Any photographers out there?

[diamonddatejust]

Anyone have any idea what would be a good camera to get in order to get clear,crisp close up photos of items. Some of the photos that you guys post of your watches here that makes it look like your looking at it through a 10x loop and sitting rite over the watch,thats what i am looking for.....thanks in advance!!!

[Incurable]

Not sure how this would be a joke or cartoon... What you are are referring to is macro mode or macro photography. Most digital cameras have this mode and its icon/symbol is a flower. Some camera's can focus closer than others. Definitely something to check when buying a new camera. Good macro photography requires good lighting, a tripod (optional) and smaller aperture settings. Depth of field is very short so to get as much as possible in focus, you'll want to shoot using as high an aperture setting as possible. Digitals nowadays will focus down to about a centimeter or so. That's pretty close. Some even closer. Check the specs first.

[diamonddatejust]

Thank you so much. I have been having a problem with posting in the wrong section today...sorry!

[Rockrolex]

I just noticed where this was originally posted. Thought I would move it to a more suitable location.

[SLRdude]

Originally Posted by diamonddatejust

Some of the photos that you guys post of your watches here that makes it look like your looking at it through a 10x loop and sitting rite over the watch,thats what i am looking for.....thanks in advance!!!

You mean like... this?





























You need 3 things:

1. One SLR camera
2. One Macro 1:1 aspect ratio lens
3. Learn how to master the light.


The first two can be bought.
Number 3 comes from practice.

[diamonddatejust]

Originally Posted by SLRdude

You mean like... this?





























You need 3 things:

1. One SLR camera
2. One Macro 1:1 aspect ratio lens
3. Learn how to master the light.


The first two can be bought.
Number 3 comes from practice.

[TARDIS]

Wow! that's more like MICRO photography.

1:1 at highest resolution, then magnify and crop possibly?

[SLRdude]

Originally Posted by TARDIS

Wow! that's more like MICRO photography.

1:1 at highest resolution, then magnify and crop possibly?

No magnification Steve.
Maybe some cropping in some cases. Heck... some of those shots are actually scaled DOWN!

[frostie]

those are some good close ups

[Ronnie Rolex]

Can any of you photo hounds direct me to a reputable website for a Nikon D40x and 18-200 VR lens?

[Incurable]

The 18-200 VR lens has been a hard item to get a hold of. You might check Beach Camera, Ritz or Amazon. I've had less than good luck with some of the large NY suppliers in the past. Their vision of customer service leaves something to be desired.

[pilapandet]

Please check photo.net . It is excellent site regarding photo issue.

[Steve V.]

I have ordered from these people before and had good luck.

bhphotovideo


Steve

[Ronnie Rolex]

Thanks for the help. I went to Ritz and they have the lens in stock. I wouldn't mind getting a D40 but I can't find a "body only" website. Ritz has a $50 cash back so that would pay for the tax. I'll check bhphotovideo too.

The NY photo shops are the ones I'm leery of and that's why I thought I'd ask on this board. Some of their prices are too good to believe.

[Ronnie Rolex]

I checked bhphoto. Why is there a $60 price difference between the same lens manufactured in the US vs the import?

[Steve V.]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Rolex

I checked bhphoto. Why is there a $60 price difference between the same lens manufactured in the US vs the import?

Warranty I suppose.

Steve

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Rolex

I checked bhphoto. Why is there a $60 price difference between the same lens manufactured in the US vs the import?

B&H Photo currently has the 18-200mm in stock at 9:51 AM CST. I buy the majority of my gear from them.

As for US vs import, it's a warranty and service thing. Nikon US offers a 5 year warranty with their lenses. An import will require you to have it serviced by the business that sold you the lens or some where else, since Nikon USA will not touch it even if you pay for the service.

The only import/grey Nikon stuff I have purchased are teleconverters and 50mm prime lenses since those are very simple in mechanics. I would only buy US for camera bodies and zooms especially if they have VR.

I do recommend getting a D80 since the D40 has some missing functionality on some lenses. I personally have been drooling over the D3.

[Incurable]

Yeah, there's kind of a 'gray' market thing going on with the US vs import versions of Nikon equipment. No difference in the product, just the way it's warrantied. I believe there's an explanation page somewhere on the B&H website.

[Gedanken]

By the way, if you're looking for an alternative to the Nikon lens, Sigma has just released an 18-200 OS (Optical Stabilisation) lens. From the reviews I've read it seems all right, and I'm thinking of getting it for my Canon 400D.