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Will Nikon D7000 plus Tokina macro work for small insects?

I was lucky to have saved up some money (~$1.3K) to graduate from my point-and-shoot. I would like to take quality images of microlepidoptera and other insects in the 2-6mm range. Probably more than half would be in the 'studio'. (i.e. on my desk).

I've been looking around for advice, and the leading so far is for getting a refurbished Nikon D7000 plus a Tokina 100mm macro lens.

All the insect photography I have seen online so far using this setup has been on large insects (butterflies, dragonflies, large beetles, large moths - with the smallest being a ladybug).

Has anyone had any success with this equipment for images of microleps, parasitic hymenoptera, aphids or other tiny insects? Are extension tubes needed, and how badly does that hurt the focal distance?

Or does anyone have alternate suggestions for purchases within this price range?

Many thanks,
---Mike Palmer

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Contributed by Michael W. Palmer on 7 February, 2016 - 6:44pm

A Canon

D series camera, which you can find older versions for decent prices, and Canon's MPE-65 lens works well for me with things in the 3 to about 10 mm body size range. The lens comes with a tripod mount for good reason, any bit of shaking will blur your images, but if you want to image things that small, there are not alot of choices that provide ease of use together with exceptional images

… Guy A. Hanley, 10 March, 2016 - 9:51am

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I got the Nikon

Thanks so much! I ended up getting the Nikon about 2 weeks ago. So far I like it for general purpose photography, and for the large end of macrophotography, but I have not yet pushed it to the limits. I have since heard from many others with similar advice to yours AFTER the purchase... Especially with respect to the extreme macro work. But for me I think I made a good decision for 'entry level' macro photography, to eventually work up towards extreme macrophotography if I am ever 'in the money' again...

… Michael W. Palmer, 13 March, 2016 - 12:15pm

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A 100mm macro lens isn't the

A 100mm macro lens isn't the best for small insect photography. On your D7000 you're getting 1.5 magnification. The good news is that for super macro all you need is a cheap, used reverse mounted wide angle lens; from 18-28mm. The smaller the focal length, the more magnification you get.

… macrophotobug, 26 May, 2016 - 2:21am

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