Photography options
Munkey
Posts: 74
I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on lens options for taking pictures of coins.
Here is where I am at:
I have a Canon 30D with a kit lens. I would like to start photographing my coins to sell. I do not have any lenses other than the kit so far, and I want the lens that I buy to do this to be flexable. I photograph mostly portraits so far if that helps. I am wondering if instead of getting a 100mm or so which can be very costly and used only for specific things, can I get a 50mm f/1.4 and a 25mm extention tube? I have no real knowledge of lenses so I am not sure why the 50mm and a 25mm ext. would make this work. If anyone can explain why that would work I would appreciate it. The 50mm is a good walk around and I would not be put off to purchase that one knowing it can be used for other things as well. Any feedback would be appreciated, especially even a third option as well.
Thanks,
Michelle
Here is where I am at:
I have a Canon 30D with a kit lens. I would like to start photographing my coins to sell. I do not have any lenses other than the kit so far, and I want the lens that I buy to do this to be flexable. I photograph mostly portraits so far if that helps. I am wondering if instead of getting a 100mm or so which can be very costly and used only for specific things, can I get a 50mm f/1.4 and a 25mm extention tube? I have no real knowledge of lenses so I am not sure why the 50mm and a 25mm ext. would make this work. If anyone can explain why that would work I would appreciate it. The 50mm is a good walk around and I would not be put off to purchase that one knowing it can be used for other things as well. Any feedback would be appreciated, especially even a third option as well.
Thanks,
Michelle
Michelle
0
Comments
The prefered lens used by many professionals to take portraits is a macro 100mm.
The advantage in using it for coins is you get very large images while the lens is no closer than 8 to 10 inches (the lens won't focus any closer then that) from the subject which allows you to put light on the coin from many differant angles without the camera and lens being in the way.
<< <i>I would geuss that a 50/1.4 won't give you a lot of macro function even with an extension tube. >>
It'd work if a close up lens was purchased. They're usually sold in 1x, 2x and 4x attachments about the same density as a filter.
<< <i>
<< <i>I would geuss that a 50/1.4 won't give you a lot of macro function even with an extension tube. >>
It'd work if a close up lens was purchased. They're usually sold in 1x, 2x and 4x attachments about the same density as a filter. >>
Is an attachment something that I could put on the kit lens and take close ups of the coins that way? (try not to laugh if that is a really stupid question)
The 100mm range is used because it provides enough working distance to get good lighting without a special setup. As others have said the 100m range is also a good portrait length.
<< <i>The 50mm, f1.4 with a 25mm extension tube would give you good macro results. That combination is used quite a bit. The only drawback is the working distance (space between the front of the lens and the coin) would be close - I don't know how close, but maybe 3 - 6 inches. The problem with the close working distance is that it's hard to get good lighting on the coin when the lens is that close. You could use diopter lens that screw on like filters, but they do not provide the same quality image as a good macro lens or a good lens plus extension tube, and you have the same working distance problem.
The 100mm range is used because it provides enough working distance to get good lighting without a special setup. As others have said the 100m range is also a good portrait length. >>
Thanks for the explanation! I needed that. Can I ask, what is the drawback to getting a 100mm fixed to a 70-300mm that is not? I like the working range of the 70-300, to me it covers everything. But remember, I have never shot with one. I think the drawback would be that I have to be across the room to take a pic of a coin though. The distance I have noticed is sometimes up to almost 4 feet according to the specs. So other than that, why not just use a lens that has a huge range?
<< <i>
<< <i>The 50mm, f1.4 with a 25mm extension tube would give you good macro results. That combination is used quite a bit. The only drawback is the working distance (space between the front of the lens and the coin) would be close - I don't know how close, but maybe 3 - 6 inches. The problem with the close working distance is that it's hard to get good lighting on the coin when the lens is that close. You could use diopter lens that screw on like filters, but they do not provide the same quality image as a good macro lens or a good lens plus extension tube, and you have the same working distance problem.
The 100mm range is used because it provides enough working distance to get good lighting without a special setup. As others have said the 100m range is also a good portrait length. >>
Thanks for the explanation! I needed that. Can I ask, what is the drawback to getting a 100mm fixed to a 70-300mm that is not? I like the working range of the 70-300, to me it covers everything. But remember, I have never shot with one. I think the drawback would be that I have to be across the room to take a pic of a coin though. The distance I have noticed is sometimes up to almost 4 feet according to the specs. So other than that, why not just use a lens that has a huge range? >>
A micro lens is a different design than a normal 100mm lens or a non-macro zoom like the 70-300. The difference is called the reproduction ratio. This ratio is expressed in terms of a life size image. A ratio of 1:1 means the image on the sensor is life size, 1:4 means the image is 1/4 life size, etc. A true macro lens is capable of a reproduction ratio of 1:1 non-macro lenses vary quite a bit, but may only be capable of 1:8, or even 1:20 it depends on the lens. A ratio of 1:20 is more than enough if you are doing people shots, but it's not adequate for shooting coins.