Recommendation for macro lens

[Choysnug]

Hey everyone,

I'm using a Nikon D70S and don't really know too much about lenses or even where to begin choosing one. I've been complaining that I can't get a good level of detail on some jewelry shots and a friend recommended instead of getting a new camera to just buy a new lens.

I need a good macro lens (but also a good price, my boss will be footing the bill after all) to use for just shooting jewelry in a lightbox.

[Doug Nelson]

A macro lens certainly wouldn't hurt, but first I'd upgrade the camera, 6MP is not very much for fine detail photography.

For a macro lens I'd go with 85mm or more, that will also help your depth of field. Stick with Nikkor, their macro reputation is unmatched.

[Choysnug]

Thanks!

Yes, believe me...I've been pushing for a new camera as well, but figured I'd start with asking for a new lens. I tried to explain it to my boss "This camera takes photos with only 6MP...my phone takes photos with 5..." haha!

I will keep the advice on the lens in mind.

[Doug Nelson]

Show your boss this forum thread.

A new camera is not going to cost him anything. It is going to make him money. The better his jewelry looks, the more he'll sell, and the single investment he can make to improve how his jewelry looks is a new camera.

And the better the photos are going in, the better you can make them look in post. Garbage in, garbage out (or in this case the silk purse/sow's ear might be the better aphorism).

[Mike]

I deal with some very small business's that are always trying to cut costs. Photos of their product are a very popular place for them to try this and then when the ad does not work they cannot figure out why.

I just tell them if they have a crappy photo of their product, then the general public thinks that the product is crappy also.

Want to sell something? Then present it in the best possible manner.

[Choysnug]

It's not really a matter of cost cutting, I just have to be able to justify it to them. Basically, the camera works for what I do primarily: take pictures of products to put them on eBay.

I'm working on a new project now, which is for my boss's wedding band website.

I'm actually a graphic designer first, so I definitely understand the whole "garbage in, garbage out" thing. I just kind of fell into this photography job. I only took a few photography classes in college, so trying to get a feel for what would improve image quality more; a new camera or a new lens...I'm guessing it's a combination of both!

[Choysnug]

Thank you all for your help!

I now am working with a Nikon D5500...looking into a Nikkor 85 mm macro lens

[Tony W]

Glad to hear that the boss capitulated .

The Nikkor 85 is I am sure a wonderful lens and will give you fantastic results. I have recently purchased a Tamron 90mm f2.8 which I can say is pretty good and not as expensive as the Nikon.

The only thing I think you may want to consider is the size of your subject and just how close you want to be to achieve the magnification you want. You may already know this but the shorter the focal length the nearer your lens will need to be. To generalise 90-105 seems to be average for product photography and wildlife! But longer lenses say around 150mm will give you the possible benefit of extra working distance.

[Choysnug]

We just bought a Nikkor 105mm lens.

Basically, I'm just taking pictures of jewelry inside a light box for a wedding band website that's being redesigned. I have to get as close as possible to the "style" of the photos already on the website, which was a bit taxing witht he equipment I had...

http://www.eternityweddingbands.com

[Tony W]

Excellent choice seems to be highly recommended.