Dear friends, I'm facing a challenge of buying a new macro|micro lens for my Nikon D70 (I've got only Nikkor AF-S 18-70 mm 3.5-4.5G yet) for nature photography (and portraits though I think I'll better use the existing one for portraiture). Being an inexperienced newbie I visited several manufacturers' sites and now have sevral questions concerning the best choice (Each manufacturer is praising it's technological innovations, though I'm not sure all of them improves functionality or picture quality significantly). To make a long story short I need something like this: - zoom (not always possible to change position especially when capturing "micro-nature" to adjust the composition size); - auto-focus (do the newest quick-focusing Nikon SWM or Sigma HSM really improve the focus accuracy and ensures very quick focus adjustment?); - minimum focusing distance: ≤ 3 ft. (the reason is similar to #1); - life-size reproduction without accessories (macro magnification ratio ≈ 1:1); - price ≤ 1'000.- (the reason is evident :-); - VR technology or something similar (anti-shake), though haven't seen it in auto-focus Nikkor zooms, neither sure anbout other manufacturers; - manufacturer isn't so important (is there really difference between a pic captured with Tamron and Sigma or Nikkor?), though I know only Nikkor, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina and CosinaSoligorVivitar (the last three are the same manufacturer but different trademarks, aren't they?) except the fact Tokina "was closed due to hard financial problems" (http://www.tokina.com); - floating inner focus system that controls chromatic and spherical aberrations as well as astigmatism and distortions; - CRC technology or something for high image quality (if it is essential - once again I don't know). I failed to find anything that responds to all the criteria though Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D ED seems to bve the most adequate choice. Please do comment on my investigation and correct my mistakes. Thank You in advance, -Anthony.

Attached Link: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php

I have a Nikon N55... and love it! Not that that will help you make up your mind or anything. lol

Thank You dear friends, hope my choice will be the best possible. -Anthony

Wait! Did you want a Macro lens? or filters? The filters are cheaper...

Johannah, I' m a comparative newbie to digital photography so perhaps I can't identify my needs correctly. I want to make micro|macro (if there's any difference) shots like Your "Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head...", for instnce (Or even more detailed). And the lens I've got can't provide me the magnification ratio I need. What are the pros and cons? And can anybody say for sure: this shot is made through a macrolens, and that one is through afilter because of this and that... The only thing I'm sure about is that I need zoom... Thank You in advance, -Anthony.

There is nothing to beat a dedicated Macro lens Anthony I use a Sigma 105mm its got a wide 2.8 aperture and works both on my Canon10D and EOS1 film cameras they make a Nikon fit bear in mind this will be more like 160mm with the 1.5 magnification factor on your D70 and you can get real 1:1 ratio its well within your budget too perhaps you can use the extra to buy a ring flash which will give wonderful light you mentioned you were having problems with.. Other possibilities include the use of extension tubes etc or bellows but this may be limiting to take into the field.. Focus is not so much a problem with macro work as often you can just move in and out until it is bang on the DOF however is another matter as it can be very shallow.. please let me know if you want any more precise advice Danny