advice for maximizing lens usage (wide angle/macro/extensions)
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12-04-2022 02:12 PM
I'm an artist, building a new kit for photographing medium and large format paintings for print reproduction. I also use the camera for artistic shots and references from nature. I basically need a to expand my spectrum, or learn how to do it without tons of equipment. So far, I have the EFS 18-55mm 3.5/5.6 IS STM, and a EF 50mm f1.8.
I'm looking for tips and tools for the following scenarios:
1) wider angle for archiving large artwork in a short room (looking at EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM)
2) macro lens, maybe the 24mm paired with an extension tube? what size extension? I need details of artwork, and also like to get scientifically small for references and inspiration outside the studio.
3) a good telephoto, preferably more distance than the 70-300mm I was using in the past for the birds of prey in my neighborhood.
Thank you!
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12-05-2022 11:22 AM
That would be enough space to capture panoramas. Though you'll want a very good tripod with leveling base (and possibly a nodal slide; not sure if that would be 100% necessary due to the close distance of the subject).
I've captured nine-image panoramas with my EF 135mm f/2 lens at minimum focusing distance of around 3 feet. Ended up with 114 megapixel images. Enough resolution for a 39 x 31 inch print (300 dpi).
However, it can get tricky if depth of field is shallow. For the central image in the 3 x 3 capture, the camera's sensor was exactly parallel to the subject. However, for the side and corner images, I moved the lens about 2.5º horizontally and/or vertically. So for those images, the subject was no longer parallel to the camera's sensor. If you have deep enough depth of field, that should no longer be an issue.
This is where tilt-shift lenses are really cool with panoramas like this. Since the camera's sensor will always be parallel.
Ricky
Camera: EOS 5D IV, EF 50mm f/1.2L, EF 135mm f/2L
Lighting: Profoto Lights & Modifiers
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12-05-2022 11:22 AM
Good to know, sounds like I do not want extension tubes. I mostly need to shoot details of paintings, probably no need for real magnification there, but I was hoping to find something that will cover that and also offer actual macro use for fun and inspirational exploration for futrue paintings. I bought the Arsenal II, for stacking and stitching, but I don't think the panorama stitching feature is available on it yet.
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12-05-2022 01:24 PM
If I were you I would buy the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens. It is currently the sharpest lens made. Certainly at the very top of all sharp lenses. I would not use extension tubes as they bring along their own issues.
I love the suggestion of the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. But make sure it is the G2 model otherwise I would prefer the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens.
You will need a good sturdy tripod for the art work photos and perhaps a few of the super tele zoom shots. I would avoid wide angle lenses and any zoom lens for this art project. If you need to add artificial light make sure it is diffused light.
EOS 1D, EOS 1D MK IIn, EOS 1D MK III, EOS 1Ds MK III, EOS 1D MK IV and EOS 1DX and many lenses.
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12-05-2022 01:25 PM
"Good to know, sounds like I do not want extension tubes.''
The siggy 35mm wil close focus to a bit less than 12 inches. That's pretty close and just might be all you need.
EOS 1D, EOS 1D MK IIn, EOS 1D MK III, EOS 1Ds MK III, EOS 1D MK IV and EOS 1DX and many lenses.
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12-05-2022 02:56 PM
I do not know the size of the pieces of artwork, but I do know this. The 150-600mm lenses are probably not well suited for this type of macro work, or any for that matter. The MFD on them is simply way too long. The Sigma is over 9 feet. The Tamron is over 7 feet.
As I guesstimated above, you will probably want to fill the entire frame with 6” x 4”, if not much smaller like 3” x 2”. Digital scanners typically capture at resolutions ranging as high as from 300 dpi to 1200 dpi.
"Enjoying photography since 1972."
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12-05-2022 03:41 PM
The 150-600 recommendation was in response to this:
"3) a good telephoto, preferably more distance than the 70-300mm I was using in the past for the birds of prey in my neighborhood."
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12-05-2022 04:03 PM
@kvbarkleywrote:The 150-600 recommendation was in response to this:
"3) a good telephoto, preferably more distance than the 70-300mm I was using in the past for the birds of prey in my neighborhood."
Ah! Yes, a good sturdy tripod or monopod can make a tremendous difference.
"Enjoying photography since 1972."
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12-06-2022 10:12 AM
"You will need a good sturdy tripod for the art work photos ..."
When using the "good sturdy tripod" make sure you set it up so the camera/lens is perpendicular and parallel to the subject. If you don't that will also add distortion to the photos.
EOS 1D, EOS 1D MK IIn, EOS 1D MK III, EOS 1Ds MK III, EOS 1D MK IV and EOS 1DX and many lenses.
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12-06-2022 10:51 AM
The OP needs to get back to us, but I assume we are talking about two different lenses:
A wide-angle/macro for artwork
A telephoto for raptors.
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