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Message:: [QUOTE="BooksB4Coins, post: 2659377, member: 36230"]I wasn't recommending AF whatsoever for coins, but only pointing out something I thought may be useful. Unfortunately, I've heard horror stories from a number of people who've purchased lenses for more affordable DX Nikons without realizing their AF limitations (not just macros but in general). The Nikon F mount has been around since 1959 and is often assumed all lenses will function, but is not the case. As for lighting, yes... you're going to want to get more onto the coin, but also be sure you're using the same type/bulb. It seems lot of guys here use the Jansjo lights from IKEA and are very fond of them - [USER=10103]@green18[/USER] may be able to share his experiences with them - and are also available from Amazon as well, but even cheap desk lamps will work just fine. When imaging coins, a lot comes down to both technique and individual expectations. A camera is a tool and as with most any tool, truly knowing how to use and get the most out of it (while accepting limitations) can be key. As an example: some of [USER=15309]@Lehigh96[/USER] photos have been taken with an inexpensive point and shoot yet are very good because he knows what he's doing, so no matter what tool or tools you end up using, please do invest the time into learning the ins and outs as you'll be the better for it. You're wise to have used a tripod to stabilize the camera when shooting. Another option I believe was already mentioned is a copy stand, is preferable to a tripod, and can get costly depending on make and model one chooses, but one can fairly easily be built at a fraction of the cost of money is an issue. A heavy and solid base, a few hardware store items, and an old tripod head is really all one needs in order to make a perfectly respectable copy stand. The guys who've recommended the bellows setup do undeniably excellent work, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with following their advice/lead if it interests you. However, and this goes for macro lenses as well, you have to ask yourself what your needs and desires are, especially considering the fact you're using someone else's camera. Older crop sensor DSLRs can be had for very little money these days, so if you're going to invest in a dedicated setup, you may want to consider buying one of your own. Another option rarely discussed here is mirrorless cameras, and in particular the Sony NEX series. Especially if you wish to use the camera for more than just coins, they're worth looking into, but even if only for coins they're an excellent option due to the fact you can adapt an incredible variety of lenses to them without the possible need of correction glass adapters. There are a number of very good to excellent "legacy" macro lenses that can sometimes be had for less to significantly less than modern equivalents, and may be another worthwhile option to consider. I can get more into this if you're interested. Another option, and one likely to be the least costly of the bunch, is using simple diopters or what is often referred to as "closeup filters" (or sometimes "closeup lenses") that simply screw onto the lens filter treads. No, it's not a perfect solution or one that can replace a macro or other dedicated option, but would allow, as an example, the D3300's kit lens (I assume an 18-55DX?) to focus closer, and with some experimenting can result in perfectly acceptable images, again depending on expectations. Really, what it all boils down to is just that: expectations. There are near countless paths that can lead to respectable coin images, be it phones, P&S, DSLR, mirrorless, etc, etc, and what's best for you may not be the best choice for someone else.[/QUOTE]

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