advice for maximizing lens usage (wide angle/macro/extensions)

[SaltyElbows]

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!

[Waddizzle]

One last comment on extension tubes. They are an inexpensive gateway to the world of macro photography. They are not perfect, but they are effective nonetheless.

Okay, last comment. Extension tubes come in two basic flavors. There are what I call the “dumb” tubes and there are the “smart” tubes.

The “dumb” extension tubes are just a simple ring that extends the lens mount away from the camera by the listed distance. Autofocusing and Aperture control is not possible.

The “smart” extension tubes cost a little bit more because the include provisions for the lens contacts to connect with the camera, making autofocus and aperture control possible.

Macro tubes work because moving the lens away from the camera body reduces the MFD, Minimum Focus Distance, for a given lens. This benefit usually comes at a price. The combination is no longer able to focus out to infinite distance. But, who cares? You are using the combo to photograph subjects that are close to the lens, anyway.

[SaltyElbows]

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.

[ebiggs1]

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.

[Waddizzle]

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.

[kvbarkley]

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."

[Waddizzle]

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@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."

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Ah! Yes, a good sturdy tripod or monopod can make a tremendous difference.

[ebiggs1]

"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.

[ebiggs1]

"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.

[kvbarkley]

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.