Looking for Lens recommendations for photography
Jobessi
Posts: 267 ✭✭✭
After my recent debacle of taking chances on poorly photographed coins in an online auction, it got me curious and I busted out my canon camera and tried to take some myself. However, they either can’t get into focus close up or I have to shoot from far away to get focus, but the quality drops when I try to zoom in during editing.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a canon lens that’s good for coin photography?
Farmer & Theatre Teacher by day…
0
Comments
The Sigma 150 and 180mm are both very popular macro lenses and come in Nikon and Canon mounts. I use the 180mm (with a Nikon) as my standard lens unless I shoot something too big for it; 18-24" from lens to coin, a silver dollar will fill the frame.
I use a Canon 100mm non-USM lens that I got used a few years back for $120.
I understand they are more like $200+ now.
You don't need the more expensive ($800) USM or L versions; they use a quiet autofocus motor which is good for shooting small critters but not needed for coins.
With a macro lens like this, I can fill the sensor vertically with the coin,
so I can get 3300 x 3300 images with my camera body.
I have a Canon T2i body and a good copy stand, so I use LiveView to set up shots,
viewing the shot on my PC monitor.
What is your Canon body?
Have you considered the enlarging or duplication lens approach?
http://macrocoins.com
The Tamron 90mm is a good budget choice. I would recommend something lower end if you are just getting it for fun. Any real macro lens will be miles better than a non-macro.
I have Canon 1DX, but I've only ever used it for film. I'll check out the lens
?
I'm seeing the Canon EOS-1D X as a (good) digital camera.
Or, did when you said "film", did you mean shooting videos?
Also, I should add it depends on what you want to shoot. If you have lots of big coins (silver dollars) it's easier to get away with a lesser zoom since the coin is relatively big. If you want to shoot cents and dimes, a low zoom will be noticeable in the final results.
Get an "extension tube," to turn a "normal" lens into a macro lens.
I have 2 of the standard Canon extension tubes, and I originally tried to use them with my regular and telephoto lenses, but they did not do much.
I did not get close to filling my sensor vertically with the coin (half dime).
I do use them sometimes with my macro lens if I want to get more magnification on a small part of the coin, like the date.
You're on the right track with your desire to get a better lens. It's a huge part of the equation of taking great coin photos -- but it's not the only part. Upgrading to a good macro lens helped me a ton, but I'd say the acquisition of a copy stand was even more important. A solid platform allows you to focus much more precisely. I also found that a tethered connection with my PC allowed me to fine-tune the focus, light, shutter, and aperture settings in real-time before taking the photo. Like with painting, mountain climbing, dating, or just about anything in life.... the setup is everything.
Get Mark Goodman's book, Numismatic Photography, and it will skip you ahead light years.
For the record, I use a Canon 100mm 1:2.8 USM macro lens and it has worked well for me, even the small stuff:
After you select your lens, get yourself a backup hard drive too. Coin photos can quickly take up a lot of space.
Custom album maker and numismatic photographer.
Need a personalized album made? Design it on the website below and I'll build it for you.
https://www.donahuenumismatics.com/.
Ditto @BryceM on the Canon EF-100 F2.8 USM lens. I didn't know until @yosclimber mentioned that there was a non-USM version of that lens, but I agree - the USM isn't the important part, it's that good Canon glass. But like Bryce says - good equipment is only part of it. So I was excited to get the recommendation of the Mark Goodman book, and I hustled right over to Amazon to order it, until I found out that its price was almost $400. Heavy sigh
New website: Groovycoins.com Capped Bust Half Dime registry set: Bikergeek CBHD LM Set
$400????!!!!!!
Sounds like it’s time for another printing.
Calling @mgoodm3
Sadly, he was last active here many years ago.
@BryceM the first edition copies are about $60'ish here and there. But I did find a second edition on the 'bay that I quickly snagged for $65. Good return guarantee, so if it turns out to be a first edition after all (doubtful, since the seller photographed the "2nd Edition" tag) I have recourse. Either way - appreciate the recommendation!
New website: Groovycoins.com Capped Bust Half Dime registry set: Bikergeek CBHD LM Set
Correct. I rarely ever use it for pictures. I do HS sports Highlight videos for the school I teach at.
These are amazing!
I'm a fan of the Sigma 150 macro. It gives me lots of room to work with the lighting. I also like the way the lens mounts to the copy stand and I can take just the camera body away to use for other things. I never take the lens off the stand. It's a bit heavy to walk around with.
I have a few sigma 150 macros. I think it gives great range and ease of use.
I also have 60mm, 105, 180 macros and they have sat for a long time long with an uber expensive 120mm I have somewhere gathering dust.