Test--Close-Up Photography Without A Dedicated Macro Lens

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Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 2,302
DVCollector Bedrock of the Community United States 10045 Posts	Posted 05/04/2014 7:19 pm For a couple years, I have been using a Canon SD790IS for my coin shots. I've just upgraded to a Nikon dSLR, and thought I'd show the difference between using a standard, non-macro lens on each camera. I have used a banknote because it provides a clear basis for comparison between cameras/lenses. Both shots are handheld. While the Canon is sharp, the D300 is really sharp--and using only a standard 50mm lens! So it's very possible to take decent closeups using this setup. When I get my Nikkor macro lens and dial-in my lighting, I'll post new pictures. Report this Post to the Staff

kanga Pillar of the Community United States 5825 Posts	Posted 05/05/2014 08:26 am I only use my camera on coins. For currency I use my scanner and can get too 1200 dpi if I want. Normally I use 600 dpi. Scanners make imaging currency a LOT easier. Report this Post to the Staff
SsuperDdave Moderator United States 23522 Posts	Posted 05/05/2014 09:33 am Quality optics are quality optics. Of course, lenses differ in terms of minimum focusing distance, and sensor size matters. With your Nikon, you've a pretty nice combination of those factors. Try reversing that lens and see what happens. Report this Post to the Staff
DVCollector Bedrock of the Community United States 10045 Posts	Posted 05/05/2014 5:27 pm I chose to shoot a banknote because it's a good way to test a lens's ability to resolve detail--and makes direct comparisons between lenses easier. The modeling on a 3D object such as a coin is harder to quantify as lens performance. If I shot a coin, you would be squinting to see the differences more. This was not a study in the absolute best that can be achieved--and many of you on these forums take amazing, museum-quality shots! I wanted to show what is possible using a cheap point-shoot and a non-macro lens on a dSLR. Handheld--and technique is as important as the gear. Edited by DVCollector 05/05/2014 7:01 pm Report this Post to the Staff
WorldSilver New Member United States 21 Posts	Posted 05/20/2014 4:21 pm Does anyone use their scanner for coins? Report this Post to the Staff
kanga Pillar of the Community United States 5825 Posts	Posted 05/20/2014 8:32 pm Quote: Does anyone use their scanner for coins? Only for raw and inexpensive coins. My scanner can't focus a slabbed coin thus I use it ONLY on raw coins. And controlling the lighting is not possible with my scanner, hence I use it ONLY on inexpensive coins. Report this Post to the Staff
njnumis Valued Member United States 70 Posts	Posted 05/21/2014 05:44 am I've been using my Galaxy S4 to take pics - lol I really see what I've been doing wrong now! Going to have to ugrade - Is that the Nikon D300 going for around $1700 at Best Buy? Report this Post to the Staff
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