geekhack
geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: Melvang on Thu, 23 October 2014, 20:53:24
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So I have a nice camera in the house that I like to use for taking pics of keyboard stuffs. The problem is I like macro but the only macro stuff I have is the kit for the lens baby.
The one lens I am looking at is this (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-Compact-Macro-Lens/dp/B00006I53V/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414115461&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+50mm+f%2F2.5+macro).
The one requirement I have is 1:1 or better magnification. I would like to stay under $450. The camera I have is a Canon 7d. It was bought 2 years ago on black friday.
Can anyone think of any other lenses I should be looking at? Auto focus is a large bonus but not a requirement.
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The one you are looking at is a classic. I say go for it.
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I bought one of these (http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/e89a/) for a friend who is into cameras and cups / mugs. Stuck it in a foam padded carrying case along with the manual (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Canon-EF-24-70mm-f2-8L-USM-Lens-Users-Instruction-Manual-/321164235024) for this lens on top, it is his Christmas gift this year.
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That's the macro I used when I was using a canon body. Is a solid macro lens.
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there's really nothing wrong with your pick for your budget.
not a canon lens guy, but this one used might be within budget:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html
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Very nice lens. So in the sense of doing macro stuff relating to keyboard stuff and switch internals how much different will it be from the 50mm to the 100mm lens? The difference in the aperature is minimal 2.5 on the 50 and 2.8 on the 100
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macro uses higher f numbers (more stuff is in focus). portraiture uses smaller f numbers to get a blurrier background.
100mm vs 50mm is a matter of how close you need to be to get max magnification. compare their minimum focus distance specs. keep in mind that the measurement does not start from the end of the lens; it generally starts from the back of the lens or the sensor (i forget which). if your mfd is too short, you risk blocking your light source.
generally, people prefer 100mm for macros, but for keyboards, i personally say it's an unnecessary expense. the more important part is to get a tripod.
settings for macro photos look like:
low iso (100 pref) so we don't lose detail to noise
high aperature (generally f11 - f16, although f22 is fine too. but you need to read up what aperature your lens begins showing diffraction and stay below that. smaller f-number is also fine if you want to blur the parts of the board that are further away)
low shutter speed (because you have a low iso and a high aperature, your pic will be dark. you need a low shutter to brighten the pic up. this is why you should get a cheapo tripod )
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sigma 18-200mm is the bangest for a buckingest lens
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sigma 18-200mm is the bangest for a buckingest lens
I am not paying for a zoom macro lens.
Plus the wife has an 18-135 and a 75-300.
Also thanks for the info TBC.