Nikon just announced their latest macro lens : the AF-S Nikon 40mm f/2.8 Micro. Like other macro lenses, it has true 1:1 magnification ratio but with shorter working distance : 6.4 inches. With that distance , this lens is most suitable for static macro objects like flowers or food photography or perhaps ‘slow’ insects. Shooting butterflies or moving insects will be difficult because you have to get really closer but try not to scare them at the same time. Tough ! :)
One great thing about the lens is that the price is very much affordable (US $280). So far, it’s the cheapest amongst Nikon macro lenses. Another plus is that it has AF-S feature which mean Nikon D3100 (and D5100) owners can use autofocus with the lens.
The AF-S Nikon 40mm f/2.8 Micro should be ready for shipping in August 2011 but you can pre-order the lens now from Amazon or B&H
So , you bought Nikon D3100 and now you want additional lens or upgrade. Which lens do you pick ? this tips will help you to choose the best lens for your need and budget
Buy compatible lens Here’s a fact . Not all lens compatible on your Nikon’s DSLR body. A Canon lenses will not work on your Nikon camera. So you may pick only Nikon’s lenses and 3rd party lenses that compatible with Nikon ( eg: Tamron for Nikon , Sigma for Nikon etc )
Focal length requirement Focal length equals image distance for a far subject. Lenses can be categorized by their focal length. Pick what suit best for your need : - Normal lens (35mm to 85mm ) : useful for portrait or if you love street photography - Wide lens ( 28mm or lower ) : if you love shooting landscapes - Telephoto lens ( 100mm to 300mm ) : for portrait and sports / action - Super-Telephoto ( beyond 300mm) : sports and wildlife (birds , lion etc) - Macro lenses ( 60mm – 200mm ) : special lens designed and optimized for macro photography ( flower , bugs etc ) - ‘Special effect’ lenses such as Tilt shift and Fisheye lens Read the rest of this entry »
like other new entry-level Nikon DSLR , Nikon D3100 only support autofocus with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only. AF-S , short of AutoFocus Silent is using silent wave technology to focus quickly and quietly. Its similar to Canon’s USM technology. AF-I or Autofocus Internal is driven by a coreless DC motor when at 1996 replaced by AF-S technology. Nikon D3100 still can use older AF lenses but you have to manual focusing before shooting an object. AF lenses is still in the market although the production maybe limited . People are still looking for them ? why ? because sometimes it is much cheaper but quality remain same or better.
