For a couple of months I’ve been considering a new lens purchase to expand the conditions in which I can shoot. I wanted to play with a true macro lens, and a capable zoom lens wouldn't hurt either. I went to my local Pitman Photo with the intention of getting a macro lens (Nikon call them ‘micro’) however, walked out with a Tamaron 18-270mm super zoom lens. Yes, sometimes I knowingly and gladly fall for even the most clumsy of sales pitch. The salesperson told me that it would cover all the bases, even though it was not a true macro lens. In the store, it did take pretty good closeups of my keys. However, after playing with the lens for a few hours I decided that it really wasn’t what I was looking for. It certainly was not 1:1. Additionally, I felt the workmanship was a little... flimsy.
Long story short the next day the lens was returned and I walked out of there with a AF-S DX VR Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF-ED (jeez) and a AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED in addition to some other things. I’m really happy I did and wanted to share some of the photos I’ve taken with them.
I was really excited to try the macro lens so I set up my watch, took some pics and then went outside... Click on pictures for big.
My Fossil watch, a gift from my wife.
ISO400, 60mm, f/4.8. 1/6 sec
Believe it or not, a concrete cinder block.
ISO400 60mm f/10 1/1600 sec
This is Preston.
ISO400 60mm f/8.0 1/1000 sec
Hi, Preston.
I can’t believe I let that plug get so dirty.
ISO400 60mm f/5.6 1/500 sec
I next decided to try out the zoom lens. I wasn’t having much luck inside in terms of lighting, and I didn’t want to use the flash just yet, so again, I went outside. These were all taken between 5 and 6 pm.
The neighbor’s Halloween decorations
ISO400 200mm f/5.6 1/60sec
Our boy - this is his second time on a swing.
ISO400 55mm f/5.6 1/125 sec
Loves the swing, and simultaneously being tickled off camera.
ISO400 55mm f/5.0 1/160 sec
Making the ‘pbbbt’ noise in the bath.
ISO400 92mm f/9.0 1/200 sec w/flash
I really love both these lenses. They allow me to shoot in a variety of conditions, and the ranges don’t overlap. I think perhaps the next lens I need is something to replace the kit lens that has a wider angle at the bottom end such as a AF-S DX 16-85mm or perhaps AF Zoom 24-85mm.
