Okay, so, I'm getting a macro lens (i've decided) for christmas. If I had ANY choice of a macro lens (under...let's say 500 dollars) what would it be!! I'd like some suggestions to start my research off of! I have a Nikon D40x and I think I'd like to start shooting the small things. Also, what do people usually use for lighting on a macro lens? Thanks for all your help guys :)

-Mojave

a Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di on a nikon mount will squeeze (just) under that budget for you. excellent image clarity and build quality but slightly clunky and occasionally frustrating focusing. the extremely sharp and clear images from it kind of compensate for that though.

Adorama also offer a nikon compliant macro ring flash that would fit that lens for another $140.

Ansel Adams didn't have a ring-flash .. just hold a BIC lighter up next to it

I could be wrong, but i don't believe Tamron makes any lenses that will work on a camera lacking a focus motor, like the d40x. As you may know, the d40x requires the focus motor to be built into the lens, (like an AF-S lens) for it to auto focus. When i say it doesn't work, what i mean is that it wont auto focus. I'm not sure, but it probably would work in manual focus mode.

The nikon 105 2.8 VR is an AF-S macro lens that would be a good choice, however it is not in your price range i would seem ($840 CND).

I checked through the sigma lenses and don't see on with an HSM (sigma's version on AF-S) motor. There may be some more options out there other than the nikon i mentioned, but i can't think of any right now.

You know you're working too much when you see "HSM" and immediately think "High School Musical"

This sideline/subject hijack has been brought to you courtesy of the deranged.

does your mind wander when you see the acronym for .. Pre-Metered-Scene?

Funny you should ask, Keith. At certain times of the month, I can think of almost nothing EXCEPT the Pantone Matching System. Why is that?

which version you got? the standard the pastels or the textiles?

(and keith... that's a BAD question to ask this week… check w/A1 if ya dont' believe me)

lol the topic change here was incredible, hahahah u guys crack me up

Like it was said above, the D40x need lenses with internal motor (SWM for Nikon, HSM for Sigma, IF for Tamron...)
I think it's impossible to find a macro lens with internal motor under $500...

Other choices:
Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR
or
Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro HSM
or
Sigma 150 mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM
The first is the best and the most expansive, but it has the VR (antishake)
The second is the cheaper, but I didn't find the price.
I chose the third (Link)
Good luck!

apparently sigma, tamron & tokina all seem to be busy updating their ranges to be Nikon friendly staggering releases as they go. perhaps you may be as well holding off for a while.

Agree. I read that the next generation of entry-level and medium-expert DSLRs (Nikon D90?) will be manufactured without body focusing...

Often overlooked are Extension Tubes. Much cheaper and provide the circuitry for auto focus.

I like extension tubes too. They are cheaper and lighter than another lens. The results are excellent and there is no glass to get dirty or scratch.

where did you read that nikon is planning on doing away with the body motor in the medium expert? That is interesting. I'd probably believe it. The only lens i have that i would miss would be my 50 1.8, but i could see them remaking that lens as an af-s lens fairly soon.

thanks for the help guys, i'll have to do some research off of that stuff and let ya know what I plan on getting. I am pretty excited though I've been needing a new accessory for my camera for a while...

Milo: I read this information on a specialised photographers website. The prices of entry-level and medium-expert are decreasing dayly (you can find a D40x body for ± $500) because competition between Canon/Nikon/Sony/Pentax/Oly), that's why they try to decrease the price of the bodies (and their weight too...)

ya, it actually makes sense. All of the new lens are AF-S now anyways, and i would guess most people buying these cameras don't have an assortment of lens anyways.