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Anyone using a Canon XTI with Macro lens here?

Which macro lens would do the trick for coin photography with the Canon XTI (400D) camera? About how much should I expect to pay for it? How close can you get to the coin with the lens? Any examples?

Comments

  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    I have the 100mm USM and like it a lot. I'm looking for a 60 for wider anlgle shots (multiple slabs). Get the USM for autofocus unless you want to manually focus everything (which many here do but doesn't seem to work as well for me as my aging eyes go from 20/10 to needing reading glasses. Eventually I want to go direct to the computer so I can see the image on the screen and foucs it there. but haven't yet.

    --jerry
  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    100mm is a good all around focal length for coins. Gets you enough distance from the coin to get good lighting. You won't need to get close than probably 6 inches to get a relatively small coin full-screen.
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    Used 100 mm macros can be had fairly cheap. New ones are going to be in the $300 - $600 range depending upon brand.
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • UtahCoinUtahCoin Posts: 5,366 ✭✭✭✭✭
    pm sent. I really like the EF-S Macro 60mm
    I used to be somebody, now I'm just a coin collector.
    Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
  • PrethenPrethen Posts: 3,466 ✭✭✭
    Excellent answers, guys. Thanks!
  • planetsteveplanetsteve Posts: 1,425 ✭✭✭✭
    Either the 100mm or 60mm will be satisfactory, though the 60mm is significantly lighter and will more easily cover wider angles like Jerry's looking for. Both lenses will get you the same level of close-up magnification.

    For the best real-world (not scammer) pricing, go to bhphotovideo.com and look them up: you can get the 60mm for $355 new after "instant rebate" and the 100mm is $435. Tokina's equivalent is $400, though I would skip it because it doesn't appear to have the ultrasonic-style focusing that is faster, quieter, and doesn't rotate the focus ring.

    As far as image quality goes, all the dedicated macro lenses are so good that you really can't go wrong with any brand. I've seen head-to-head results that are practically the same; the real concern is the photog's technique. But just for fun, here's the Canon 100mm USM:



    image
  • PrethenPrethen Posts: 3,466 ✭✭✭
    That image is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for the overview.
  • speetyspeety Posts: 5,424


    << <i>pm sent. I really like the EF-S Macro 60mm >>



    I use this same lense and love it.
    Want to buy an auction catalog for the William Hesslein Sale (December 2, 1926). Thanks to all those who have helped us obtain the others!!!

  • TwoKopeikiTwoKopeiki Posts: 9,957 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I quite enjoy a 105mm Sigma with my XT.

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