Macro or Micro

Even Ken Rockwell uses both terms. I don't care either way, but there are some purists who will dig their heels in.

Anyway, 'enuff. About 6 years ago I bought this lens, the Micro-Nikor 105mm manual from an ebay seller. I was lucky, the lens is and was in good condition. I became hooked on macro photography, but frustrated when trying to capture insects etc. For static items it is unquestionably a cracking lens, for flying insects etc it soon became obvious that my limited skills required auto-focus, so the 105 mm VR Nikon lens was purchased. Bloody hell is that a cracker.

However, 4 years ago an old rugby injury meant that a heavy Nikon with heavy lenses was hurting my neck, especially with a Manfrotto tripod attached so I sold all my kit. This manual lens went to a friend who loved it as much as I did, he also bought the auto-focus lens.

I phoned the other day and asked if it was lurking in one of his cupboards, and lo and behold, here it is. Back home, as fit and clean as ever, with a new life ahead of it, once I get a lightbox built. The D3100 will work with this but only in the manual mode, so the learning curve starts again. Great, more experimentation. If you have never tried Macro/Micro, this a good way in to the art. It can be inexpensive these days with a Neewar ring light (£30), a lightweight Tamarac ziploc tripod (£30) and a home made light box plus a couple of old desk lights as side lighting. Have a crack this winter, you may find a whole new vista opening up when the weather appears relentless outside.



Ken Rockwell, Macro description.