Macro Lens

[Flyjet601]

I recently purchased a Canon EOS 400D for my digital photography needs(yes pix of my watches )

I was recently looking at getting a Macro lens for this photography.

How many of you use macro lens for close up photography?...and what are your thoughts

[ram]

[Uncle-AJ]

Originally Posted by ram

Hello Ram and welcome to TRF. I think your post would be better placed in the new members section.

[astcell]

I have used macros, micros, bellows and reverse lens adapters. Beware that you lose a lot of your depth of field so plan on f/64 to get a decent amount in focus. Maybe get a tripod, a string light source, and have patience. The nice thing about digital is you do not spend $50 in film before you finally "get it."

[Gedanken]

Yeah, Robert's right there. I've recently started using macro lenses with my PowerShot S1IS, and the focus really is hard to get right. As you can see in the photo below, it doesn't take much for the edges to go out of focus:

[Uncle-AJ]

I took this picture of a dragonfly hand held with my 105mm 2.8 VR Nikon lens. As you can see the vibration reduction has kept the picture very sharp. I'd go for a 105 over a 50mm because you don't need to be as close to the subject. Chip posted some macro shots recently that he'd taken with a budget macro lens and they were great. Just shows you don't need to break the bank.

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

I took this picture of a dragonfly hand held with my 105mm 2.8 VR Nikon lens. As you can see the vibration reduction has kept the picture very sharp. I'd go for a 105 over a 50mm because you don't need to be as close to the subject. Chip posted some macro shots recently that he'd taken with a budget macro lens and they were great. Just shows you don't need to break the bank.

Great shot Adrian, truly outstanding. BTW, did you know the dragonfly is the fastest insect in flight? LOL

[SLRdude]

I have a Quantarai f/2.8 50mm 1:1 ration macro lens.
If I remember... I think i paid somewhere in the 300 USD range for it.
Works great though.

Wow Chip - those are great macro shots!

[Prince]

Originally Posted by comatox

I have a Quantarai f/2.8 50mm 1:1 ration macro lens...

Holy crap, chip!!! I had to stand on the other side of the room to see those. Fantastic macros!!!

[Gedanken]

That's helluva shot, Adrian! I'm actually in the market for a 400D as well in the next few months, and I'm starting to pay attention to what lenses to get.

[Uncle-AJ]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

That's helluva shot, Adrian! I'm actually in the market for a 400D as well in the next few months, and I'm starting to pay attention to what lenses to get.

Thanks James and good luck with the camera.

[Gedanken]

Thanks, Adrian! I figure I'll pick up the 400D in March - then I'll be flooding this forum with photos!

The one thing I'll definitely be looking forward to is not having to put up with shutter lag anymore!

[BruceS]

I have a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens that has worked well and wasn't terribly expensive. It also makes a great portrait lens!
Cheers,
Bruce

[Gedanken]

Whoa.

Chip, you've done it again!

[Subfiend]

I have a Canon 20D and I use the Canon 100mm AF macro lens. It's a great combination.

[Mark]

Sweet shots !

I hope to be taking some killer pictures in the near future. I have a new Nikon D80 that is going to be mainly used to photograph my children. Sports, Motocross, day to day candids, etc. Ofcourse I hope to use it to take some killer watch pictures all the same.

PS......Anyone know how to use this thing ?

[JJ Irani]

Great pics, Chip.

Every modern day digital camera would have "macro" mode. Just a question of knowing how to use it properly and with the correct lighting....that's all.....and you're in business!!

[Prince]

Originally Posted by Rev

...PS......Anyone know how to use this thing ?

Ummm, point it at something and click the button???

How ya been, Mark? I hope you had a great Thanksgiving with your family, and how 'bout them Jags!!! Great Monday night game. Paulie was POSITIVE the Giants were gonna kick our butts... Hahahahahaaaaaa!!!!

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Prince

Ummm, point it at something and click the button???

How ya been, Mark? I hope you had a great Thanksgiving with your family, and how 'bout them Jags!!! Great Monday night game. Paulie was POSITIVE the Giants were gonna kick our butts... Hahahahahaaaaaa!!!!

Thanks for the awesome advice. Had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family. Nothing like eating so much, you just want to sit back and go to sleep for acouple hours watching football.

Speaking of football......Go Jags ! We put a spanking on your team Paul. Could have been a different outcome had you not had Tom Coughlin. History ! We had our run with Mr. Personality.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by Rev

Thanks for the awesome advice...

Any time, Mark. I'm here for ya!

Now down to some serious talk! We really MUST do lunch - sorry I had to beg off the last time, but I think the time has come now. PM me, and we'll discuss those last plans. They sounded VERY good.

BTW, the Jags will win the game tomorrow afternoon against Buffalo as well. Garrard is quaterback. Things are LOOKING UP!!!

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Prince

Any time, Mark. I'm here for ya!

Now down to some serious talk! We really MUST do lunch - sorry I had to beg off the last time, but I think the time has come now. PM me, and we'll discuss those last plans. They sounded VERY good.

BTW, the Jags will win the game tomorrow afternoon against Buffalo as well. Garrard is quaterback. Things are LOOKING UP!!!

Poor Paulie ! First we dust the Giants and next the Bills.

Lunch is way overdue. I'll PM you and we'll make it happen.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Prince

Any time, Mark. I'm here for ya!

I see you got those new kneepads

[Thurnau]

I have a macro lens adapter for my sony camera. It gives a much clearer pic than my macro setting alone. It works great for my inhouse product photography along with my ez cube light tent. I have a novice type lens for it, but they are available in multiple lens that can be used standalone, or in combination with each other to get even closer.

[vh_bu98]

Originally Posted by Flyjet601

I recently purchased a Canon EOS 400D for my digital photography needs(yes pix of my watches )

I was recently looking at getting a Macro lens for this photography.

How many of you use macro lens for close up photography?...and what are your thoughts

For true macro work (1:1 or 1:2) you do need a macro lens, a tripod and possibly an external flash.

I shoot with a Nikon D200 and I use the 105mm VR Nikkor-micro. The 105mm range is good for most stuff, but if you're going to shoot mostly table top work such as your watches; you should consider something shorter in the 50mm-60mm range. There's really no such thing as a bad macro lens so you can save some money going with a 3rd party like Sigma, Tokina or Tamron. I'm sure the Canon version is great as well, but I have little experience with it.

Here's a macro photo of my watch that I just took a few minutes ago. ISO 100 at f/14 on a tripod. DOF on macro work really forces you to use a tripod.