Urgent Help for macro photo hardware

[tcmorg]

After a survey that I made lately on internet in order to take some close-up or macro photos especially of watches, I had like a conclusion on the best hardware configuration to acquire as below:

- Nikon D200
- MACRO AF S VR 105mm
- FLASH KIT R1
- FLASH SB 800

Would you please comment and orient me if I have to change or add some things in order to have all hardware’s that necessary to succeed my close-up photos, especially as I am going to leave soon to Hong Kong where I will do my purchases.

Also please help me to chose the best tripod, light case, camera bag
Thank you for your urgent answer

[Houston]

Hello friend

A Very warm welcome to WTF.

Been a while since I purchased a bag or tripod. A shoulder bag allows ease of use and is more secure since your gear is by your side.

I use a Leitz Tiltall tripod. It's light yet sturdy and durable. It will serve your grandchildren well - how's that for a recommendation?

It's best to go into a good camera and accessories supplier to look at what may suit your needs in this direction. If you are going to the FE, perhaps the tripod may be sourced there. Probably save you a few bucks or more too.

For macro work with watches, you won't need to use a flash. In fact for watches, you should avoid flash photography altogether as the results are much too harsh. Indirect light would be better or perhaps build a tent - there are a few examples here in the Photography Forum. A macro lens would be very useful. Then its' a case of technique and the seeing eye. Remember that black dials are difficult to photograph so you may need to use dark/black cards for instance to cut out the reflection on the crystal. You'll need to experiment of course.


Best WIShes


ZIN
Not usually shaken nor stirred ;D ;D ;D

[Scott D]

Hello tcmorg,

A warm welcome from me too!

I would echo Houston's comments and add that the list is pretty complete. Definitely the 105mm macro, thought you don't need the D200. The D80 is a superb camera, as is the new D40, and at a much lower cost. From a macro perspective, the D200 probably won't give you that much noticeable gain for the extra money..

Also, like Houston said, a flash is definitely not something you'll want for macro. If you want camera mounted lighting & not a light tent, another great option is a macro light. This light ring mounts on the front of the lens & provides softer light than a normal flash. It also puts it right in front of the lens, reducing the shadows.

Good luck & please do share some of your pictures once you get you setup complete!

[diver88]

hello Mr tcmorg,

welcome to the forum, when you get this all settled please share some photos with us

i have a question before i comment further please.

are you an experienced photographer. or are you just wanting to hit the ground running so to speak with the best equipment possible?

far from being an expert myself i have learned a lot about choices here lately. and yes, if you prefer Nikon equipment it sounds like you have the optimum list of what is considered the "best".

i can't speak to bags or tripods, i don't even know what brand i have. i'm sure where you purchase can make a good choice available to you.
i'll come back with more, i'll take a shot with my new camera and explain further..

talk soon,

diver88 ;D ;D ;D

[diver88]

ok, this was one of my points i wanted to make,
i took this in B&W on med, and basic with my Nikon ( and i don't know how to use it yet) with the 18 to 55 mm kit lens, nothing special, the cheapest 6mp DSLR with the basic lens taken from 2' away, cropped bigtime.



i read up on DSLR's from a guy named Ken Rockwell, i think.. i took his suggestion.

please give us more info, like to help if we can...

diver88 ;D ;D ;D

[Scott D]

Nice pic Diver!!

[CopyCat]

Mr. diver88,

Nice picture Taken with a Nikon D40??
Why even bother play around with your old Sony if you've got a nice DSLR?? ;D

[CopyCat]

diver88, if you are using a tripod, try setting down the iso.

[diver88]

yes,
i was originally letting the camera choose on auto the ISO, but now i know how to set it.. this was taken as low as it goes, on a tripod.. i tested it up to 800ISO and saw no difference with this DSLR.. made a huge difference with the Sony.

thanks

diver88 ;D ;D ;D

[JBHII]

Not much help here as I'm a Canon guy...

I do concur about the flash...