Which camera?

[PurpleMoonlight]

I am looking to buy a new camera to take close ups.

Would you guys mind telling me what you use please?

[Chicken Pox]

how much do you want to spend?
40D & 90mm Tamron

Seiko SKZ211K1 Bezel by injury_time, on Flickr


Date.. by injury_time, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16388901@N02/sets/721...

Edited by Chicken Pox on Monday 30th May 10:05

[andy_s]

You'd probably be better asking in the camera secition, there's also a sticky on the subject of watch photography which gives you an idea of features to look for.
The thing that made the most difference to me was one of those small tripods, the camera is just a boggo Canon digital.
Second thing was reading the sticky I mentioned and just playing with the camera to see for myself what different settings did.
I'm thinking of getting a Sony NEX-5 this year, which seems fairly interesting for someone like me who isn't into it in a big way but wants to play around with stuff from time to time. I suspect it's massively over-specced for what I need but since when did that stop anyone?

[Gizmo!]

The macro mode on most compacts is disturbingly good; the only problem being that you can't usually select the focus point. But for those of us with SLRs, macro tubes work too.

[RobDickinson]

If you want proper SLR type 1:1 macro then theres some 'cheap' options available.

Just depends on what you want to take pictures of (how small, how static, indoors/outdoors etc) and what you want to do with the pictures.

[Simpo Two]

More info required. What size do you want to fill the viewfinder? You might need lighting too.

This is the keeper from an ear-ring I photographed for a jewellery supplier:



Not something you'd want to hang on your wall perhaps, but it shows what can be done.

Nikon D200 with Micro Nikkor 105mm f2.8 and softbox.

[14-7]

PurpleMoonlight said:

I am looking to buy a new camera to take close ups.

Would you guys mind telling me what you use please?

Certainly but the best question is:

Chicken Pox said:

how much do you want to spend?

These was taken using a Canon 60mm macro (£270 lens - first one on-camera flash the second none).


Fly by 14-7, on Flickr


Vine weevil (Phyllobius argentatus)b by 14-7, on Flickr

These were taken using a MPE65mm and MT24EX flash (nearly £1300 for the lens and flash).


Fly close up by 14-7, on Flickr


Mite by 14-7, on Flickr

The 60mm macro is a fantastic little lens but I would prefer a 100mm (which I will probably upgrade to for better working distances). The MPE needs a bit of time to get used to (and a good disposable income!).

[RobDickinson]

Alternativly you can get into SLR shooting with.

Any old body + either 50mm prime and extension tubes
or a cosina 100mmf3.5 macro lens, for I'd guess £300 or so.

More you spend the easier and better results but that would do it.

[PurpleMoonlight]

This post was originally placed in the Watches section because I specifically wanted to know what cameras they used to photograph watches. It is not a general question and therefore it has been moved here in error.

[Simpo Two]

PurpleMoonlight said:

This post was originally placed in the Watches section because I specifically wanted to know what cameras they used to photograph watches.

Professionally, probably medium format (MF) digital with tilt/shift lens and studio lighting. MF isn't my area but someone may be along soon to suggest options for you.

Or if you want to go the amateur route, the advice above applies.


If it has to be a timepiece, this is the only one I've done, but this is a clock not a watch so not 'macro':

Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 31st May 10:30

[RobDickinson]

IMO the best way to shoot a watch on SLR is with a 90tse and extension tubes with whatever lighting is required, not the cheapest nor the easiest.