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 Replies: 25 / Views: 4,048 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
I'm slowly making the switch from scanning to taking photos, I'm sick of losing all luster and details.
I've been researching copy stands, and so far I've been fairly lost - maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.
My budget would be under $100, and all I've seen in that price range is cheap plastic. Is there anywhere I can get a more sturdy one without dropping $400-500?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1795 Posts |
Not sure what you mean; a stand for you camera.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
615 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Heck, the one you linked is cheaper than I expected, to get something as good as it is. Under $100 means ebay and used. Depending on the camera/lens, you could get an acceptable one there. You'll need something a lot taller for a dSLR combo than a P&S. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
The camera I'll be using is a Kodak ZD710, a little old, but still going strong. It's not a point and shoot, but it's not a great dSLR - kindof in the middle as far as quality goes.
I guess my biggest concern is whether or not the stand will be sturdy enough. Most reviews on the "cheaper" ones speak volumes about the quality, which is usually not very good.
I've been going through many old threads to learn as well, your threads have been very informative thus far :)
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
In terms of weight, your Kodak is more P&S than dSLR. It's half the weight of a T2i body only. So, in your case, I'm thinking one of those inexpensive ebay copystands is appropriate. It's cheap, and it'll do the job you need while you consider upgrading down the road. If you're comfortable spending $50 on learning as opposed to triple that for something you can keep into the future - knowing you might never upgrade into a camera which requires the better stand - go for it. You can always keep your finger on the pulse of the market, in case a bargain on a good one shows up down the road. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
Your statement makes so much more sense now (P&S), I'm only still learning camera abbreviations. I've got my eye on a few of the ebay ones, trying to find out more information if I can. I might try to snag a little bit nicer one in an auction. I can see myself using this down the road until an upgrade is available/necessary, so I might be willing to get a nicer one. (Without spending $500+ of course) I'll still be looking/learning for a few days, so I'm not going to go crazy getting set up. Thanks for your help! |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
If you're thinking about upping the budget, do not settle for a copystand with less than an 18" upright. You'll need a lot more than 12" if down the road you end up with a dSLR and a 100mm lens.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
Now when you say that, you mean overall height correct? Most of the ones I've been considering are around 30" tall. I didn't like the look of the really small ones, they look like glorified cheap tripods, and I've never had luck with those type of clamps.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
Quote:
Now when you say that, you mean overall height correct? Yes, I think that's what Dave was referring to. 18" overall height. 12" from the coin and a camera that would be ~6" tall with that lens. So in essence you would need a minimum of 18". |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4038 Posts |
Have you looked at the modified microscope stands I've previously posted? Several folks on this and other forums are using them, including a couple of semi-pros. There are larger ones available than the B&L A-stands I favor, which may not be high enough for your purposes.
Contact me for photographic equipment or visit my home page at: http://macrocoins.com |
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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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Replies: 25 / Views: 4,048 |
Posted 12/20/2012 12:45 am
