How do I Use a Macro With a Nikon D40x?

Close-up photos of insects are a common theme of macro photography,

Macro lenses let you take photographs in astounding, close-up detail. While some consumer digital cameras include a macro mode, professional photographers rely on digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras to take their stunning macro compositions. The Nikon D40X is a prosumer camera, a good choice for the amateur photographer looking to do more with their images and looking for a camera that allows them to experiment more fully with macro photography. Paired with the right lens, the Nikon D40X is capable of taking stunning close-up shots.

Things You'll Need

• Compatible macro lens

Instructions

Using Macro with a Nikon D40X

1. Plan your budget as this will dictate your lens purchase. The Nikon D40X is available either as a camera body (sans lens) or with a basic, entry level kit lens. Neither are suitable for good macro photography, necessitating the purchase of a new, macro-specific lens.

2. Understand the options available. The Nikon D40x is only compatible with Nikon's AF-S series lenses. There are three macro lenses to choose from in this family: AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR, and the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED. Of these, the 85mm f/3.5G is the cheapest.

3. Attach the lens. Unlike consumer cameras, the Nikon D40x lets users swap out lenses. Simply unscrew the lens attached to the camera and attach the new macro lens.

4. Check your settings and consider a tripod. At hyper-magnification, macro photographs need a lot of light to avoid blurring. Use large apertures (indicated by a small f/number) and consider a tripod or a flash to enable a longer shutter speed if the item you're shooting is largely sedentary.

5. Take your photograph.

Tips & Warnings

• You can sometimes implement macro photography using a cheaper lens--the closer the lens' listed focal length, the better-suited it is for macro photography.

• Macro lenses do not include any zoom features. They're prime lenses, meaning they operate only at a single length and dictate the photographer be able to move closer or further away from the subject based on the desired composition.

• A good macro lens generally costs upwards of $500.

References

• Nikon: Camera Lenses
• Nikon: D40X Specifications
• ShutterFreaks: Macro Photography for Beginners