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 Replies: 25 / Views: 4,050 |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
I hesitated to mention that, Ray, only because of not knowing where the OP wanted to go with equipment. My stand wouldn't accommodate a dSLR/100mm Macro without modification, although it'd do a 60mm rather nicely. All I'd need is an extension plate; the assembly is plenty stiff enough that a longer plate would stay solid, but I'd need probably another 5" to be sure of the relief.
Look into Ray's work, HippieOutcast, for the future. The cost doesn't fit your initial budget, but it's within reach of your "plan for the future" budget and in terms of precise operation it simply stomps any copy stand on the market. Further, the functionality can be varied to fit any lens, whether you want to just attach a factory lens to your camera, or go the bellows/copying lens route.
My recommendation for 18" is total pole height, understanding that a dSLR/100mm combination is going to want at least 12" from the front of the lens to the subject. My only experience with that is the Canon 100mm, which doesn't extend as it focuses. The competitive lenses, although equal in quality, extend while they focus and I do not know if that modifies the physical distance needed. I don't think so, because "minimum focus distance" is generally measured from the camera sensor; the only thing an extending lens should do is complicate lighting.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
615 Posts |
It's a lot to think over. I'm not planning on upgrading my camera at the moment, but I'd like to eventually. I know the ZD710 isn't an amazing camera, but I'd like to try tweaking with it, which isn't possible without either a stand or a tripod. What makes it even harder is I'm wearing a cast on my right hand (Yes, I am right handed), so trying to take pictures just holding the camera is nearly impossible. I've taken handheld macro shots, and while they were blurry, I feel they showed signs of promise, a problem that is mostly solved through stabilization and proper lighting, of course not overlooking tweaking manual settings.
I have seen your setups Ray, and while very impressive, it's just not an investment I feel I can afford at this time. The combination of mounting doctor's bills, and no steady income / job means my budget has to be lower at this time. Still doesn't mean I can't buy a stand that should hold a bigger/better camera when I do have the chance to upgrade down the road, as I would eventually like to run my own website. I will keep your setups in consideration though!
As for lenses, all I'm working with is the 10X optical attached to the camera, and I've got some cheap-o macro lenses and an adapter (It's a P&S camera, so lens options are limited) on the way. We'll see how they work, and if they don't I have access to a used dSLR from my sister, but it wouldn't be a permanent option.
Edit: It's hard to punctuate correctly typing with one hand!
Edited by HippieOutcast
12/21/2012 11:22 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4038 Posts |
Reason I brought up the microscope stands is that the copy stand you linked to was $139, though you mentioned a budget of $100. You can buy a B&L A-stand on ebay for less than $100, and as long as you are decent with a file, hacksaw and a hand drill you can modify it to accept a camera rather than stereo pod. It's a bit of labor, and with your right hand in a cast may not be a practical path, but I thought it would be worthwhile mentioning as an alternative...Ray |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
I see, that makes sense. I should have also said the one I linked was not one I was interested in purchasing, but just an example of one for the member who questioned what they were.
I've got my eye on what seems to be a few nicer used ones, I'll keep you guys posted if and when I pull the trigger.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
Well I * WAS* bidding on one until my computer froze. Looks like I;ll have to bite the bullet on a new one. The one I linked earlier looks like the best bang for my buck. I don't want something of lower quality, but I don't wish to spend $400+. Time to take up residence in that lukewarm place known as the happy medium.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
That looks like good value for the money. Note, they're observant Jews, and do not do business on the Sabbath, so you can't order from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
I did notice that, kind of nice that a business that big still abides by personal values.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
They, and their major competitor Adorama, both do it. In fact, most of the large NYC photography retailers are Jewish. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1411 Posts |
That's why all the businesses near me are closed... I was wondering why... Thanks Dave  |
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Pillar of the Community
921 Posts |
You mean like a MANFROTTO MINI COPY STAND?
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Pillar of the Community
921 Posts |
I assume this is what you meant? I have one like this:  |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
That's exactly the idea, aardspeed.
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Pillar of the Community
921 Posts |
You can find an "FF1194 Bogen - Manfrotto Mini Repro Copy Stand with 4-Light Assembly" on ebay for around $100-$150 bucks... Seems they are not producing these anymore, but can still be found. |
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Pillar of the Community
921 Posts |
Found this for $30...unless I'm reading it wrong: Although its only the 12" version, the price is great! RPS RS-CS305 Desktop Copy Stand Adjusts 6" to 12" High with 9x12" Baseboard http://www.adorama.com/CECS305.html |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
Just got my stand in the mail. Just need to lug it home, assemble it, and try a few photos with my 2 Jansjo lights. This thing is hefty! Weighs at least 12 pounds assembled. Bigger than I thought too, I mean I measured and all, but having it in hand is better than a measurement.
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Replies: 25 / Views: 4,050 |
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Posted 12/21/2012 11:18 am
