Hi Everyone, I'm interesting in photographing my coin collection. So far I've been using a scanner to create images of my coins but everything I've read indicates that scanners are ok but a camera is really the way to go. I'll be using a Canon EOS F30 with a Sigma 50mm f2.8 EX DG Macro lens. I wanted to ask for suggestions/advice on whether to use a copy stand or a tripod. Also what retailers/dealers are reputable ones to buy either the copy stand or the tripod. Thanks again!! Ernesto
I use a tripod with my Rebel XTi and macro lens. I'm just learning with the camera, but I got great results using a tripod. My tripod was a $30 unit, from a camera shop. Nothing fancy. You won't need anything expensive for coin shots. High-end tripods aren't really necessary except for long-exposure shots. I've never posted an image before, but if it works, here's one of my first. I did not use good lighting for this, so it is a bit glaring, but perfectly stable image:
Nice shot. Yeah ive noticed that when I zoom in for a macro shot I usually have a little bit of the shakes.....lol So then the pic turns out all blurry
Copy stands and tripods can be had for less than $20. Even Wal-Mart has 'em. Mounting the camera on one or the other is mandatory. To really eliminate the shakes, go one step farther... use the shutter timer. The thing a photographer uses to "get in the picture" himself - you set the exposure, start the timer, and it waits 10 seconds before it fires. Why is this useful in macro coin photography ? Because when you press the shutter, the camera moves a bit - even on a stand. But with a timer, everything settles down before it actually takes the shot.
In addition if you are using a digital SLR (or a film SLR) you can lock the mirror up further reducing camera shake. This can make a big diference for macro photography.
Yep. Two MUST's for coin photography. I use a copy stand, and as an option to the shutter timer I use a remote shutter release. Same idea, just a different method. And ONLY use optical zoom; digital zoom makes focusing degrade.
does anyone else have a Panasonic Lumix FZ20 (or a close model) that they use for coins? I was debating whether to pick up one of the Macro lens attachments as I would like to be able to get close up shots of things like Mint Marks for showing doubling or other subtle errors/varieties.
The first question you need to answer is, "Are you going to do enough close-up work to merit the cost of the lens?" I have to continually ask myself that question. I would really like to have a stereoscopic microscope with integrated digital camera. But when I ask the question I keep coming up with the same answer. I just don't have that much need for it to justify the cost.
For sure get a tripod. You can always use one for all photos, not just coins. Decent ones are available at Walmart, Kmart, Sears, Tatget, etc. Don't waste money on a stand. You should be able to make one from almost anything including a step ladder, table, chair, bookcase, stove, etc., etc. If you want to check out the largest photo company for stuff, try B&H. www.bhphotovideo.com If they don't have it no one does. Remember that only a small fraction of people take photos of coins but almost everyone takes photos of freinds, neighbors, relatives, thier cars, animals. So always stop and think if you plan on using something for a short time or the rest of your life maybe.
What macro lens are you using? I have a digital Rebel and I've been researching EOS macro lenses. The two choices I'm familiar with are the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro and the MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro. THe EF 50mm has an available Life Size Converter that permits 1X images (an object the size of the image capture device will fill the entire image frame. The MP-E 65mm can display objects at up to 5X which they say means a grain of rice would fill the entire image frame. But that probably means an entire coin won't fit in the image if it's larger than a small cent.
I've thought of that (the cost part) and I think that I probably will. As I continue to study my coins, I'm fiinding that error/varieties are becoming interesting to me. As I don't necessarily want to be sending my coins to experts for their opinions (especially as you have to pay for it ), I'm hoping that with good pictures, I can post them in forums like this and have help from my fellow collectors.
I'm not too mechanically inclined so building a copy stand would probably take more time than it's worth and the end product would be iffy lol. I have seen this copy stand and was wondering what you think of it. http://www.bugeyedigital.com/product_main/dig-dpcs1812.html As for a tripod I can borrow one of those from a family member if I'm taking pictures of other things so I'm not worried about that part. I would probably use the copy stand for the rest of my life since I would be collecting coins for that long
