What lens for a Canon EOS 20D dSLR?

JDelage

Guys,

If anyone owns one of the Canon EOS dSLR (30D, 20D, etc - not the full frame ones), I'd be interested in knowing what lens you own to take pics of coins.

Thanks,

Joss

DennisH

Based on the early learning curve with my Nikon D200, any lens that has a decent minimum focusing distance (24" or less) and reproduction ratio (1:4 or better) will do just fine for full-coin shots. For smaller detail, however, I believe a specialized macro lens with 1:1 reproduction ratio (actual lifesize) is mandatory, and even that may not be enough for really small stuff. Also, for this kind of closeup work a tripod seems to be mandatory, in order to allow shooting at small apertures.

JDelage

Thanks. I have a good tripod and am considering Canon's 17-40mm lens for my 20D. It has a repro factor of 1:4 and an 11" focusing distance, so that might work well (of course, with the 1.6 cropping factor, that lens corresponds to a 27-64mm equivalent on a full frame 35mm).

MikeInFL

The 17-40 will take great pictures, just not great macros. I would strongly suggest a dedicated macro lens. You will likely want a lens of at least 90mm and I would suggest if you are serious that you look at lenses between 150 and 200mm. Their additional length (and working distance) will allow you more flexibility in lighting and it will result in better pictures. Addionally their increased reproduction ratio will help you take better shots of smaller coins -- IMHO, 1:4 won't cut it for dimes and smaller coins. I suggest that you take a look at Sigma and Tamron lenses -- they manufacture very good and affordable macros for the Canon cameras. Hope this helps...Mike

stev32k

I've seen some fantastic macro shots from the 20D using this Canon 100mm, f2.8 macro link. The Tamron 90mm macro is also highly regarded for macro shots and is less expensive.

BECOKA

I have the 30D and have found that the zoom lenses are difficult to focus on detail. The Sigma 150mm macro lense is amazing and is my lense of choice for the Canon line of cameras.

This lense is also made with the Nikon connection and there are a few top notch forum photographers who use this lense as well.

JapanJohn

I've got a 20D. Obviously a macro lens would be the ideal situation but a coin generally is fairly large and a 3000 + pixel photo can be enlarged and cropped with a heck of a lot of great success.

This may stir the pot a little but get an EF 50mm lens. You can pick them up for less than $100. They are SHARP, SHARP, SHARP, and the little lens is superfast. Typically it's not thought of as a great low light, indoor kind of lens but I've taken some of my best photos with that little plastic lens.

Unless you're a pro, save yourself a bunch of scratch and give the lens a try. Even if you don't like it for coins I guarantee you'll like it.

A point and click pocket digicam with 5 megapixels or more will take GREAT shots on a tripod and under the proper lighting conditions.

John

iras4

<< <i>Guys,

If anyone owns one of the Canon EOS dSLR (30D, 20D, etc - not the full frame ones), I'd be interested in knowing what lens you own to take pics of coins.

Thanks,

Joss >>



Well, I do know a bit about coin photos, and I would strong recommend a macro lens, fixed focal length (not a zoom) that will give a 1:1 reproduction if needed and enough resolution so that one could enlarge a small portion of the photo and still obtain fine results. Rembember, The Canon DSLR of which yoiu speak has a 1.6 magnification factor, so a 50 mm macro becomes effectively an 80mm in 35mm film terms and a 60mm becomes a 96mm. The 90mm and higher macros are just too tall for copystand work. That is, when I used a macro of that focal length on a copystand I had to stand on a small stepladder so I could see through the camera's viewfinder, paricularly if I wanted to see the entire slab on a certified coin. That, plus the fact that true 1:1 macros will give corner to corner sharpness, something that falls far short on a non macro.

Ira Stein

ldhair

As said, this is a great lens.

A sample.

mgoodm3

105 or 150mm probably best choices. I use the Sigma 150. very sharp lens.

USAROK

I'll add another vote for the Sigma 150mm macro lens. I use one with my Canon Digital Rebel.

kenmitch

I'd like to try This One Out....If it didn't cost so damn much

BECOKA

I just took a quick shot with the sigma 150mm. Here is a small crop.

stev32k

I have the Nikon 60mm, f2.8 and the Nikon 105mm, f2.8. Since getting the 105mm I almost never use the 60mm anymore. The reason is the greater working distance allows more flexibility with lighting. I use a copy stand and some of the set-ups require more space between the coin and the lens than provided by the 60mm. The extra working distance also allows you to move things like a diffusion dome or tilted glass between the coin and lens without having to move the coin or raise the lens.