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Question

Affordable Nikon D80 Wide Angle Lense

Dec 2, 2014 1:52AM PST

I have a Nikon D80 DSLR and don't know much about photography, but want to learn. One problem I've had with the camera is trying to take close up shots. For example, my parents have some small flowers that I'd like to take a picture of and even when I put the camera in flower mode it won't take a picture unless I back away from it.

What would be an affordable lens that would do a good job at taking close up shots? Anything I should be wary of?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
What lens are you using and how close are you getting
Dec 2, 2014 5:21AM PST

to the flowers? A wide angle lens isn't meant for close shots but for increasing the coverage area. They'll make everything appear smaller as well. You'll want a macro lens designed to move in very close but these will also have a smaller aperture. I do suspect that one thing you're seeing is the effects of a short depth of field. When you move in very close and open up the lens, you might have only a fraction of an inch of depth that's within focus. To use a normal lens at it's closest focusing point, you'll need to use a smaller aperture (larger F-stop number) and increase the light intensity. This will add depth of field but may also cause other aberrations. Work with it and learn. I grew up with film so mistakes cost money. Good luck.

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Agree.
Dec 2, 2014 5:39AM PST

But I'd also use a mini tripod to eliminate camera shake.
Dafydd.

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(NT) And stop breathing for a bit too
Dec 2, 2014 7:53PM PST
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Nikon D80
Dec 5, 2014 6:58AM PST
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Answer
Try the MACRO settings on the camera.
Dec 2, 2014 2:03AM PST

Dafydd.

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Answer
Link, manual seems to note
Dec 2, 2014 2:07AM PST
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Yes, but images are blury
Dec 2, 2014 4:46AM PST

I'm able to take pictures closer with manually adjusting the ring, but the pictures all turn out blury when I'm that close to a flower

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That's either
Dec 2, 2014 5:18AM PST
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Answer
Nikon D80
Dec 2, 2014 6:14AM PST
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What would be a good macro lens?
Dec 2, 2014 6:30AM PST

I know I'd like to get one, but I'm confused by the huge range of prices. What would be a good one that would be affordable? I can't spend $800 on a new lens. Is there something in the $50 range that would work?

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Close up for $50
Dec 2, 2014 11:50PM PST

Here is a look at all close-up lenses available for your camera (several pages):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=nikon+d80+macro+lenses&gclid=CKbqofWXqsICFS6ZMgodTkkA4A&InitialSearch=yes&N=0

For $50 you will find a screw-on close-up lens. (looks like a screw-on filter lens)
Get one that fits your lens thread.

Results are not as good as a macro lens but it is affordable.

I suggest you visit a camera store.
Not a department store - visit a "camera store".
Take your camera with you and try out a close-up lens.

While you are there, try out a macro lens.
They may have a used lens at a good price.

..

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Answer
Micro Lense
Dec 4, 2014 1:48PM PST

I think you have to purchase nikon micro lense for your camaera. you shoot the close up picture with that.