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
Macro photography is about getting close to the object. When an image projected on the camera sensor is relatively the same size as your subject this is defined as macro photography. We give this term a 1:1 magnification ratio. True macro lenses have a magnification of 1:1 or higher. Most non-macro lenses have magnification ratios significantly less than that (1:2 , 1:4 etc ).
Timelapse video of growing radish seeds by 0debug. Setup : Nikon D3100 , Tamron 90mm macro lens, some microscope lens , extension tube and flashlight for lighting. Learn how to make a timelapse video with D3100 ? check my previous post
I bought the Nikon D3100 only for its video functions, I am shooting stills with nikon D700. My first surprize was that AF is not working with my Nikon 50mm 1.4 and with my Nikon 80-200 2.8 lenses. So before you buy check the compatibility on Nikon’s website. I have also a DX 1.8 AF s objective, that works perfectly, and the AF on my Sigma 150-500mm 5-6.3 DG HSM is also working with the camera. I shoot macro with MF so the lack of AF on the Sigma objective is not an issue. I post my first two videos, I am very happy with the camera, the camera editing software is working good as well. Unfortunately the weather was windy, so you can see some shaking during the video, but it shows that the camera is perfect for macro videos as well.
