Pics on BST - Lens Recommendation

[DonN]

would like to attach pics with a couple of items for sale - some of the B&B pics of Gillette razors actually pick up the logo and more - would guess it's a close up or macro lens that's used.

I have a Canon digital and would be interested in knowing what others are using for the great close up shots - even if it's not a Canon the specs of the lens would be helpful.

[xillion]

Which camera body do you have?

If it is an APS-C sensor body there is an EF-S macro lens here (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-Macro-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007WK8KS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1286386442&sr=1-1).

This (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-Compact-Macro-Lens/dp/B00006I53V/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1286386442&sr=1-4) one is also nice.

I use this (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-2-8L-Macro-Digital/dp/B002NEGTSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286386392&sr=8-1) lens for shooting my razor closeups.

[cnnc97]

I have a Canon digital point and shoot camera and it has an option for Macro pics. There is a thumb wheel that has different options depending on which way you click it. One of them allows you to switch between Macro and normal.

Once it's switched if you hold the button down halfway and let it sit for a few seconds it will focus on what is in the center of the viewfinder, then push it the rest of the way to take the pic.

[Austin]

Most gents use point and shoot cams unless they are more sophisticated and use DSLR. I use a Nikon P&S. It has a decent macro feature.

[DonN]

Which camera body do you have?

If it is an APS-C sensor body there is an EF-S macro lens here (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-Macro-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007WK8KS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1286386442&sr=1-1).

This (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-Compact-Macro-Lens/dp/B00006I53V/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1286386442&sr=1-4) one is also nice.

I use this (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-2-8L-Macro-Digital/dp/B002NEGTSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286386392&sr=8-1) lens for shooting my razor closeups.

thanks for the link - nice lens - I have the 20D EOS and so yes it has the APS-C sensor and will take the EF-S and EF lens types - Canon also makes a macro , the MP-E 65mm f2.8 1-5X manual focus only but its priced around a $1000 - too, too much for an occasional close-up.

[BigRich]

Most gents use point and shoot cams unless they are more sophisticated and use DSLR. I use a N<A HREF="http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Banned_Filtered_Vendor">*Filtered Vendor*</A> P&S. It has a decent macro feature.

Canon Elph here...but then again my photos are crap.

[cswann1]

Without the benefit of a DSLR with a f/1.8 or faster prime you'll want to make sure that you have LOTS of light.

Taking pics on a point and shoot indoors is not ideal and taking pics of razors is tricky anyway. Forget trying to use a flash as it'll just create horrible flares.

I'd suggest taking the razor pics outdoors in daylight. Make sure that you're shadow doesn't cross the subject and if possible use a tripod.

Edit: I'm a "N"-guy and there are tons of deals to be found on the previous generation "N" DSLRs like the D50, D70, D70s, and D80 that will absolutely crush most of the best P&S cameras in terms of low light (noise free) capability and overall quality. The stunning Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D can be had used for $75-$100. New for $125. Also, you really don't have to have a macro lens for stuff like this. Even with a 6mp sensor you can crop the bejeebus out a picture of a razor and still have a decent sized image for posting with.

[DonN]

but Xillion , I noticed that 100mm lens is around $1000 - you have some nice equipment - I can't justify that amount - if I were on Ebay or B&B BST full time making a living for example then I'd think about it .

[media]

http://thatsyourteam.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/big-camera-lens.jpg

[Up And Down]

Macro mode works fine on the point and shoot digital cameras that I have owned...which are always Canon brand.

[aVOLanche]

thanks for the link - nice lens - I have the 20D EOS and so yes it has the APS-C sensor and will take the EF-S and EF lens types - Canon also makes a macro , the MP-E 65mm f2.8 1-5X manual focus only but its priced around a $1000 - too, too much for an occasional close-up.

The 60mm f2.8 is a 1x (or 1:1) macro,which is plenty close enough.The MP E 65 is for up to 5X(way too close for razors).

The 60mm f2.8 is also a great portrait lens and can be found used for a little over $300.

Almost every true macro (1x) lens available is excellent(Sigma/Canon/Tamron).You really can't go wrong.

[DonN]

thanks aVOLanche - some good options - haven't bought a lens in awhile - do you know if Sigma, Tamron and others generally fit on Canon bodies ???

[Jim]

Some point and shoots have a flower icon to use for close ups, the biggest error though is crowding the subject. Read the manual for focal distances and if you need to use a ruler to set up the shots.

[mdunn]

i use the macro setting on my point and shoot

my old point and shoot didnt have a macro setting, so i just zoomed in about 3/4 of the way and stood back a little and the pics came out very nicely indeed.

[engdom]

a decent point and shoot and natural light should be sufficient. My first digital camera back in 2002 had a macro feature. The prettiest light is in the morning, slightly overcast and taken outdoors. but you don't need pretty, you just want the camera to pick up the logo on your razor. If you have a hard time getting good lighting you could also tape a piece of tissue paper over your flash. It diffuses it nicely and you might be able to get those details that way.

[TxPhoto09]

This thread, as well as much of the rest of the Darkroom forum, might also be useful.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2474

[Stubblefield]

I use a Panasonic TZ5, macro setting, and always shoot available light only. 2 meg file size makes upload easy.

FWIW, morning or evening light is best.