Just a thought. Can you get a decent "macro" just by using a sharp non-macro lens and cropping in post processing?

You can do that, but you lose a lot of your resolution. A macro lens or a good "normal (non-macro)" lens with extension tubes or close-up diopters would be a much better solution.

Alan

What would make a good normal lens to use with diopters, a 50 mm 1.8 perhaps? Or a longer lens so you could be further away from the subject?

I just got a great deal on a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f3.5 AI and picked up a PK-13 extension tube for 1:1 reproduction, all for a ridiculously low price of $90. I have a D7000 as well, and it works great. You might want to consider that route rather than a diopter setup. As long as you don't mind MF you can find great deals on near mint lenses.

George

Diopters have more effect, i.e. more magnification, on longer focal length lenses. Do you have a zoom that goes to 200 or 300mm like a 55-200 or a 70-300? A diopter would work well on those.

Alan

Thanks to all for your suggestions! I have a 300mm prime,70-300, 200-500 18-135. Which do you think would be the best of these?

The 70-300mm would be versatile with a diopter as would the 300mm especially if it's the 300mm f/4 AF-S. Extension tubes on the 300mm are a good option, too, again if it's the AF-S.

Alan

> Extension tubes
>on the 300mm are a good option, too, again if it's the AF-S.

Actually that's not true. Beacuse of the way extension tubes work you get vastly more magnification on a 50 mm lens than on a 300mm lens.

That being said the 300 F4 AFS with the 1.4 TC is a great close up that does 0.378 magnification (1:2.65)

Philip

Do not settle for mediocrity. Rather strive for excellence for even in that attempt lies a measure of success.

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Prior to purchasing a dedicated macro lens I had some good success with my 18-55mm kit lens as it is quite sharp when stopped down along with some extension tubes. With the D7000 you have a fair amount of pixels to work with. I really prefer working with the Tamron 60mm that I settled on as it has a great working distance compared to many of the 90mm macros. I have hardly used the tubes since.

Dean
Phoenix, Arizona USA
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Website: The Splendid Silence of Light

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