If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:20:38 +0000, Graham Holden wrote:
First: Any comments, good or bad about either of these lenses? From my intense net-scouring over the past few days, I've got the impression that some Sigma lenses should be avoided like the plague, and others are not at all bad... is the 50mm macro a "goody" or a "baddy"? The Sigma 50mm macro is a very good lens indeed, by any standards. 1. Am I right in thinking these lenses can also be used not in macro mode, i.e. as a fixed-length normal or slightly telephoto lens (although both would be telephoto because of the 1.5 factor). The Sigma, yes. I have no experience of th Nikkor. 2. Does the "1:1" focusing (at 22cm or 19cm for the two) mean that you can take a full-frame photo of a 16mm x 24mm rectangle (the D70s sensor size)? Would the fact that the Nikkor was designed for 35mm film affect anything (i.e. does the 1.5 sensor-size difference factor come into effect?). Yes, 1:1 means just that. The size in the image plane is the same size as the subject. Format of the imaging device is not relevant. -- John Bean I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them (Isaac Asimov) |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:20:38 +0000, Graham Holden wrote:
First: Any comments, good or bad about either of these lenses? From my intense net-scouring over the past few days, I've got the impression that some Sigma lenses should be avoided like the plague, and others are not at all bad... is the 50mm macro a "goody" or a "baddy"? The Sigma 50mm macro is a very good lens indeed, by any standards. 1. Am I right in thinking these lenses can also be used not in macro mode, i.e. as a fixed-length normal or slightly telephoto lens (although both would be telephoto because of the 1.5 factor). The Sigma, yes. I have no experience of th Nikkor. 2. Does the "1:1" focusing (at 22cm or 19cm for the two) mean that you can take a full-frame photo of a 16mm x 24mm rectangle (the D70s sensor size)? Would the fact that the Nikkor was designed for 35mm film affect anything (i.e. does the 1.5 sensor-size difference factor come into effect?). Yes, 1:1 means just that. The size in the image plane is the same size as the subject. Format of the imaging device is not relevant. -- John Bean I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them (Isaac Asimov) |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Question and comments please re. macro lenses
I'm new to both the digital and SLR worlds, having just bought a D70 with
the kit lens (I was initially drawn towards the 8700, but saw enough opinions along the lines of "if you're going to spend that amount of money, you may as well go the dSLR route for longer-term flexibility). It's probably a bit too soon to be looking at additional lenses, since I've not had a chance to do much more than take a few test shots so far, BUT... one of the features that initially drew me towards the 8700 was its macro ability (IIRC, it could focus down to just over an inch). At some point, I will be wanting to photograph coins, so I'll need to be looking at a macro lens. I've seen several references to the Nikkor 60mm f2.8 AF Micro D being suitable for coins/stamps; and a similar-looking, but a cheaper alternative would seem to be the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro. First: Any comments, good or bad about either of these lenses? From my intense net-scouring over the past few days, I've got the impression that some Sigma lenses should be avoided like the plague, and others are not at all bad... is the 50mm macro a "goody" or a "baddy"? Also, I'd like to ask a couple of technical questions (I think I "know" a lot of the basics, but don't yet have much practical experience, and I'm picking up more and more as I scour the net). 1. Am I right in thinking these lenses can also be used not in macro mode, i.e. as a fixed-length normal or slightly telephoto lens (although both would be telephoto because of the 1.5 factor). 2. Does the "1:1" focusing (at 22cm or 19cm for the two) mean that you can take a full-frame photo of a 16mm x 24mm rectangle (the D70s sensor size)? Would the fact that the Nikkor was designed for 35mm film affect anything (i.e. does the 1.5 sensor-size difference factor come into effect?). Finally, any tips on photographing coins? From brief experiments in the past with a (now) cheap-and-nasty digital, the main problem was light: the flash produced too much glare and reflection. Would this be helped by the variable power of the D70's flash, or should I be looking for external lighting? Thanks in advance for any input people can give. Regards, Graham Holden (g-holden AT dircon DOT co DOT uk) -- There are 10 types of people in the world; those that understand binary and those that don't. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:20:38 +0000, Graham Holden
wrote: Finally, any tips on photographing coins? From brief experiments in the past with a (now) cheap-and-nasty digital, the main problem was light: the flash produced too much glare and reflection. Would this be helped by the variable power of the D70's flash, or should I be looking for external lighting? Light coins from the side, and use a tripod. You may have to move your lighting around not to get glare. Better to use natural light than a flash if you only have on camera flash |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:20:38 +0000, Graham Holden
wrote: Finally, any tips on photographing coins? From brief experiments in the past with a (now) cheap-and-nasty digital, the main problem was light: the flash produced too much glare and reflection. Would this be helped by the variable power of the D70's flash, or should I be looking for external lighting? I haven't tried it, but how well to coins respond to be "photographed" with a scanner? Cheers, David |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:20:38 +0000, Graham Holden
wrote: Finally, any tips on photographing coins? From brief experiments in the past with a (now) cheap-and-nasty digital, the main problem was light: the flash produced too much glare and reflection. Would this be helped by the variable power of the D70's flash, or should I be looking for external lighting? I haven't tried it, but how well to coins respond to be "photographed" with a scanner? Cheers, David |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
On Wed, 3 Nov 2004 14:41:16 -0000, "David J Taylor"
wrote: On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:20:38 +0000, Graham Holden wrote: Finally, any tips on photographing coins? From brief experiments in the past with a (now) cheap-and-nasty digital, the main problem was light: the flash produced too much glare and reflection. Would this be helped by the variable power of the D70's flash, or should I be looking for external lighting? I haven't tried it, but how well to coins respond to be "photographed" with a scanner? Cheers, David I believe quite well... I'd forgotten that approach. The only minor drawbacks are (a) it may not be as convenient (for me) for various, weird, and probably avoidable logistic reasons, and (b) it would remove an excuse to get a new toy to play with... :-) Thanks to all who have replied. Regards, Graham Holden (g-holden AT dircon DOT co DOT uk) -- There are 10 types of people in the world; those that understand binary and those that don't. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
On Wed, 3 Nov 2004 14:41:16 -0000, "David J Taylor"
wrote: On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:20:38 +0000, Graham Holden wrote: Finally, any tips on photographing coins? From brief experiments in the past with a (now) cheap-and-nasty digital, the main problem was light: the flash produced too much glare and reflection. Would this be helped by the variable power of the D70's flash, or should I be looking for external lighting? I haven't tried it, but how well to coins respond to be "photographed" with a scanner? Cheers, David From an Epson Perfection 1650 @ 600dpi: www.pippina.us/misc/coin1.png Bill Funk Change "g" to "a" |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
On Wed, 3 Nov 2004 14:41:16 -0000, "David J Taylor"
wrote: On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:20:38 +0000, Graham Holden wrote: Finally, any tips on photographing coins? From brief experiments in the past with a (now) cheap-and-nasty digital, the main problem was light: the flash produced too much glare and reflection. Would this be helped by the variable power of the D70's flash, or should I be looking for external lighting? I haven't tried it, but how well to coins respond to be "photographed" with a scanner? Cheers, David From an Epson Perfection 1650 @ 600dpi: www.pippina.us/misc/coin1.png Bill Funk Change "g" to "a" |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
perhaps it would be easier settling for an FZ20?
No more headaches about options, options, options ... Aerticus "Graham Holden" wrote in message ... I'm new to both the digital and SLR worlds, having just bought a D70 with the kit lens (I was initially drawn towards the 8700, but saw enough opinions along the lines of "if you're going to spend that amount of money, you may as well go the dSLR route for longer-term flexibility). It's probably a bit too soon to be looking at additional lenses, since I've not had a chance to do much more than take a few test shots so far, BUT... one of the features that initially drew me towards the 8700 was its macro ability (IIRC, it could focus down to just over an inch). At some point, I will be wanting to photograph coins, so I'll need to be looking at a macro lens. I've seen several references to the Nikkor 60mm f2.8 AF Micro D being suitable for coins/stamps; and a similar-looking, but a cheaper alternative would seem to be the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro. First: Any comments, good or bad about either of these lenses? From my intense net-scouring over the past few days, I've got the impression that some Sigma lenses should be avoided like the plague, and others are not at all bad... is the 50mm macro a "goody" or a "baddy"? Also, I'd like to ask a couple of technical questions (I think I "know" a lot of the basics, but don't yet have much practical experience, and I'm picking up more and more as I scour the net). 1. Am I right in thinking these lenses can also be used not in macro mode, i.e. as a fixed-length normal or slightly telephoto lens (although both would be telephoto because of the 1.5 factor). 2. Does the "1:1" focusing (at 22cm or 19cm for the two) mean that you can take a full-frame photo of a 16mm x 24mm rectangle (the D70s sensor size)? Would the fact that the Nikkor was designed for 35mm film affect anything (i.e. does the 1.5 sensor-size difference factor come into effect?). Finally, any tips on photographing coins? From brief experiments in the past with a (now) cheap-and-nasty digital, the main problem was light: the flash produced too much glare and reflection. Would this be helped by the variable power of the D70's flash, or should I be looking for external lighting? Thanks in advance for any input people can give. Regards, Graham Holden (g-holden AT dircon DOT co DOT uk) -- There are 10 types of people in the world; those that understand binary and those that don't. |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Seeking recommendation for used SLR gears | S. S. | 35mm Photo Equipment | 186 | December 10th 04 12:18 AM |
New Zeiss Ikon camera system | grandguru | 35mm Photo Equipment | 113 | October 11th 04 12:30 AM |
[SI] XXXV (old stuff) Alan's comments | Alan Browne | 35mm Photo Equipment | 150 | September 4th 04 07:01 PM |
New Leica digital back info.... | Barney | 35mm Photo Equipment | 19 | June 30th 04 12:45 AM |