What makes a lense suitable for macro shots?

[deanx0r]

Just out of curiosity, how does reverse mounting a lens ruin your equipment?
I'd figure messing with extension tubes would be an even bigger risk than reverse mounting, as your allowing dust from the tubes into your sensor and/or into your lens.

As for mounting the lens, hitting DOF, and then reverse mounting it, isn't that only possible with Canon? With a Nikon (D90) the OP just needs any older non-G lenses.

When you are reversing a lens, you are exposing the rear glass to the elements, which is much more prone to dust or scratches than the front glass.

You also have to take into account that the front filter ring is primary designed for light weight filters. Coupling it with a reverse ring onto a full camera body will induce more stress than the intended design and may lead to breakage.

I am not sure how you figured that coupling a lens to extension tubes would induce a higher risk to introducing dust to the sensor. The tubes are sealed, the only times they are exposed to the elements is when you actually have to couple them, but it's the same risk you run whenever you are changing your lens.

 

[deanx0r]

I really like what I see in the specs and sample shots for the Nikon 105mm VR. On one hand I could spend $200 for the extension tubes mentioned and get some magnification, but on the other hand I could give up a small bag of cash to get my first prime lens.

Thing is, the 105mm is great for more than just macro. It's great for portraits too. I guess the actual focal length is 155mm with the sensor conversion and all. So the versatility really hits a home run.

I was told by a friend the number of elements in a lens has something to do with quality too. Like the fewer the number of elements, the better. The 105mm is listed at 14 elements in 12 groups. I'm not sure what that means or even how to compare that with other "high quality" lens. However, after looking at the sample shots, I like what I see.

I guess I'm torn. But in the end, I might just follow that advice and start with extension tubes because I can reuse those with the macro lens later.

Ultimately, you want to use your macro lens in addition of the extension tubes and close ups lens (Raynox DCR 250). However, the 105mm VR is not cheap nor is a very versatile lens outside portraiture and macro. You also have to wonder if macro photography is a field you really want explore and heavily invest in term of equipment or a trend that will fade away.

 

[VorpalBunny]

expensive is right. Even though the lens is listed at about $885, I've decided to save up for the 105 VR. Nikon just released a 60mm, but I didn't like the review it got from one of my magazines. Not sure if there are other resources out there that have reviewed the lens. But after reviewing comments on this thread, I've decided I can at least start with extension tubes. I think someone mentioned a set of three for about $160 or so. Rigging lenses sounds kinda dangerous and it's not something I'm comfortable with yet.