In need of a Macro Lens for coins.

[CPV]

Hello All,

I am in need of a macro lens for strictly coins. I won't be getting into flowers or anything of that sort.

I am wanting to stay under the $200 range if possible.

What would be the least inexpensive lens that would would do what I need?

Should it be a fixed length of telephoto?

I will be using it in this sort of set-up:

http://www.largecents.net/coinphotos/PhotoProcess.html

Thanks for your help!

Jordan

I guess I should sayt I have a Digital Rebel XTi.

[NHL]

For ~$200 you can only afford macro in the 50mm range...

The Canon is a 1:2 so you still need a converter (which cost as much as the lens!)
The Sigma is slighly more but is a true 1:1

-> You might also try diopter/tube on the standard kit lens which also works but is the cheapest

[CPV]

Thanks for the reply, but I am afraid I do not completely understand what was said...

I did not get the standard lens when I bought this, body only. From there I purchased two sigma lenses, but neither one does macro.

Would I be able to get by with a "Canon EF 50mm f2.5 Compact Macro Lens", or would I still need to converter you were talking about.

And if I purchased this "Sigma 50mm F/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens" I would not need the converter?

[nymphetamine]

the canon 50mm macro is not full life size 1:1 magnification. One can use convertors to get close to 1:1 with the 50mm. Life size magnification is n ot possible with the 50mm macro.

The sigma 50mm costs a bit more than the canon. around 250 dollors. But this will give u 1:1 life size true magnification

For sigma u dont need any converter. U can just use it directly to get the life size magnification

jjust checked even thecanon 50mm is around 250 dollors. it would be better to buy thesigma 50mm.

the sigma with good sharpnesscan also be used as a portrait (85mm in xti)

lens

[NHL]

CPV wrote:

I did not get the standard lens when I bought this, body only. From there I purchased two sigma lenses, but neither one does macro.

That's OK too: http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/closeuplenses.html

[CPV]

I ended up purchasing the Sigma Normal 50mm f2.8 EX DG Macro for $251 shipped.

Thanks for your help!

[dougsmit]

Sorry I did not see this in time to reply for the OP but anyone else with this question might find some value in my page on the subject.
http://dougsmith.ancients.info/ph2004.html

Extension tubes will convert many lenses into macro lenses more than good enough for this purpose. If I were buying a lens for this specific purpose, I would think first of a used 100mm macro from pre digital days in a mount that can be adapted to the current camera. I have received good service from an old Yashica macro which is worth little on the used market. Lack of auto focus and auto diaphragm means little when you are shooting coins that do not move and the glass in these old lenses is quite good.

[coldshot]

Under $200?

Are these good enough?

[coldshot]

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