Well, I threw caution to the wind and ordered a 16-45 yesterday, should get it Friday. Thanks for all your recommendations.

Dan

Thanks all for info. Just realised you can get the 16-45 at the same price (or less) in the UK, so will do that when I decide - may well even walk into a shop and order it (unless they have one on the shelf ), rather than mail-order.

I'm missing the high resolution at the wide angle end that I used to get with my 24mm on film, and, like many others I'm sure, I said "I'll still use film for the really important stuff", but 1 roll in the last year shows the D is more than capable.

Or that I've done nothing important in 12 months.

Dan

Sounds like good service - just looking to get either a Pentax 16-45 or possibly Sigma 17-70 to replace the 18-35 that came with my D. I've tried the Sigma on a Nikon D70, and the CA was far better than my 18-35, but am very much tempted by the wider end of the 16-45.

But then the Sigma's f/2.8 at the wide end.

But then the Pentax is constant aperture...

Decisions, decisions!

I know what everyone's going to say - "GET THE PENTAX!", and I probably will, especially seeing the price on Technikdirect.

Matt, I couldn't see how to get the item delivered, there was only a pick-up option. I was only having a quick look before I go out, but I was a little confused.

Hope you have fun with the new lens,
Dan

Try it with your extension tubes - it might be the perfect combination for insects and flowers...

Let's not forget the Smooth Snake - our most endangered native species which needs all the help it can get!

Seeing Don's photo reminds me of the time my brother and I were in a pet shop, looking at Garter Snakes, when one which was being held by the shop assistant suddenly lunged out and bit my brothers finger. Took a minute or so to get the blighter off - needless to say, my brother didn't get one

Dan

I've been using a 50mm with extension tubes, before I got the Sigma 105mm, and, depending on the 'bug', you can get plenty close enough, so the 105 you have should be fine for lots of subjects. I've even taken a Dragonfly with 50 and all three tubes, you just edge toward them when they're sunning themselves!





Good luck,
Dan

I use the grip with my D and wouldn't be without it - tried the DS when it came out, and after 1/2 hour in the camera shop my hand was going into cramp - my long fingers just seem to need the extra purchase, that's one of the reasons I went for the D in the end. As has been said once or twice before I'm sure, the vertical release is also a big bonus, and when I take the grip off I really miss this facility.

If it's the extra weight that bothers you, you can always use it without the batteries!

Daniel

P.S. I seem to remember there was a whole load of posting about third-party vertical grips for the DS a couple of months back.

All this talk of the 1.7x AF convertors making me jealous - I keep an eye out, but not seen one yet - anyone got a spare?

Dan

Hi Peter,

Thanks for that. Yes, the second is a crop, so it's at full size. Like a previous poster, I just move back and forth to get focus - some you do, some you don't, but that's the beauty of digital. I tried a Jumping spider myself, but it didn't stay still, I think I was just too close for its liking.

I've thought about ringflash, but then just think "another thing to carry", so I'm not sure. I like the effect of the distant flash, certainly more natural looking than on camera, but I also use daylight a lot, where possible in fact. I've also thought about a twin flash rig, but again - time and extra stuff to lug around.

The thing I like about Macro, is that you see so many things you just don't notice normally, like with the hoverfly - the tiny whiskers on the wobbly nose bits (the technical term, I think you'll find), and just how hairy they are. Never knew before that Bees have hairs between each cell of their compound eyes. Quite amazing the things you learn!

Cheers,
Dan

Should really have added this - 100%



Dan