i'm puzzled over what to get for coin photography

mozeppa · April 26, 2005 10:41AM

I'm seriously salivating over a nikon D-70 kit w/18-70 lens ...

with a af 200mm f4/d micro lens...with kenko auto ext. tube set.

any opinions on my tentative choice?

how difficult is the learning curve on this beast?

RedneckHB · April 26, 2005 11:12AM

I think the 200mm macro is overkill. I, as well as other, use a 100mm and get very good results.

100proof1957 · April 26, 2005 11:17AM

Nice CAM !

Check with the Mad one and Russ b4 kicking down the major change !

CoinResource · April 26, 2005 11:43AM

Go here to read about cameras GREAT SITE

Oney · April 26, 2005 12:00PM

I have a D70 and love it. I alos think the 200mm is overkill. I use a 50mm Macro.

mgoodm3 · April 26, 2005 12:02PM

105 mm is the greatest. Lets you shoot fairly far away from the coin for good lighting. The 200 will shooting Morgan Dollars from across the room and you'd need a very tall copystand.

stev32k · April 26, 2005 12:08PM

If you are going to do mainly coin photography the 60mm, f2.8 is probably the best lens. The 105, f2.8 micro is an excellent lens, but the working distance is so long that you may have hard time getting full frame shots of coin holders. The 105mm is better than the 60mm for macro shots of insects, and animals where a long working distance is an advantage, but for stationary objects like coins, jewelry, etc. the 60mm is a better choice.

K6AZ · April 26, 2005 12:15PM

I would suggest buying the camera body only, and a pair of Sigma macro lenses, the 50mm and 105mm. The lens the kit comes with is useless for coins, and isn't that great outdoors. Most of my recent shots have been with the 105mm lens, though on larger objects the 50mm lens is very handy.

As far as the learning curve, it took me about a week to figure it all out.

stev32k · April 26, 2005 12:39PM

Here is a link to a Nikon macro shooting forum where you can get expert help and opinions. There are some very good photographers there and they are willing to help. Nikonians

solid · April 26, 2005 12:41PM

I recently purchased the D70 kit and the 60mm f2.8 macro lens.

I also got the power supply and the Nikon Capture 4 software and am
in the process of learning how to use it all. The software allows you to
control the camera from the PC.

I purchased one copystand and a set of lights that I wasn't happy with
and sent them back for another brand that I am VERY happy with. Am
planning to post a review here on the boards shortly.

Here are a couple of the better photos I've taken so far, but I know I can
do even better with some more practice!

Ken

Warman · April 26, 2005 12:44PM

Why buy a camera? A scanner works much better.

airplanenut · April 26, 2005 12:50PM

<< <i>Why buy a camera? A scanner works much better. >>

You can't be serious...

stev32k · April 26, 2005 12:52PM

<< Why buy a camera? A scanner works much better.>>

A scanner does not come close to giving one the flexibility needed to accuracy image coins. It is much easier to use, but that is the only advantage. Even a cheap digital point & shoot camera can do a better job than a scanner costing 10 times as much.

K6AZ · April 26, 2005 12:54PM

<< <i>Why buy a camera? A scanner works much better. >>

mozeppa · April 26, 2005 8:36PM

<< <i>

<< <i>Why buy a camera? A scanner works much better. >>

>>

hmmm i originally thought i'd use the beret wearing bird with the slate ,hammer and chisle that was inside of the FLINTSTONES CAMERA!

HEH!

i'm puzzled over what to get for coin photography

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