Need recommendations for Nikon lens for coin photos
csdot
Posts: 700 ✭✭✭✭
Been using my iPhone up to this point, but have a perfectly good semi-pro level Nikon DSLR that we rarely use. I am wanting to get more serious about my coin photos, so need suggestions for what lens might be appropriate. My quick research suggests a macro lens in either a 85mm or 105mm length, but decided I should check with the experts here first.
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Get the 105. The 85 is a good lens but if you decide to get a full frame camera in the future you want a lens to take with you. The 105 is a good lens with a fair amount of working space for light. Some people prefer even longer focal lengths but I’ve been perfectly happy with the 105 for gold dollars to silver dollars.
Get the Sigma equivalent (105) without AF, you will not need it for macro. Price difference will get you a nice coin also.
The Sigma lens works very well. I love mine.
I use that exact 105mm and it is excellent. I went with a cheaper body without a an autofocus motor so I had to get this one to use autofocus. The autofocus makes life a lot easier. If you have a super high end body that has the motor, you can certainly get a cheaper lens without the motor.
I use a Tokina MACRO 100mm F2.8 D with my D300 (on a Bencher Copymate II stand).
85mm won't be enough zoom. I started with a 105mm and still use it for large pieces (medals), but my go-to lens is a 180mm Sigma; the 150mm is also really good, though I haven't used it. If you use a copy stand, vibration reduction will be turned off (it can worsen photos when the camera doesn't have any shake), so a lens without it is not a problem.
I use autofocus all the time. For some coins it can be a pain to get it just right, but it's way better than manually focusing over and over again, especially when being just a hair off can completely ruin a photo. That said, bear in mind that some lenses require an in-body autofocus motor and others lenses have a built-in motor. Higher end Nikons have the built-in autofocus motor and any lens can autofocus with them. The more consumer-level cameras don't. Be sure to check what your camera has and buy a lens accordingly.
The 85mm DX lens is equivalent to a 127.5mm full frame lens. The 105mm is a full frame lens.
I converted to a mirrorless Nikon Z 105mm micro lens for smaller coins, but use a Z 50mm micro for full slabs and 3 inch medals.
So far I am quite happy with the results, but still have a lot to learn to get the lighting to look natural and to get the focus just right to avoid the slab plastic surface defects on occasion.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
If you decide on the Nikon 85mm DX lens, there is one used on eBay that also includes a Nikon L-37c UV filter for $375.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
If you have a DX sensor in the camera, then get a 105 mm. You can actually get a really good older manual focus 105/4 Micro-Nikkor for about $200. If you have a full-frame (FX) sensor, you'll want something longer than that. I use a 200 mm with mine, although the 105 comes out when I'm doing slab shots.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Mine is an older DX.
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product-archive/dslr-cameras/d7000.html
Indian Head $10 Gold Date Set Album
I see you are using the same model camera as I do for coins. Good advice about older lenses because tour D7000 is one that will allow you to meter in manual. Auto-focus in not essential because it will focus on the slab, not the coin.
I have a D7100 and love it.
I use an AF 105mm Micro (in auto) for slab shots, and a AF 60mm Micro plus PN-11 and PK-13 extension tubes (in manual) for the ultra-close VAM shots that are about 95% of what I do.