Best lens to use with a Nikon D70 for coin photography

pendragon1998

If y'all can drag yourselves away from the Nikon vs. Canon debate long enough, could I get an answer to this photography question?

I shoot with a Nikon D70 and I love the camera body. I am currently using the Nikkor 18-70mm zoom lens that came with my camera (a graduation gift) and I'm finding that no matter how good I'm able to adjust the focus I can't get the focus as razor sharp as I'd like. I'm also not able to zoom in quite as far as I'd like on some of the smaller denominations. I think my issue with focus is due to the lens being a zoom lens (I'm shooting on manual focus since autofocus is no good at such close range). Obviously, the inability to photograph smaller coins is also lens-related.

Can anyone shooting with a nikon give me a full-size example shot (cropped, obviously) and tell me about the lens you're using and whether you like it? Thanks!

I'm attaching my best shot thus far to illustrate the soft focus issue I've got.

fcloud

I use a set of magnifiers on the lens. A macro lens, bellows, or extension tubes will all do the same thing. My first choice would be a macro.

obversity

You can't go wrong with either the Nikon 60mm or 105mm micro lenses. They are awesome. I have the 105 (slightly older version) on my D200. Here are a couple of samples:

clackamas

I think your lighting is more important than the lens.

obversity

<< <i>I think your lighting is more important than the lens. >>



I almost posted that thought myself but one does need at least a macro lens built to focus at these distances and the proper resolving power to create a sharp image (the 18-70 he mentions doesn't - it's a good lens but has no macro). Once the basic lens needs are met, I agree, it comes down to lighting.

Oney

I use a Sigma 105. I didn't want to pay for the Nikon 105mm, too much money. I think the lighting is the key to good pics as well.

mgoodm3

Typically 100-150mm lens will be good for most coin photography. While lighting is the most important thing, the longer lenses will allow better lighting than shorter ones.

DennisH

The Nikon 105mm micro lens is probably the very best option, but is also the most expensive.

I use a Nikon 65mm micro lens, which I somehow managed to get used on eBay for less than $250. I'm thrilled with it.

An off-brand micro lens would be the next option down the price list.

The screw-in closeup filters would be the cheapest option, but so might the image results.

pendragon1998

Since several of you mentioned my lighting, I thought I'd show you my setup:


http://parrishm.myweb.uga.edu/coins/images/photo_setup_01.jpg

John91C

For those who have the Nikon's: anyone have the 18-200 Vr lens? I just got a D200 and have the standard 18-70, but still can't find the 18-200 would this be a good lens for close-ups for coins)?

John

mgoodm3

The 18-200 VR only goes to 1:4.5 in magnification, it would take a lot of work to get it to 1:1 or 1:2 magnification that is commonly used in the macro. Generally best to stick with a fixed focal length dedicated macro lens.