JT Spunk | Photography

Need some help on Macro Photography?

I currently own a Canon (A80) Powershot 4 megapixel digital SLR. It has a macro setting which allows me to shoot some cool close-ups. However I would like to take this a step further. What better camera’s would you recommend (preferably Canon), that would enable me to take some better to professional quality macro photographs. I also find the rotating LCD on my camera a big plus. Also would you know of any good sites which offer advice . tips .. etc for beginners to macro photography.

Google – Macro Photography..

You will have to move up in cameras to get what you want. P&S cameras can indeed get rather close, some as close as 10cm (1/2 inch) however, the chip in the camera is small as well. This is like comparing 110 or 16mm film (Minolta Minox..?) to 35mm film. It’s the same film, grain and all, but the smaller image just can not be made as big with good results.

Most D-SLR’s are at least 2/3rds the size of 35mm. Its called APS-C or DX in many circles. This larger format, just like in film, allows larger pictures. The next size is fill frame digital. Sometimes called MX. Even if the pixel count is the same, you will again, get better images with the larger format. Like 35mm to 120 film. Same grain, same silver crystals, just a larger format and hence a better image.

The lenses you use on your camera have a lot to do with it too. Not every lens is a close up lens. You want one that has the numbers 1:1 on it. Not 1:3 or 1:4. These numbers represent the ratio of close up ability.

A 1:1 lens will make a 8mm bug on the plant be 8mm on your film (or sensor) plane, also known as life size. But a 1:4 (1/4 life size) lens will make the bug only 2mm, much smaller. But, there are some lenses that have 2:1 and this means now the lens can go 2x life size.

These lenses will only be found for D-SLR’s. Anything good will cost as much as a entry level camera. Expect at least $300+ on up to over 4 figures. There are cheaper but then your image quality is too. Used is OK .. IF .. you know how to kick the tires of the used lens world..

On eBay I bought a lens used in the medical field called a 120 Medical Nikkor. This is a beast of a lens. Not so much in size or anything but in what it can do and how the images look. Being 120mm focal length, it offers a good working distance between it and your subject. It has 2 built in lights. a ring light (electronic flash built in a circle around the lens) as well as a focus light.

This kind of a lens only will fit cameras with the F mount (Nikon and Fuji D-SLR’s). This lens when new was $2400. Used, well, I got mine for $300 and in like new condition because they are hardly miss used in a doctor or hospital environment.

Because of the very large number of excellent used lenses and accessories for the F mount, I would recommend a Nikon or Fuji D-SLR. Neither is all that cheap, but if you buy good now and grow into it, you won’t be growing out of it so soon and have (want) to buy again..

Bob – Tucson

Nikon D3100 …

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