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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Macro Lens
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 08/15/2006 10:35:42 AM · #1
Can you suggest a macro lens for taking jewlrey photographs? I have a Nikon. I can't spend over 200.00

Message edited by author 2006-08-15 10:36:03.
 08/15/2006 10:38:32 AM · #2
Sigma 105mm 2.8 is inexpensive and does a great job.

Looks at the samples on the DPC page and also look at the Canon samples from DPC as well. You'll be sold.

I just noticed you said that you only have $200...I think you may need to pony up a bit more money to get good results.

Message edited by author 2006-08-15 10:43:31.
 08/15/2006 10:51:27 AM · #3
What do you think about this one?
Phoenix AF 100mm f/3.5 Macro Telephoto Lens
Review Here
 08/15/2006 10:58:36 AM · #4
50mm 1.8 II and a 20mm extension tube and a lot of light

08/15/2006 11:02:14 AM · #5
Originally posted by Karalew:
What do you think about this one?
Phoenix AF 100mm f/3.5 Macro Telephoto Lens
Review Here


"I have no doubt this lens would crack open if dropped. However, the lens mount is not"

"there is no dust sealing of any sort. It's possible that exposure to harsh conditions would spell the death-knell of the little Phoenix."

...but it says that it's pretty sharp so for $130, I suppose you can't go wrong for that price. I 'd say buy it and see if it get's you what you need and if not....buy a better macro when you have the money.

edit: I agree, the 50mm with an xtube would be a smart way to go and you'll have a great sharp lens that you can use for other things as well.

Message edited by author 2006-08-15 11:05:14.
 08/15/2006 11:03:37 AM · #6
The Phoenix lens has pretty bad build quality, and is an OK optical performer. I think you'll get better results with yoiur 50/1.8 and extension tubes, and the tubes fit well within your budget.
 08/15/2006 11:04:09 AM · #7
20mm extension tubes, this sounds like it may work for what I need it for now. I will check these out.

Thanks
 08/15/2006 11:05:40 AM · #8
When I do a search for 20mm extension tubes I cant find them at BH photo or amazon, are they called somthing else?

Thanks again
 08/15/2006 11:09:39 AM · #9
try "kenko extension tubes"
 08/15/2006 11:10:29 AM · #10
Originally posted by hopper:
50mm 1.8 II and a 20mm extension tube and a lot of light


i'd agree... if you're on a tight budget, get an extension tube set and possibly the br-2a reversing ring. it lets you reverse mount the 50mm 1.8 to do some nice macro...

but hopper's right... you'll need tons of light...

after that, save up for the sigma 105, or my favorite, the tamron 90mm

Message edited by author 2006-08-15 11:11:05.
 08/15/2006 11:22:34 AM · #11
Originally posted by pawdrix:
try "kenko extension tubes"


I can recommend these, and they keep the metering and AF unlike the Nikon brand tubes. You'll still end up moving the camera to focus with this setup.
One thing I'd really like is a sturdy, precise rack and pinion set to go between the tripod and camera. The Monfretto model looks interesting but I don't have the dough for that right now.
 08/15/2006 01:55:52 PM · #12
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG (or non DG if you can find it cheaper). Very sharp and $200 or under.
 08/15/2006 03:10:25 PM · #13
if you are not willing to pay more than 200 dollars you could purchase a set of these //www.bugeyedigital.com/product_main/ken-cu.html for around 40 dollars. I used a set before I bought my macro lens with some decent results. However the real macro is the best route.
08/15/2006 03:21:48 PM · #14
Originally posted by fir3bird:
Originally posted by pawdrix:
try "kenko extension tubes"


I can recommend these, and they keep the metering and AF unlike the Nikon brand tubes. You'll still end up moving the camera to focus with this setup.
One thing I'd really like is a sturdy, precise rack and pinion set to go between the tripod and camera. The Monfretto model looks interesting but I don't have the dough for that right now.


One thing that works without the expense of the rack-and-pinion setup is to put the JEWELRY on something movable; keep the camera fixed and move the jewelry back and forth. A long time ago I did this by balancing a board on some marbles so I could slide it around steadily...

R.
 08/15/2006 03:31:17 PM · #15
nice bit of advice!

Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by fir3bird:
Originally posted by pawdrix:
try "kenko extension tubes"


I can recommend these, and they keep the metering and AF unlike the Nikon brand tubes. You'll still end up moving the camera to focus with this setup.
One thing I'd really like is a sturdy, precise rack and pinion set to go between the tripod and camera. The Monfretto model looks interesting but I don't have the dough for that right now.


One thing that works without the expense of the rack-and-pinion setup is to put the JEWELRY on something movable; keep the camera fixed and move the jewelry back and forth. A long time ago I did this by balancing a board on some marbles so I could slide it around steadily...

R.

08/15/2006 04:23:58 PM · #16
This extension tube thing is new to me but since I have a limited photo budget it is intriguing ...
Anyone familiar with this type of deal (I'm adding a 50mm 1.4) 3x extender

Message edited by author 2006-08-15 16:24:36.
 08/15/2006 04:31:28 PM · #17
Originally posted by metatate:
This extension tube thing is new to me but since I have a limited photo budget it is intriguing ...
Anyone familiar with this type of deal (I'm adding a 50mm 1.4) 3x extender


The extender (commonly known as a teleconverter) is not the same thing as an extension tube. The teleconverter magnifies the image emerging from the lens, creating an effective focal length that is in this case three times as long. A 3x teleconverter will have a significant negative impact on image quality.
Extension tubes have no glass elements at all, just air space. All they do is to move the lens further from the body, while providing electrical connection. The result is that the lens can focus closer (but loses infinity focus). The impact on image quality is zero, except that you're now cropping a smaller portion of the image circle, which *will* emphasize any existing defects.
 08/15/2006 04:47:27 PM · #18

Now that I think about it I had tubes on my point-and-shoot just to allow for adding lenses. That makes sense. Would it billy silly to even consider one of these extenders for a 50mm 1.4?
 08/15/2006 05:01:55 PM · #19
Originally posted by metatate:
Now that I think about it I had tubes on my point-and-shoot just to allow for adding lenses. That makes sense. Would it billy silly to even consider one of these extenders for a 50mm 1.4?


Are you speaking of extension tubes, or the teleconverter? If the extension tubes, they can be *very useful* with the 50/1.4 for macro-on-a-budget. The teleconverter is a waste, at least the 3x.
 08/16/2006 10:15:22 AM · #20
I wonder if what you are talking about isn't an extension tube at all. An extension tube is exclusively for an exchangeable lens system.

P&S cams are not.

Many P&S cams have a littel bayonet style mount that allows you to add filters and filter threads.

You COULD use these to reverse a 50mm or something for really strong macros, but they are not the same thing.

Filter threads are shallow threads for adding single or dual element filters (usually). They go on the FRONT of the lens. You can also get filters that have the FUNCTION of drawing the focal point closer and are labelled as MACRO filters.

Extension tubes mount to the body of the camera to go between the lens and the body. They go on the REAR of the lens.

Teleconverters go in the same place but have a different function. TC's have glass. Extension tubes don't.

TC's extend the focal range and magnification of the lens.

Extension tubes do not change the magnification of the lens, they merely change the focusing characteristics.
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