Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8 D is quite capable.

morgansforever

It's also a great alternative to the AF version which is $800 + or -. The AF doesn't work with a 3100, (no focus motor in the body) but looking through the view finder there's a meter that
tells you when optimum focus is achieved. When it reads 0 your there, sorta like AF. Just received it last night, a few test shots, Franklin's forehead is a bit on the bright side.

EDIT: $375 shipped is easier to swallow than $800 for the AF version, JMO. Yesterday was a good day, received my 1/2 oz. AGE and my lens about 15 minutes apart. Is the AGE the right hue? Seems off to me, to green or something.

kaz

sharp lens! I really like the Morgan images in particular.

lcoopie

Yes, tack sharp

I don't use autofocus with coins anyhow.

ricko

Superb photography..... Cheers, RickO

blu62vette

I used one of those forever. Still have it and also a MF version which is also a great alternative. On the MF version since I always aperture priority and manual focus anyways it is really not much different. Just doesn't meter as extensively.

lostincoins

Yep AGE is a bit off color as to your question. The other images are very sharp and well focused. The clad coins are a bit bright.

nwcoast

Gorgeous photos!
Nicely done!

Used that lens for many years in my work. It's a solid and sharp work horse of a lens.
And as Icoopie mentioned, many (including myself) don't use autofocus with coins anyways.

mercurydimeguy

What is your F stop? Try F 8.0 if your lighting will allow it, you might get more depth of field, more luster, and the coins won't be as overexposed.

In terms of the lens quality, it looks like it's good...congrats! I'm playing around with this stuff myself (just got a new copy stand to replace my Testrite).

morgansforever

<<I used one of those forever>>

I'm guessing you were pleased with the results, or you wouldn't have used it for a long period of time. One of the benefits of a 105, especially for Morgans is the
working distance, right now I'm comfortable with the 18" it allows me. This enables me to direct the lighting at a more vertical axis.

blu62vette

<< <i><<I used one of those forever>>

I'm guessing you were pleased with the results, or you wouldn't have used it for a long period of time. One of the benefits of a 105, especially for Morgans is the
working distance, right now I'm comfortable with the 18" it allows me. This enables me to direct the lighting at a more vertical axis. >>



I was pleased. It is a very sharp lens. It gives good working distance yet is not to tall.

I do think the AGE color is off.

I currently have the Nikon 60mm macro, 2 Nikon 105 macros, 2 Sigma 150 macros and a Tamron 180 macro. I think they all have their uses and are good lenses.

lasvegasteddy

sweet imaging there and sounds like a great camera option too

messydesk

Yes, a great lens. You won't miss auto-focus. I don't even use it on my auto-focus 200.

The AGE does look too green to me.

mgoodm3

The 105AF is a very good lens and performs as well as the most modern offering - the 105 VR. I haven't used AF in years for coin pics, so no loss. nice pics.

LindeDad

Adjust the Hue/Saturation levels on the gold it is green as you mentioned.
Great job on the others those Nikon Nikkor lens are the way to go, also use a manual one.

rmpsrpms

Very nice coins and images! One nice thing is the 105AF is smaller in diameter than the 105VR, so lighting is easier.

morgansforever

Re-shot the clad, -0.3 exposure compensation and re-sized the images to 750x750

<< sweet imaging there and sounds like a great camera option too >>
The D3100 was purchased from a pawn shop, with a 4500 shutter count for $275. Everything was included except the charger. Does a decent job for an entry level DSLR.





I think the gold looks pretty much spot on. I went with auto WB, I don't seem to have any luck using a grey card or the presets.

lcoopie

You could also just reduce the highlights on the first photo which might show some detail under those bright spots