Reddit mentions of AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

> scenic panoramass, portraits and some close-ups.

So... pretty much everything!

I'd grab a $200 18-55mm kit lens to start with. (Called the "kit" lens because it often comes in camera bundles.) It's a cheap-feeling, inexpensive lens with great optics. The mounting blades are made out of plastic. I broke mine at one point, but if you have a decent camera bag and you're reasonably careful, it should last you ~5 years or more.

Add a used 50mm f1.8 or 35mm for lower light and to learn to use a prime lens.

When you outgrow that, get older, used lenses that suit what you want to shoot. A macro (called "micro" by Nikon,) for tiny, close work. An ~85-200mm for portrait stuff. I really like the 60mm micro for small product shots. It's super-sharp, and good for up-close portraits and street shooting.


If you have more money to work with, you might look at the 16-85mm.

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There are two general types of lenses:

• Prime -- fixed focal-length
  
  
• Zoom -- adjustable focal length
  
  Prime lenses are simpler, and tend to be smaller. Prime lenses are generally sharper (though there are good & bad lenses of all sort,) while zooms are flexible. With a prime lens, you adjust the field of view with your feet. (Walking.) There are some fantastic, old Nikon lenses on the used market for not much money. Prime lenses tend to be "faster" lenses, meaning that they let in a lot of light.
  
  Zoom lenses incorporate lots of lens elements, and each one reduces the amount of light that makes it to the camera. Zoom lenses will have either a fixed maximum aperture size, meaning that they admit the same amount of light at every zoom setting, or they'll have a variable maximum aperture. The first kind is generally more expensive. The model designations will look like:
  
  
• Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 <- Variable max. aperture size (low number == bigger opening)
  
  
• Tokina 12mm - 24mm f/4 <- Max. aperture is always f/4 across all focal lengths
  
  Note: Links to Ken Rockwell's site often causes opinionated flamewar. I don't care, and will ignore.

pfft, that's why I have a 300mm zoom, also, my D60 with a battery grip and this on it is pretty damn conspicuous.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00005LE77/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

This should go into the weekly questions thread.

But anyway, is she using a macro lens? Buying a different camera will not have much of an effect, the D80 is quite good.

I recommend she pick up a cheap ring flash like this and she should definitely be using a macro lens.

The camera should work just fine on auto if you have a flash and adequite lighting.

If it's in the budget, this flash would be even better, and would be more likely to work with less fuss/fiddling.

Exactly what is she finding "frustrating" about the D80?

If she isn't using a macro lens like this one, she probably won't be able to focus closer than 50cm (or 1.5 feet) from the subject.

Lenses have a minimum focus distance. Macro lenses are designed to have short minimum focus distances. (Sorry to insult your intelligence if you already knew this.. you didn't give me much info in your post)

Hey Guys,

I used to be fairly into photography as a hobby during and little after college and have accumulated some gear. They're quite old now but some are still pretty good. However, I haven't had the time and they've been collecting dust for many years. Now I'm thinking of getting back into it and need some gear advice. I will have a new subject to shoot on the way in a few months. ;)

I've a Nikon D200,
Nikon 17-35 2.8D, Nikon 50mm 1.4D,
Nikon 60mm f/2.8D Micro,
Nikon 10-200mm VR II

as my lenses.

I'm contemplating selling all my lenses/gear (Amazon trade in value of $1200 USD for everything) for a Olympus OMD M5 along with a couple good lenses (Panasonic 25mm to start and Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 to follow) and . I know the new M4/3 setup will cost me a lot more than what I'll get in return for my trade in but, with a smaller/lighter kit, I think I will carry the camera more without being self conscious carrying around a huge camera to casual outings. Also, I don't think as a hobbyist I realize that I don't need the advantage the DSLR format provides. I wish to move in the direction of convenience and am willing to sacrifice a bit in quality need be.

To note, everything will be bought second hand/used from Amazon as I've amassed quite a bit of gift cards.

Another option is to buy a used Nikon D7100 body and keep the lens as I've a head start on things already but, I'm not so sure. Should I buy a D7100 and buy a small point and shoot?

I guess I would like some advice here as it is a big move/change for me and I don't want to have any regrets. Am I overlooking anything?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: words.