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Message:: [QUOTE="Tamaracian, post: 6383374, member: 23122"]The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Macro Lens is an excellent Lens; I use it and a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1.35-5.6 G II ED Zoom Macro Lens with my Nikon D7100 on a Copy Stand to take all of my coin, document,  jewelry, stamp and other small item photos.  I also use a Vello Extension Tube Set (permits up to about 3.5X magnification) so that I can get intermediate magnifications, and also stay further away from the item so that the lighting can be more easily controlled for the effect that I want.  I would also strongly suggest that you get a decent quality Circular Polarizing Filter--it will both protect the lens glass from dust and scratches, and will help to minimize reflections from glare off a coin slab or other reflective surface.  As for lighting, incident 45-degree lighting from 2 sources will usually work for most subjects; as you can see from the attached photos a light that can be mounted nearly vertical will permit you to photograph--with some adjustment for inclination of the coin--proof surfaces so that you get that black background of the fields, and also other effects of shadow versus lighter areas.  I highly recommend a book entitled "Numismatic Photography" 2nd edition by Mark Goodman; it is very practical and gives excellent recommendations for good coin photography.  [ATTACH=full]1252725[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1252726[/ATTACH]    [/QUOTE]