So I would love to be able to get shots like this:





I have only just got my Nikon D60 and already seeing the limitations over the 18-55mm lens, although it is still serving me well and making sure I learn about SLR functions. However I am looking at getting a macro lens, but the one I managed to click on was £400.

Is this the "normal" price for a Macro lens? Or did I pick the top end version?

Thanks

Yuk, do you really want to see how ugly the little f***ers magnified?

As for lens prices, I think you're looking at one of the more pricey ones, see linky for more reasonable prices for starting out with.

See here for examples

That page also has some cheap add-ons for macro shots too but I'm not sure exactly how they work.

The 105mm VR is what you want. Good distance for getting bug shots and 1:1 macro.

the 105mm vr is really probably the best one you can get. For a chaper alternative you could go for the 60mm but you might find that one a bit annoying to use

Get the 105mm VR. constant 2.8 is nice, but it's a drop to 4.8 when focusing at 1:1 but even that isn't too closed. Some soft diffused flash will help. Did I also say that I LOVE my SB-800? But in terms of sharpness of the 105VR, it's the sharpest at f/5.6 but still way way sharp at f/8 but the CAs increase.

It's still a magnificent lens though and worth every penny. You will appreciate the extra reach it has, especially on a crop camera which is anything Nikon except the D3 and film bodies.

so what do you exatly want to take pictures of? flies or do you want good close up shots

I don't really know. I guess just close ups of usual things, bugs, leaves, food items perhaps.