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 Replies: 31 / Views: 2,686 |
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Valued Member
United States
58 Posts |
Hi Everyone! I have owned a Canon Rebel XSi, Model 450D camera for more than a few years (apx 20?) but have not used it that much except when I first bought it. Back then I mostly used it for kids sports and was only beginning to dabble in macro photography but ended up not having time to get into it. That said, I have forgotten just about everything I ever learned about the camera and how to use it. So... please don't hesitate to respond to me like I don't know what I'm doing because, well... I don't!   What I am hoping is, I can make do with the lenses I already own and if so, are there any adapters other items I may need to make it work well for coin photography. Funds are limited so depending on what I need, I may or may not be able to purchase any additional equipment. Here is a list of the lenses and misc items I have: Lenses: Canon EF S18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS Canon macro EF 50mm F1.8 II Canon Zoom EF-S 55-250mm 1:4-5.6 IS Misc: 58mm Filters, UV, PL, FLD Super Macro Conversion Lens, Raynox DCR250 (microscopic lens) I've read the $400 camera thread. Great information! Based on what I read, and if I pursue this avenue, I would want to purchase a camera remote control, an AC adapter kit, and a tripod. I already own lots of different types of lights and think I may have some that will work. If they don't, I will consider purchasing some smaller gooseneck type lamps (the IKEA type). Thanks so much for any advice y'all can offer me! Sharon |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9149 Posts |
you are on the right track, lets wait for Ray to check in he will help you.
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Valued Member
 United States
58 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4036 Posts |
Sharon...first, you will need to download the software to control your camera. Hopefully you have a Win10 or older system. The software will enable you to control the camera with your computer, snap the shot with your mouse, etc so no remote is needed. Plus, the software is free. An AC adapter is for sure useful so you don't need to charge batteries. Your 18-55mm will work great for slabs, notes etc. Your 50mm lens is not a true macro lens, so it won't be any more useful for coins than the 18-55mm, possibly less useful unfortunately, so you will need to get a lens capable of shooting the smallest coin or item you want to shoot. The <$400 thread has some info on this. The Super Macro conversion lens and Raynox lens might help, but they are just a compromise to allow the 50mm to work a bit closer to a macro lens. To get really good full coin shots, you'll need a more capable lens. There are solutions that will give great results for not much money...Ray
Edited by rmpsrpms
01/20/2024 7:50 pm
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Valued Member
United States
58 Posts |
Hi Ray, The bad news is, I was hoping to avoid purchasing another lens but, it is what it is so I'll look into it some more on the other thread. But the good news is, I forgot about the camera software so I don't need the remote. And it dawned on me that I already have a tripod I can use. Since I don't need a remote or tripod, I'm hoping my budget will work out! Yay! I may have more questions but I'll post those on the other thread. I was confused on some of the adapters and since most of the ebay links were expired I couldn't read up on them like I wanted to before purchasing. I'm very much a detail person and can be kinda (probably an understatement) anal sometimes (ok...most of the time - lol) Thanks so much for helping me out. I really appreciate it! Sharon |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4036 Posts |
Edited by rmpsrpms
01/20/2024 10:13 pm
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Valued Member
United States
58 Posts |
Hi Ray, Awesome! Even less than I thought it would be. I've ordered these and can't wait to get them. I so appreciate you taking the time to help me with this. You're the BEST!!! Once I get these I'll report back in. I'm excited now. Sharon  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9149 Posts |
I told you Ray would help, he has helped me and a lot of others to get on the right track .
Have you thought about a copy/photo stand?
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Valued Member
United States
58 Posts |
Hi Mcshilling, You were right! Ray is a walking camera encyclopedia!  I was going to try the tripod first since I already own one. If that doesn't work out I will consider it though. Can you give me an idea how much they cost? And, where do I find them? Sharon |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9149 Posts |
I got mine from Ray, he will let you know.
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Valued Member
United States
58 Posts |
Question. What distance range will I need to allow for between the camera lens and various coin sizes or details shots? I ask because I'm looking at an inexpensive adjustable platform so I can move the platform up and down and leave the camera stationary mounted on a tripod. That sounds easier to me than adjusting the tripod height. Here is a link to an example of what I'm looking at: [ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...5CL0B1VITWVJ] "Stainless Steel Lab Jack Scissor Stand Platform, Lab Lift Stand Table Scientific Lifting Jack Platform, Lift Height Range from 1.7''/45mm to 5.9''/150mm, Support Weight 5KG (4inch x 4inch)" They make different sizes so if 5.9" spread isn't enough there is a 6x6 that will raise up to 10 or 12 inches, depending on the brand. I hope this will work since it's an inexpensive option for me. Thoughts? Anyone used something like this? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4036 Posts |
If you take a look at the animation I made for the system I build for folks based in the <$400 system, you can see how much working distance you need for each size coin with both the Nikon 75mm and the 18-55mm lenses: http://www.macrocoins.com/example-system-400q.htmlFor reference, the column is 12" tall. Edited by rmpsrpms
01/22/2024 8:27 pm
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Valued Member
United States
58 Posts |
Hi Ray,
Your video is greatness! I missed it on the other thread. Having a visual reference is very, very helpful.
Since I can't afford a copy stand right now I think I will try the platform lift. After reading the reviews on the link I posted above, I am going with a higher priced 8x8 size. (about $38.00) because some reviewers stated the cheaper platform doesn't stay level while raising it, requiring them to straighten it by hand. That sounds like a pain. The higher priced one is supposed raise evenly. I figured I can mount a small level on the platform to be sure it's level after moving it up or down.
On one thread it was suggested to mark different height spots on the riser for each type of coin. Great idea! (I think it was Ray). So, I think I will somehow set up a ruler so I can do that.
We shall see it works out or not. I have another use for the lift if it doesn't work for coin photography. Or, I'll return it. Either way, I think it's worth a shot!
Can anyone think of any reason why this lift platform won't work? If so, please let me know. I would love to hear all thoughts about it. Good or bad.
Thanks
Sharon
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4036 Posts |
I think the platform is a fine idea. Changing heights will be a bit slow, so if you have a lot of coins to shoot, just group them by size so you can shoot all the same size at once, then move to the next size.
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Valued Member
United States
58 Posts |
Thanks Ray! My collection isn't very large (for now! lol) and I don't have any slabs so I think the inconvenience is very workable for me at this time. Once I get everything set-up, I'll let y'all know how it works out.
Btw, the lights in your video... Those attach to arm with magnets, right?
Sharon
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4036 Posts |
No, the column is aluminum, so no way to work with magnets. I mount the lights to a small angle bracket, then mount the bracket to the column.
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Replies: 31 / Views: 2,686 |
Posted 01/20/2024 7:47 pm
