Does anyone use the Canon EF 100mm F2.8 macro lens for shooting coins? Or, what lens with a Canon SL

oldcameoproofsguy

I'm upgrading to a Canon EOS Digital Rebel SLR (6.3 megapixels) body and I'm not sure about what lens to use. The only Canon macro lens I see listed is the EF 100mm F2.8. It's a fast lens with a 2.8 aperature, but the minimum focal length is 1 foot. I hope someone on the boards uses a Canon SLR body and can help guide me to a really good macro lens.

Placid

This should be good.
Its expensive enough.

The min disatance is not that important when you use a slr. As the focal length increases so will the min distance. Whats more important is the macro ratio 1:1 is better than 2:1.

oldcameoproofsguy

An 800mm lens would be cool to own, but I'm sure it would be a really lousy lens to shoot coins with.
I could set up a stand for the coin and shoot it from about 40 feet away.

The specs don't give the macro ratio, but I'm assuming that "the minimum magnification X = 1" probably means the same thing.

Placid

Here is a good 3 page article you might enjoy reading.

Link

oldcameoproofsguy

Thanks Placid,

I might be able to use a close up lens attachment on my 200mm f2.8. That would save me a few $$$.

TommyB

I got my Digital Rebel a couple of weeks ago and love it. I ordered the 100mm Macro last week from BandH and it is scheduled to arrive tomorrow according to the Fedex site. You can see some nice Macro shots (not coins though) here:

Gallery of Nature Macro shots

And here is a general Bulletin Board with great stuff and links for users of Digital Rebel.

Digital Rebel Forum

edit to add: believe me, after you see these Macro shots, you will want one, and not just for Coin photos. It might open up a whole new world to you, or anybody else for that matter. Canon does have a 50mm Macro as well you might want to try as well as tele-extenders which I have absolutely no experience with.

I have more sites if you would like, and I can post a few of my beginner shots as well.

Good luck, Tom

mgoodm3

I have a nikon D70 with a 105mm macro lens in the mail. should get it tomorrow. 1:1 focusing is the key.

TommyB

That D70 is one nice camera. I already owned Canon lenses so that helped me make my final decision. Good luck.

northcoin

Has anyone tried using the Nikorr medical macro lens with the ring light feature for coins?

Gonfunko

I can't help you with that paticular model, but I use a Cannon PowerShot G1 for coin photography. It's only 3.3 megapixels, but that works fine for coins unless you're printing posters or something. It has a very nice macro capability and lets me get some really nice shots. I'd get it before spending many times more for an upgrade that is probably unescessary. Also, you don't have to read the instruction manual to figure out how it works. (Or at least I didn't)

mgoodm3

I think that a ring light will be a problem with slabs (not positive), but because it's so close to the lens you may get bad reflections off of the slab. The camera may be far enough away from the coin to make that not a problem, but I'm not sure.

Faust

Tamron makes a 90mm macro for all the common camera makers. I use one in my Minolta film camera. Takes great macro shots and also works well for portraits. I think the street price is around $450. Or you can try Sigma, they make a 105mm macro. Either of these will be much less expensive than Canon's macro, but they're still excellent lenses.

-Tony

TommyB

Got home about 45 minutes ago and opened up my package, took a couple of pics and came in to look at them. This is going to be fun. Will try coins tonight.

Tom

(by opening up my package, I mean opening the new lens I got today!)

Placid

What happened to the coin pictures?

TommyB

I'm working on my lighting, white balance etc., but here is an easy one. No touchup with the exception of cropping.

Tom

Placid

I only have the ms 2004sae and a table lamp. Canon A60.

mgoodm3

i got my d70 body, but the lens isn't here yet. hopefully tomorrow.

TommyB

I had problems with the BU Britannias. My lighting just sucks and with a 4 and 6 year old I just can't get it done. I'll try again and post another time.

TB

islemangu

Be careful putting too much money in off brand (Tameron/Sigma ect.) lens. I tried saving money years back buying these versus name brands (Nikon/Canon). Granted I live in a tropical area but my Nikon lens stayed clear and clean inside while the off-brands became moldy/dirty inside becoming useless.

My favorite coin lens is a Nikon 200 mm Macro. The longer focal length seems to better hide the slight coin tilt for capturing toning color but Im a non-digital film dinosaur so I'm already left in the dust