Macro lens for small orchid flowers (Nikon D7100)
 

The zoom lens that came with the camera (18-105mm 1:3 3.5-5.6) is okay for large flowered Cattleyas doesn't do it for Neofinetia and other small-flowered orchids.

I'm looking for suggestions.

I've been eyeing up the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED 1:1, but do I need a longer focal length to get a reasonable depth of field?

-Keith

Been a long time, and I was using film, but if memory serves your depth of field is related to aperture size. You'd have to play with that but one end of the f-stop spectrum will increase it.
If you invest in reversing rings you can get your 105mm to give you 1.1:1 size ratio. You probably want higher than that for really tiny flowers.

I used the Nikon website for research when I wished to take photos of my 'micro-mini' orchids. I did end up buying a cheaper version from Amazon since I knew I am not motivated to take many photos. The cheaper lenses worked well for me. My camera does a decent job with flowers the size you mention.

NIKKOR DSLR Camera Lenses | Nikon

I don’t think macro photographers worry about depth of field much these days - at least not with stationary subjects.

Just use stacking software to get any dof you want.

I agree with Aaron - no macro lens will provide a lot of depth of field.

I’ve never done any stacking…

Right. A wide aperture results in light arriving from a greater angle. Reducing the aperture improves depth of field, but it requires good lighting.

The biggest question I have is the focal length. A long focal length also reduces the angle of the light arriving at the sensor. Is 105mm long enough?
-Keith

---------- Post added at 08:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 AM ----------

The Nikon site and online testing articles were where I started.

So, if your camera and lens are satisfactory, what are you using? :)

-Keith

I'm a Canon person, so can't specifically recommend any Nikon glass, but I use the Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 USD. I wanted to upgrade to the VC USD version (vibration control), which I would recommend but with the pandemic and microprocessor crisis, it is nowhere to be found and prices have ballooned. This lens also exists with a Nikon mount, and I've seem that one available. It is cheaper than the comparable Canon lens (100mm macro) yet the quality is just as good. SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD

Whatever, you chose, I highly recommend that you buy a lens with image stabilization. Mine is rather difficult to use handheld in less than optimal light, and when I tried a friend's VC model of the Tamron, I was blown away by how much better it was!


If you use a tripod and a small aperture (f/16-20), you can get some really decent DOF on small orchid flowers. I'm old school and like to do things in camera as much as possible, and have never tried focus stacking. Here are some samples of images with the Tamron:

Podangis dactylorceras. IOSPE gives flower size as 1/8" x 1/2" [2mm x 7 mm]
https://shutterbug.ponzio.net/i.php?...4a16bdc-xl.jpg

https://shutterbug.ponzio.net/i.php?...3429cf9-xl.jpg

Howeara Lava Burst
https://shutterbug.ponzio.net/i.php?...5b1a565-xl.jpg

Phal Liodoro
https://shutterbug.ponzio.net/_data/...cc02c38-xl.jpg

Do you have a recommendation?
-Keith

---------- Post added at 08:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:34 AM ----------

I was hoping you'd respond to the thread. :):):):)


So from your experience and photos at 90mm, I think I can conclude that the 105mm I've been looking at is sufficient focal length. I'm not photographing insects. ;)
I switched from Canon to Nikon about 10 years ago, and have been unhappy about it ever since. Not because of the camera quality or features, but the need to start learning all over again.

I've read some reviews for the Tamron lenses in the 90mm lens. You're not the only one who like them.

The 105mm Nikon I've been looking at has image stabilization.Thanks for the recommendation and demonstration photos. Very nice and very helpful.

-Keith

---------- Post added at 08:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 AM ----------

Hi Ray. Same question as Aaron. What SW do you like?
Post-processing can be a lot of work.

-Keith

The 100mm range is extremely versatile when it comes to macros and close ups, and you'll get far more use out of this focal length than getting something longer/shorter.

I have an 18-105mm F3.5-5.6 zoom that came with my camera body. It's been a very nice for just about everything I want to do, except it's terrible for close-ups. After just a bit more reasearch I think I'm going to take your advice.

You mentioned prices being high on lenses. The unforeseen consequences of government mandated businesses closings in the covid scare have precipitated widespread shortages in electrical components. I get a call every week or so from one of our PCB assemblers because they can't get one or another parts needed to build the board.I'm sure the electronics in cameras are having the the same problem and it is still getting worse. People who want to buy something with electronic components in it, best do it now.

-Keith