Re: Macro Lens to Start with to Take product shots.. Not Insects. **on a Budget**

coolstan on 23/11/2016 - 14:27

Hi there,

I wanted a macro lens to mount my Canon 60D(crop sensor) to take product shots. No insect photography. Thinking of using a fixed setup and maybe a little outdoor.

I have read suggestion to use rings/extensions, etc but they have their own limitations.

Can someone recommend a lens for a guy on a budget?

Thanks,

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • ProjectZero on 23/11/2016 - 14:42
    +1

    A nifty fifty, probably get the f1.8 version since they're cheaper and i don't think you need the F1.4 version.

  • lupiter on 23/11/2016 - 15:26
    +1

    How small are the products? ProjectZero is right, I'd recommend a 50mm prime for general (watch to tv sized) product shots. I guess if you're shooting tiny beads or something you might have to crop a bit and blend multiple shots to get a nice crisp shot overall.

    • coolstan on 23/11/2016 - 16:09

      Thanks lupiter.
      Stitching shots is an option and great for super sharp images through out.

      Photoshop can do this with a few clicks but I guess I'm looking for a macro lens to get a bit more magnification. I have the nifty fifty(great startup lens) but magnification is only 0.21 times

  • godofpizza on 23/11/2016 - 15:59

    i use nikon, i felt my 60mm micro lens to be a little to round when doing product photos.

    • coolstan on 23/11/2016 - 16:11

      Thanks godofpizza.

      I am guessing you have a crop sensor and mounting 60mm onto this.
      This has effective focal length 90mm. Not sure, why it is rounding up.
      Have you tried any other lens/focal lengths?

  • Allan on 23/11/2016 - 20:57

    I would go rent a lens first and see if it's suitable. Might not even need to buy depending on how many product shots.

  • Rifraf on 23/11/2016 - 23:27
    +1

    Ken Rockwell sings the praises of the Tokina 100mm Macro.

    http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/100mm-f28.htm

    http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=tokina+100mm+ma…

    • coolstan on 24/11/2016 - 10:10

      Thanks Rifraf, I like this suggestion. Will check this out. Thanks mate.
      I am now curious between this and Canon's own macro 100mm but this means going over budget and hence my dilemma

      • Rifraf on 24/11/2016 - 12:42

        No worries.
        Don't forget to look for a good used one to help with the budget.

      • Rifraf on 28/11/2016 - 14:26

        There is a canon version Tokina for sale in the Overclockers forum with an asking price of $400.

        They are in Brisbane 4075.

        • coolstan on 01/12/2016 - 13:48

          based Sydney.

  • spicy tuna roll on 24/11/2016 - 13:41

    You may want to take a look at Tamron 90mm VC

  • Vampyr on 24/11/2016 - 22:16
    +1

    I used the Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro (Non IS) and it was great for product (jewelry) shots
    . Not so great for portraits as the focus is slow.. sold it locally for what I paid a few years ago on special from OS web retailer.

    • coolstan on 01/12/2016 - 13:44
      +1

      Thanks Vampyr
      What do you use now for Macro and also for portraiture?

      • Vampyr on 01/12/2016 - 17:43

        I'm actually getting rid of my Canon gear… Though I loved my 85mm 1.8 for portraits.

        I now shoot only a Fuji x100T with TCL (telephoto conversion lens)… Trying very hard to resist the current sales / cashback on a Fuji 56mm 1.2 and secondhand X-Pro 1 body.

        YMMV ;)

        Edit: I don't shoot macro anymore. It was just for a paid gig.

        • coolstan on 08/12/2016 - 16:20
          +1

          Ok. Fuji 100T is a good option.

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