Macro Photography

[grendelbean]

Defined as a 1:1 ratio of image to object - If I understood. But therein lies my problem. I don't under stand how to get good clear photos of serial numbers, import marks, and any other small stamping on S&W revolvers.
Can anyone give me some simple guidance as to what camera or camera and lens and maybe tripod if needed and what else a simple minded geezer can deal with?
What camera do you use for very small items? Any help or advice will be very appreciated. Thanks. much.

 

[Onomea]

I just use an iPhone. Then crop. Works well:





If I altered the angle, I could catch that first letter "G" better.

G161314

Above is just hand held. Tripod is better. With a smart phone, with a tripod use the time delay snap function to avoid any shaking. There are adapters for smart phones and tripods.

(This is an S&W manufactured CO2 pellet pistol, Model 78G, I'm messin' with. I am away from my gun books library, but am curious as to whether it is listed in the SCSW as to DOB, which I am pretty sure is mid 1970s. If someone could check, I'd appreciate it.)

 

[Harrison]

I use a Nikon DSLR or mirrorless with a Nikon 105mm, f2.8 micro (macro) lens. You may need an independent lighting source unless you are taking the photo outdoors under good lighting.

 

[Nevada Ed]

If you use a camera, you will need to try with and w/out the flash.......
since the picture can be washed out or too dark.

Good luck.

 

[vt_shooter]

If you're photographing something small, getting everything in focus is the challenge. For the most part you want to shoot straight on, e.g., you want to be looking from an angle that's as perpendicular to the subject as you can get, to get the best focus across the subject. Macro photography almost aways presents focus issues.

 

[grendelbean]

Great first hand information. Thanks to everyone. I have tried the IPhone 11 and it makes very nice pictures, I even am familiar with a clip-on type macro lends you can use with a phone.
My problem is (main problem is that I'm cyber-challenged) my problem is the software I use and the only one I know how to use, is Picassa 3, which does not accept or recognize Apple IPhones....... they just won't work together.
I'm going to research another camera (Now using Sony Cyber-Shot 90) with separate lens...
Thank everyone again. Anyone have suggestions for a better photo handling/processing program than the old Picassa?

 

[armorer951]

I use Faststone Image Viewer, because I can't afford Photoshop or similar products. Faststone is free.

Many of the Canon Powershot cameras are very inexpensive and have a Macro mode that does a very good job. Most of my close ups are shot with a Canon Powershot SD1100 IS....made in 2008. Still works great. Street price $46.00

I also use a Nikon D300, but it's a lot of trouble, and I can't tell much difference in the photos when comparing them with the images from the Canon pocket cameras with a "macro" function option. Plus, the D300 doesn't fit in my pocket.

I used both types of cameras while processing crime scenes at work for years, and the Canon cameras worked great. Aside from their flash limitations, they record great images.

By the way.....just as a disclaimer, the following images are not 1:1.

 

[H Richard]

I use a Cannon PowerShot A1100IS (Image Stabilization) A very inexpensive digital camera, $99 when I bought it 8 or 9 years ago. 12.1MP and will slip into my shirt pocket. ( only examples I found easily of close up).

 

[bdGreen]

I use a Canon 70D with a Canon Macro lens EF-S 35mm.

I most assuredly use a tripod.

I use a home made light box.

This Canon Macro lens actually has a built-in light ring for taking pictures at such close range that an external light would not be sufficient. Can you visualize a gnats behind?

I love this set up.

The Canon 70D is a crop sensor so the actual 35mm is something a bit greater than 35mm and is actually 52.5mm.

This has never presented me with any issues.

And, you must always correct for 'WHITE BALANCE' when shooting in manual. I always shoot in manual mode.

enjoy,

bdGreen

 

[5Wire]

Good advice coming out here. Diffused lighting, open shade, secondary source (slave/reflector/paper/mirror) at an angle sufficient to provide shadow contrast. Smaller apertures for greater depth of field which may require more lighting to avoid long exposures, tripod, etc.. Get back as far as you can and still keep focus (inches, not feet). That uses as much as possible of the most acute part of the lens, and provides more cropping latitude. Enlarging on macro subjects isn't going to challenge visual resolution or sharpness much, if any. Getting too close with some lenses (wide angle, for example) and you lose perspective to barrel distortion. Ugh!

Digital cameras are perfect for experimenting, go ahead, waste a few electrons...

 

[LLOYD17]

Sony A7rII with the G Master 100-400 on a tripod using a remote. The subject is in a light box with multiple light sources from all sides.

Click for a bigger view. This is stilled sized down as the original is 42MP.

 

[Truckman]

What camera do you use for very small items? Any help or advice will be very appreciated. Thanks. much.

For the small stuff I always liked my Canon 5D with my 65mm 1-5X Canon Macro lens...I used it with a Kirk sliding rail and Arca clamp on my really sturdy Gitzo carbon fiber tripod with a Canon MR-EX14 ring light...Forgive the crappy, blurry pic, I was in a hurry to get all this on Craigslist......Ben

 

[grendelbean]

Thank you. Those are great photos, just what I hope to be able to achieve..... Good information and I am going to look for the Cannon Powershot SD 1100, even before the next cup of coffee. Thanks again.

 

[Nevada Ed]

My old Cannon camera will fit into my Levi coin pocket.
A 128MN chips holds lots of pictures for my use.

Have fun.

 

[Chubbo]

My 2¢ worth.

Enjoy them while you can folks.

I have several Macro lenses, that are usable with my digital cameras, but with my memory loss, I've forgot how to use them.

Chubbo

 

[BourbonCowboy]

Most pocket cameras have a decent macro feature...so they will produce acceptable images.

I've been a Nikon shooter for almost 30 years. The Nikon 105mm 2.5 (any version) will produce great images. I used one for years with a D700. But there's a cheaper solution.

A Tamron 90mm 2.8 will give you almost the same images that the Nikon 105 will offer...at less than half the price. Just understand that if you are shooting a Nikon D40, D60, D3xxx, D5xxx (or other cropped sensor) you will need to find the Tamron with the built-in motor, as those camera bodies do not have the screw-driven autofocus mechanism needed to operate the Tamron lens without the built-in motor. You can find these Tamron lenses on Ebay for +/-$225. I actually found the one I shoot with my Df for $175/shipped.