Author Topic: SLR Macro shots  (Read 10590 times)

Offline Lurch

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SLR Macro shots
« on: December 08, 2013, 07:52:48 PM »
I have a basic Nikon D3000 camera.
question, how do u guys take those awesome close up shots of your watches?
what kind lens size do i need?

Offline Lurch

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2013, 08:01:48 PM »
sample pic




Offline dualcarb

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2013, 11:42:20 AM »
You could buy dedicated macro lenses for this purpose. Your camera will have to utilize G lenses for AF. So I would suggest you look up the Nikon website to see what lenses suit your budget more. I would also advice the purchase of lenses which are compatible for FF cameras in case you should decide to upgrade from APSC to FF in the near future. As for now, I would think that the bang-for-buck micro lens, would be the Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D. But that will not AF on your camera body. Nothing to worry about, just manual focus lor...hope this helps...

DC

Offline JOS2012

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2013, 12:01:51 PM »
use a dedicated macro lens..suggest the 105 Micro-Nikkor in your case since you are using Nikon
(too bad I've sold mine as I switched system) I'm using Fujinon 60mm macro on a X-Pro1

make sure watch is absolutely clean

use maximum aperture at least f8 - f11

manual focusing is best

play with various angles for best effect..

the rest is trial and error..
 
Personal taste and preferences evolve over years, hopefully not 1 full circle otherwise it means we haven't learnt a single thing.

Offline Lurch

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2013, 08:48:56 PM »
Thanks to both sifus. guess ill have to spend abit on the lens and probably a change of body.
Understood that the D3000 is entry level and doesnt have an inbuilt engine to operate specialised lens.

Offline JOS2012

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2013, 07:10:57 AM »
Not a sifu.
I wouldn't suggest that you change ur equipment just to take macro pics for watches. Every camera is capable of taking good pictures.
Manual focusing is not difficult.
Reasonably priced Tamron or Sigma macro lenses (cheaper still pre-owned) will also produce excellent IQ images. You don't use macro lenses all the time.
You just need to work around it.

Thanks to both sifus. guess ill have to spend abit on the lens and probably a change of body.
Understood that the D3000 is entry level and doesnt have an inbuilt engine to operate specialised lens.
« Last Edit: December 11, 2013, 07:27:13 AM by JOS2012 »
Personal taste and preferences evolve over years, hopefully not 1 full circle otherwise it means we haven't learnt a single thing.

Offline dualcarb

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2013, 03:46:34 PM »
As with JOS2012, I am also no sifu but have spent a substantial time fooling around with cameras and lenses to know a little bit here and there. I would not suggest buying for the sake of buying as through trial and error, I have come to realize we only use a few lenses day in and day out. Buy used like JOS2012 has suggested.

DC

Offline Yikkie

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2013, 06:25:03 PM »
Get the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro lens.  Fantastic value for money and one of the sharpest macro lens available in the market. Will also work extremely well as a portrait lens but the sharpness might not be very flattering for less than flawless skin. Auto focus is almost of no use when taking extreme close up photos. It is much easier to manual focus as the DOF is limited when you are very close to the subject. You could check out some of my macro photos of the el primero in the gallery section or my review of the GO taken with my D7000 + the Tamron.  Do pardon the amateurish photos posted.

Offline Lurch

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #8 on: December 13, 2013, 09:13:22 AM »
Very humble members here  ;D
Checked with few shops who said my d3000 doesn't have an in built engine hence
Not really worth upgrading the lens on long term.
The tamron 90mm looks good but don't think it can support my entry model slr
Hmm

Offline dualcarb

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #9 on: December 13, 2013, 11:38:22 AM »
I don't get the "not worth upgrading lenses" in the long term statement. All my lenses are over five years old. Some over ten. But my camera bodies get obsolete before my lenses. With the exception of my FM2N film camera. And I find that the older lenses sometimes has better contrast and color rendition than the newer ones. One good example is the 50mm f/1.4D. I find that this lens takes nicer photos than the much newer 50mm f/1.4G on my D700. Maybe mine is an old low resolution camera. But this is just me. I would say...go for the lenses as they would outlast your camera bodies.

Offline Yikkie

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #10 on: December 13, 2013, 11:43:40 AM »
I don't get the "not worth upgrading lenses" in the long term statement. All my lenses are over five years old. Some over ten. But my camera bodies get obsolete before my lenses. With the exception of my FM2N film camera. And I find that the older lenses sometimes has better contrast and color rendition than the newer ones. One good example is the 50mm f/1.4D. I find that this lens takes nicer photos than the much newer 50mm f/1.4G on my D700. Maybe mine is an old low resolution camera. But this is just me. I would say...go for the lenses as they would outlast your camera bodies.
I can't agree with you more! Spend on lenses...not bodies.

Offline davidtth

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #11 on: December 13, 2013, 12:04:34 PM »
the newer Tamron 90mm with build in AF motor can support your camera :)

all you need is a steady tripod and good enough lighting area to start with watch/product photography

happy shooting  :thumbsup:

Offline JOS2012

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #12 on: December 13, 2013, 08:46:59 PM »
Good lenses are forever…. digital bodies come and go (mechanical ones are a different story altogether, hence I still keep the FM3A, M3, Hassy 503CW)

Having said that if you use a certain lens only occasionally, if you get a good pre-used copy it will perform no less than a brand new one.
« Last Edit: December 13, 2013, 09:12:30 PM by JOS2012 »
Personal taste and preferences evolve over years, hopefully not 1 full circle otherwise it means we haven't learnt a single thing.

Offline Lurch

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #13 on: December 19, 2013, 06:42:04 PM »
Thanks to all sifus
ill check out the Tamron 90mm lens soon. hope the pairing works well


Offline Aero100

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #14 on: February 19, 2014, 09:15:02 AM »
tamron s sp90 a good lens ...

the downside of this lens is its auto focus...very slow.

but the thing is, 90% of the time when we do macro we do manual focus (reason why most of us ended up with back pain LOL)...

another poison for u. please check on Raynox as well  ;D

but key of still subject macro is always 1) the composition 2) the way you diffuse the light ....  the latter plays a very very big part of it. Good luck

Offline Everdying

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #15 on: February 20, 2014, 04:33:59 PM »
i had tamron sp90.
sold it off and got the nikon 40mm macro instead.

i lose distance, but thats not important since i dont shoot insects.
but i do gain better sharpness, better color, better focus.

for a good compromise, there is also the nikon 85mm f/3.5.
but if money no issue, i suggest straight away get the nikon 60mm macro.

Offline vtecdiehard

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #16 on: April 24, 2014, 08:42:46 AM »
Tamron 90mm is definitely a better choice...value for money.
unless you have budget for nikon 105mm
Living the life to fullest

Offline JimmyJeno

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SLR Macro shots
« Reply #17 on: October 21, 2017, 11:58:17 PM »
what lenses and setup F , shutter etc do you use for night shots with your Canon SLR?

...and what editing software good?

post some night photos you took
I recommend trading robot for self-earnings

Offline jmur3

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #18 on: January 12, 2018, 11:25:50 AM »
I would suggest the Tamron 90mm too, get the VC USD version.
Been using for a few years, no regrets.

Offline strinq

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Re: SLR Macro shots
« Reply #19 on: March 16, 2020, 12:13:06 PM »
If you are really wanting to go budget, the el-cheapo attachment lens for handphones are actually not bad. I've taken a lot and posted it on my instagram with I think quite good results.

Example (pardon the low res):

I post pictures of watches in nature:

https://www.instagram.com/watchesinnature/?hl=en

And do some reviews and fun videos:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkVxZDlFy4dvSUz5Nwz2Ocw