New camera (to me) and lens choice
AUandAG
Posts: 24,943 ✭✭✭✭✭
My brother is giving me a Canon 5DMark3 body with all the goodies it comes with (4 batts, software, etc).
Now I need to put a lens to it and it will be for coins only (no family stuff).
It will be on a dedicated camera stand.
I'm looking at the Tamron 180mm lens at f/3.5. Seems I can get one in the $400 or so range.
Would this be a good set up?
Don't know if I'll tether yet.
Don't have the lighting figured out or even where I'll put the camera in relation to windows, etc.
Let me know you thoughts.
Thanks,
bob
Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
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Comments
A used copy stand would be useful.
Manual Macro lens work pretty good and are on the cheaper end of the price lists. No less than 105mm.
Copy stand is a must have.
Excellent! The 180 macro is a great choice. You will need to get the camera body fairly high, however, for coins as large as silver dollars. Perhaps 18-20".
A shorter lens (like a 90-100mm) will be a little more flexible at the cost of losing some close-up detail. Get both!
(Seriously, I have four different length macro lenses and use them all.)
I'd strongly recommend an AC adapter for the camera (swapping batteries gets old fast). They're cheap. And a wired remote trigger for the shutter.
I'd also recommend tethering, either with Canon's software (to your computer monitor) or using an output port on the camera (to a separate external monitor). Seeing a huge image of the coin, and being able to adjust focus and lighting before you shoot will save you time and patience while getting better pictures right the first time.
Set up away from a window, if possible.
There are strong opinions on lighting. I have mine. Suffice it to say if you work with one type long enough, and get creative, you can make many different bulbs work.
Lance.
Thanks for the input and my copy stand will get the lens up over 24" so that ought to work okay.
I know I've got a lot to learn but I think I'll enjoy my coins better with great pics.
I do have a monitor that I can use for tethering if I choose. My brother said the batts last about 450-500 shots but I think the battery elimination is best as well. Don't want to be changing and charging batteries all the time (I'm already doing that with my point and shoot and hate it.).
bob:)
The 180mm for a full-frame sensor is appropriate. You will probably want something shorter for photographing slabs, though.
Definitely tether your camera to the computer. It will save you a lot of time. You'll have a decent amount of money invested in your equipment. Spend the small amount necessary to tether the camera.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
He's giving me the tether and software.....will have to learn that aspect and this should be fun.
bob:)
Even a luddite like me figured out the basics of the tethering software! As for location I set up shop in the basement to eliminate window light variations. Other than that, listen to all the smart photo people. Wish they'd added a photo sub forum here.
Yes, whoever thought taking pictures would be a valuable thing to know? So many changes in the past 20 years or so...
bob:)