07-02-2012, 04:36 PM
I recently replaced my old point-and-shoot camera with a Nikon D3100. I chose an entry level DSLR because I wanted the flexibility to shoot macro subjects. More specifically, I wanted to be able to shoot high quality photos of the ship models that I build (typically 12-24 inches in length and 4-24 inches tall). I have the stock 18-55mm lens but short of cropping photos it doesn't seem to give sharp close-ups (especially as I am often working with so-so indoor lighting). Would one of the following lenses work well?
1. Nikon - AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-Up Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras
2. Nikon - AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Digital SLR Cameras
My question on the 40mm lens is whether it's so dedicated a lens that it really has no use beyond shooting macro. It's fine by me if the answer is yes - it's a macro lens - I just want to understand what I can reasonably expect from it. As for the 35mm lens, everything I've read suggests it's a great all around lens and does well, particularly indoors where the lighting is lower and distances are shorter. My question here is whether the lens in a macro situation would let me get any closer than the stock lens.
Sorry to be long winded, but thanks for any help.
1. Nikon - AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-Up Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras
2. Nikon - AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Digital SLR Cameras
My question on the 40mm lens is whether it's so dedicated a lens that it really has no use beyond shooting macro. It's fine by me if the answer is yes - it's a macro lens - I just want to understand what I can reasonably expect from it. As for the 35mm lens, everything I've read suggests it's a great all around lens and does well, particularly indoors where the lighting is lower and distances are shorter. My question here is whether the lens in a macro situation would let me get any closer than the stock lens.
Sorry to be long winded, but thanks for any help.