Affordable Macro Nikon Lens

[faint545]

Hello, I've been looking around for a while to find a macro lens for my D80 and so far, all of the ones I've found are very expensive ($200+). I don't need an AF lens, manual will do just fine. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Dylan8i]

u just bought the 60 mm af-s macro lense and it is rediculously good! if you could save up the extra money thats what i would reccomend...

however if that is absolutely out of the question you shoudl look at getting tubes. since you don't need af ( auto exposure?) you shoudl be able to get some old used tubes for pretty cheap (check ebay)- also depends on what your current lenses are. would also help to know how small of stuff, and what your shooting.

[faint545]

Like a bellows adapter?

[Frog]

You're not going to get a decent close up macro lens for under 200.
Extension tubes can be had much cheaper and will turn any lens into a macro though they take some practice to learn.
I use the kenko extension tubes. http://www.photographyreview.com/cat...3_3132crx.aspx
Also see Extension Tubes - Full Disclosure

A set of 3 kenkos will be around 150 with metering connection and autofocus though auto focus can be iffy and usually best to use manual.

[AgingEyes]

Hello, I've been looking around for a while to find a macro lens for my D80 and so far, all of the ones I've found are very expensive ($200+). I don't need an AF lens, manual will do just fine. Anyone have any suggestions?

Macro lenses are specialty lenses and they don't come cheap. If AF is not a requirement - most people use MF anyhow when shooting macro - may be you could take a look at those old, Ai lenses then. Don't know their prices, sorry.

MF lens don't necessarily mean cheap aka Zeiss

[faint545]

Ok.. just out of curiosity, which is preferred, bellows or extension tubes? I know both work on the same principles.

[Dylan8i]

depends what your planning on shooting. bellows can vary in size alot more, however are alot more cumbersome (never used them myself) if your planning on carrying them around go with tubes.

[Frog]

Bellows for studio, tubes for everything else.