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Author Topic: Choice of lens for shooting small objects  (Read 12377 times)

Kjellis85

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Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« on: April 20, 2012, 10:42:00 AM »
So I have been shooting some small objects for reproduction and was wondering if anyone has any experience with low-end DSLR and lenses for such. I am using a Canon D500 with the kit lens but looking to buy a new one for the porpouse of shooting small (5-10cm) objects. The problem I am having is that I find it difficult to maintain focus in the entire frame. Are there any objects that are better for this purpose? I am looking at a price range around 500 USD.


Kjellis85

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2012, 01:04:33 PM »
Well, I could have figured that out myself :P The question was if anyone had any experience on this matter. I am just trying to make sure that I am not spending money on a lens that I really don't need because the problem can be avoided in another way. I know how to shop online  ;)

Wishgranter

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2012, 01:23:01 PM »
Yes, know that but first try to separate lenses that you can use, then ask what are best from for your list...... what type of lenses you can use the EF or EF-S ? that is the first link..
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Mark Florquin

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2012, 04:41:50 PM »
When shooting small objects, I use a Macro lens and very powerfull flashes. (3x 500 WATT to be precise). For my Nikon I use the 105mm f2.8 Lens. I've also tried focus stacking to solve the depth of field problem...

This bug in this image is made using the macro lens:



Good luck!

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Kjellis85

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2012, 05:40:58 PM »
Ah, this was what I was looking for :) Did the focus stacking work? Know any guides on how to do it in photoshop? I was thinking about makro, but wasn't quite sure if it was the way to go, but now I am definitively gonna give it a go.

Mark Florquin

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2012, 06:11:26 PM »
I'll write a quick tutorial on focus stacking tomorrow. However it can be done without. Using a tripod and long shutter times/ high sensitivity captures can be made at the smallest aperture, ensuring large depth of field. Stay tuned, already looking forward to results...
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Infinite

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #7 on: April 25, 2012, 05:11:50 PM »
I'll write a quick tutorial on focus stacking tomorrow. However it can be done without. Using a tripod and long shutter times/ high sensitivity captures can be made at the smallest aperture, ensuring large depth of field. Stay tuned, already looking forward to results...

In my naivety I have only just hard of focus stacking. Great idea! interested to see how you combine the data. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focus_stacking perhaps there is some software or plug-in to auto perform the merge?

Ops! just saw the long list of software applications for this purpose.

1) Interested to know if anyone has any experience with these? HeliconSoft looks interesting - http://www.heliconsoft.com/video.html

2) Also I wonder what impact these digital alterations will have on the alignment and build of images to meshes?
« Last Edit: April 25, 2012, 05:21:07 PM by Infinite »
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FoodMan

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2012, 05:32:41 PM »
hey thanks for the Heliconsoft link.. really interesting.. but I wonder too if PS will deal with it...

f/

Kjellis85

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #9 on: April 25, 2012, 05:48:16 PM »
Indeed, the helicon software looks great, but doesn't photoscan use the focal length parameters? Would love to see someones test this (I don't have the time myself, handing in my master thesis in just under a month! ).

Wishgranter

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #10 on: April 25, 2012, 07:16:40 PM »
im testing with downsampled images and it still works.... will inform later... so it could work.... 
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Kjellis85

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #11 on: April 26, 2012, 12:48:46 PM »
I did a quick test and the results were promising. Images stacked in Helicon does work with photoscan.

FoodMan

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Re: Choice of lens for shooting small objects
« Reply #12 on: April 26, 2012, 02:16:35 PM »
so, that's good news in fact !...  8)