200+ mm macro??!!

[rookie2]

excuse my igonrance but can someone explain the capabilities of a 200+ mm macro lens.

I understand it would save my back from not having to bend over/stoop so low to get to some plants bugs because of the longer focal length etc but what would it offer in the area of taking action shots in sport or Is the lens constructed specifically for macro shots.

I have the nikkor 70 - 300 ED - would something like the Sigma 70 -300 APO super macro be better for these two uses or do they just add the wording 'macro' on without really adding anything to the lens.

alternatively would aNikkor 300 f2.8 serve both purposes?

As always your informative feedback is appreciated.

cheersR2

[rokkstar]

I have the nikkor 70 - 300 ED - would something like the Sigma 70 -300 APO super macro be better for these two uses or do they just add the wording 'macro' on without really adding anything to the lens.

I've got the sigma 70-300 macro and while a useful addition to the 'lens' I wouldnt compare it to a proper macro. It's produced some ok results but if I wanted to get into macro I would definately invest in a dedicated lens.

[rookie2]

thanks Matt
just looked at some of your stuff on line - very impressive
did you use the 70 -300 for the butterfy/bee shots?
any sports shots with the same lens?
cheers R2

[james m]

you could use your 70-300 ED for some macro work by using extension tubes or a Nikon 5T/6T close up attachment lens.

[rookie2]

thanks James ...this is one of only a few keepers after using the ext.tubes and the kit lens 18 -70 a while back. pretty rough but a start.
getting enough light, getting DOF, focussing, minimising shake - even with tripod...I've got a long way to go but its good fun...and now I dont feel so bad about posting my first efforts..good encouragement to get out and do better.
thanks for looking
cheers
R2

[Finch]

R2,

One of the positives of a 200mm macro (as compared to a 55-60mm or 105mm) is that when you are shooting things like butterflies (which spook easy) you don't have to get as close as with the smaller focal-length macro lenses. A 200mm macro can be used as a normal lens as well, not just macro.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Michael

[rookie2]

thanks Michael..I'll start looking over the reviews of various macros but may stick with my 70 - 300 and Ext tubes til I get a lot more consistent shots before going to a specialist lens.
cheers
R2