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 Replies: 17 / Views: 3,284 |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
I have a hard time detecting possible errors without very clear and sharp magnification because I'm so new to this. That is hardly limited to "newbies." In this day and age, with inexpensive, quality optics easily available, no collector should be without the equipment and ability to image coins and details for presentation to public opinion. |
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Valued Member
United States
374 Posts |
I really like the Celestron USB scope I got (because it's cheap) for looking at details - but you can't get a full view of anything but a dime.
You don't need a very expensive camera to get pretty good macro shots - lighting, or rather diffusing lighting is the key in my opinion.
Of course, I would love a nice Nikon DSLR...
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Valued Member
 United States
132 Posts |
I can afford around 300 which isn't much for this purpose but it's the best I can do.
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
Ray mentioned the 75mm Nikon El nikkor and I can't seem to find one unless I'm searching wrong so is there an alternative?
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
Ray mentioned the 75mm Nikon El nikkor and I can't seem to find one unless I'm searching wrong so is there an alternative?
There are a large number of alternatives. Ray did a pretty exhaustive comparison of some a while back: https://goccf.com/t/98494 $300 is a pretty tight budget for a rig which can make use of a lens like this, though, unless you already own a dSLR. How do you intend to use the lens? |
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
I saw it in a line up he did for someone with a tight budget for viewing and photographing web worthy coins. I can up my budget to about 450 now but I don't know if that will help much.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
I can up my budget to about 450 now but I don't know if that will help much. That's ample to do it right: https://goccf.com/t/164774https://goccf.com/t/158182However, it bears mentioning again, you're going to have to become a pretty sophisticated photographer to use this stuff to its' capabilities. But consider: Both of those threads were created by beginners, who learned all this stuff as they went. Guys just like you. |
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
I've always been into photography in general so that may help me a little bit and I'm a very quick learner for a chick :)
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
I've always been into photography in general so that may help me a little bit and I'm a very quick learner for a chick :)
Well, if you already have a working knowledge of aperture, ISO and exposure then the rest is just technique. There is very little subjectivity to coin photography; it's very mechanical and the only creativity involved is lighting. |
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
I'm about to go get a light now so I'll be able to play around with it this evening. And my loupe should be here today so that will help
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
I can't seem to find the m5..
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4038 Posts |
I did an ebay search for "nikon m5 objective" and 6 showed up. Some are pM5, which I can't vouch for on quality. Most seem a bit expensive. One guy has been selling them for $27 each and seems to have quite a few. I'd suggest contacting him. Here's a link to one of his auctions: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-M5-0-...em2ecdc22033Contact me for photographic equipment or visit my home page at: http://macrocoins.com |
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
Thanks ray. I didn't put objective, just m5
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
This doesn't necessarily have to be done all at once - these lenses and objectives are commonly available and it's no harm to do things step-by-step. For some people, having both lens and objective awaiting the learning process simultaneously might dilute things - one finds oneself switching back and forth between differing techniques and learning less of either.
Me, I'd advise getting the duplicating lens technique down first - it'll ground the learner in the basic principles of photography as it applies to coins - and then adding the objective technique later since that also involves adapting to stacking, a whole 'nuther level of software play.
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Valued Member
Canada
158 Posts |
I just bought this and it came in yesterday http://www.ebay.com/itm/Andonstar-2...047675.l2557I'll tell you what. It took me about 10 minutes to set up and learn the controls. Once that was done it was play time. I tried a variety of coins and was completely amazed with it. From the most intricate of details up to a full silver dollar, the zoom works great as well as the focus. Once I tried a few coins my wife and kids started playing. Next thing I knew there was tree bark being looked at, leaves, even fingers. Believe it or not, when we were looking at fingers you can zoom in to the point you can make out individual sweat pores on fingertips. Each ridge on your fingerprint has amazing detail. The lens has a built in light that you can adjust the intensity of. A good sturdy base comes with it. After playing with the camera to see its capabilities, I'd recommend it to anyone, best $50.00 I ever spent! Edited to compensate for fat finger syndrome Edited by Fireman638
02/04/2014 4:36 pm
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Posted 01/30/2014 5:08 pm
