on my Canon gear and I've been pleased with the flexibility of using this flash system for macro.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410481-USA/Nikon_4803_R1C1_Wireless_Close_Up_Commander.html

Patrick - the R1C1 is a great but extremely specialized flash system. It does not have enough strength to provide a reasonable working distance at ISO 100, and the lighting will be relatively flat compared to off-camera flash. Without knowing what you are shooting, my recommendation is to take a look at http://strobist.blogspot.com/ for ideas on how to use small inexpensive speedlights to get stunning results - there is a lot of detail on how to modify light to get the best balance between shadows and illumination and how to bet show off your subject.

With a D700/800 I like my Sigma 150 F2.8 macro, and my Tamron 180 F3.5 macro - both primes. If you can find a used older, non stabilized version of the Sigma you can expect to pay <$600. The Tamron new is $740, and a clean used one can be found for around $600 as well. Both are contrasty, sharp, and have decent bokeh. The advantage, of course, is increased working distance and value. www.Naturpotograf.com has great subjective macro lens evaluations at http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_spec.html that will help you decide if you go the Nikon route and want an older lens. IMHO, the lens tests I have seen for macro lenses make the Sigma and Tamron look really good.

I love my Nikon 200mm Micro lens! It is very sharp and gives you plenty of working distance for shy critters.

I love my 70-180 Nikon macro zoom, but I believe it's no longer made. Tonia's 200mm macro is a good second choice, IMO. Depends on wehat you intend to shoot though, as Keith explains.
Sandy

Sorry, I am a bit late commenting. I was using a 105 Nikkor. I then got a Tamron 180 (only about $500 or less w/rebate) which I preferred because of the longer reach. However, I dropped and broke it on some rocks last fall. I replaced it with the new Sigma 150 f2.8. I have not shot it much, however. I don't think you need to spend a lot for a quality macro. I also don't think you need a 200 with the D800 because you can crop liberally.

I haven't done any macro for a while, but once it was my mainstay. I liked two flashes on a bracket mounted in the camera's tripod screw hole, with key on one side and fill on the other. Handheld, great for butterflies and such. Focus by rocking slightly back and forth.

I still have my wonderful old 55mm Micro Nikkor (manual focus) that I would part with. email me if you're interested.

Im with Tonia on this one, a 200mm f4 micro spends most of the summer on the front of my D700.



Ian