Macro photography with a digital camera

[MajorChode]

I have a set of old Vivatar extension tubes I used to use with my old Nikon film cameras. I'd like to use them on my D70 that I just bought, but I'm not sure exactly how to proceed. I suspect the camera's light meter isn't going to work. I also suspect the lack of a split circle focusing screen is also going to be a problem. I'd really rather not go to the expense of buying a macro lens if this can be done relatively easily and cheaply.

Is anyone else doing this?

[ManiacJoe]

1. Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of the problems.

I don't do macro, but this link will probably point you to folks that do.
http://www.jeffree.co.uk/pages/macro-faqs.html

[MajorChode]

2. At this point the problems seem a bit much to overcome

I could make it work, but I don't see it as being all that practical, especially since I sold my 50mm f/1.4. The only lens I have that would work with the tubes is my 105mm f/2.5. That lens is non-AI anyway, so it's not going to meter no matter which tubes I have.

The next option I'm looking at is buying a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AIS or AF on the used market. The question I have is how well does AF work for macro? I suspect it doesn't work very well. I also suspect I'll need to get a new split circle screen to MF, but this would probably be the case no matter which option I go with.

On the used market, I can get the AIS version for around $150 and the AF version for around $50-75 more. This also gives me a prime lens that is 2 stops faster than my 18-55mm VR, which would be handy to have. As I probably won't be using it that often, I don't think the lack of AF is that big of a deal. At least as far as the pictures are concerned, the AIS version appears to be much more ergonomic than the AF version for MF operations. I doubt I'll need or want 1:1, but the addition of a PK-13 tube appears to make that possible and they seem to be plentiful and cheap on flea-bay.

[NV Whino]

3. I have a 60 mm macro

You can use it auto focus, which works for most things, but it also has and easy switch to manual focus. Great lens. I use it on the D100.

[MajorChode]

4. I just ordered a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AIS

I seriously considered the Micro-Nikkor 60mm AF-D. It would have given me more capability, but would have cost about twice as much.

I may regret it because I'll only get 1:3 with the D70, but at least it will allow me to play around in the back yard for awhile. I can always add the PK-13 extension at the expense of a stop or two of light and get down to around 1:1.5 if I need it.

If I really get into macro, I'll order a more serious macro lens like the 105 f/2.8.

[ConsAreLiars]

5. Nikon (and others) make a a few close up filters that mount on the front of the lens.

Any function that works with the lens will work the same way with these added on. Basically no different than shooting through any other filter or a magnifying glass. Reading a bit further it seems that both Canon and Nikon have discontinued these "lenses," but 3rd parties like Hoya and probably Tiffen offer them. Buy the Canon 77mm thread or Nikon 62mm thread 5T and 6T high-enders used if you find an affordable price, or the cheaper ones new, and they will boost your magnification by 1.5 or 3 times, or stack them for 4.5X over what you now have.

[MajorChode]

6. I had one many years ago

They are called diopters. You can still find the Nikon ones on the used market, and probably the Canon ones also. I would be wary of buying cheaper ones, but they may be very good for all I know.

When I first started experimenting with macro I used a Nikon diopter on a prime lens (non-macro). I couldn't get the magnification that I wanted, and I was a bit strapped for cash at the time, so I sold the diopter and bought a set of tubes and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4. I wish I still had that lens and the diopter.