Severus Alexander Posted July 22, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 22, 2022 For the right zoom, all you need is an extension tube that fits your camera (and that works with your autofocus, although I normally focus manually). Something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Andoer-Metal-Focus-Macro-Extension/dp/B06XW5SH54/ My 18-55mm zoom lens along with a 25mm extension tube accommodates most coins. For very large coins I take out the extension tube. Sample photo: The only "issue" with using an extension tube is that it can affect the outside corners of the image, but obviously this is never a problem with coins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor KenDorney Posted July 22, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted July 22, 2022 1 hour ago, Etcherdude said: In my experience, a good camera and a copy stand really are your best bet. Copy stands can be improvised or found online cheaply. Here’s an example: This is the stand I use myself. Only caveat is that it has a rather fixed distance, which means its really maxed out with my 100mm macro lens which has a minimum focal distance of 12 inches. I think they make a larger version. 1 hour ago, sand said: That copy stand looks like something, that may be very helpful, to decrease camera shake, when I push the camera button. Movement is always a problem. If your camera supports it, and I think most modern models will, use a remote shutter/focus switch: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted July 22, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 22, 2022 5 minutes ago, KenDorney said: This is the stand I use myself. Only caveat is that it has a rather fixed distance, which means its really maxed out with my 100mm macro lens which has a minimum focal distance of 12 inches. Yes, this can be a problem. With my DIY copy stand (the upright is 20 inches from the desk surface) plus zoom lens and extension tube, you get maximum flexibility. If you need a short focal length, support the coin on books and the lab jack. But if you need a long one, you've got it. This also lends flexibility to the lighting arrangement. I'm experimenting right now with a ring light that just clips onto the upright and then is adjustable via a gooseneck for whatever position and angle you want. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat Posted July 22, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 22, 2022 I got this ring light at a shop for smart phone accessories. Rechargeable through USB port and with 3 brightness settings. Large clip on reverse which can be attached to a flexible support. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor KenDorney Posted July 22, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted July 22, 2022 14 minutes ago, Severus Alexander said: Yes, this can be a problem. With my DIY copy stand (the upright is 20 inches from the desk surface) plus zoom lens and extension tube, you get maximum flexibility. If you need a short focal length, support the coin on books and the lab jack. But if you need a long one, you've got it. This also lends flexibility to the lighting arrangement. I'm experimenting right now with a ring light that just clips onto the upright and then is adjustable via a gooseneck for whatever position and angle you want. I am constantly working on my setup and it changes a lot. I just ordered a bunch of things today to try out, including this mount which will replace the camera stand and is extendable from 14 to 23 inches. Anything less than that focal distance I will use as you point out a book or something to raise the coin up. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Etcherdude Posted July 23, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 23, 2022 3 hours ago, KenDorney said: I am constantly working on my setup and it changes a lot. I just ordered a bunch of things today to try out, including this mount which will replace the camera stand and is extendable from 14 to 23 inches. Anything less than that focal distance I will use as you point out a book or something to raise the coin up. This looks like it’s made for photographing vertical objects rather than something lying on a horizontal surface… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted July 23, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 23, 2022 1 hour ago, Etcherdude said: This looks like it’s made for photographing vertical objects rather than something lying on a horizontal surface… I think it's just an extension for the apparatus he already has. 🙂 Should work great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor KenDorney Posted July 23, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted July 23, 2022 2 hours ago, Etcherdude said: This looks like it’s made for photographing vertical objects rather than something lying on a horizontal surface… The ball joint (in the image to the right) fits over the top and can be adjusted to the angle desired. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topcat7 Posted July 30, 2022 · Member Share Posted July 30, 2022 (edited) Removed by poster. Edited July 30, 2022 by Topcat7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted July 30, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 30, 2022 Somehow I missed most of this. @Prieure de Sion that little microscope setup did surprisingly well! I can see of course why you'd want to minimize your photography apparati (?) though. I have a Nikon DSLR - 3200 - it's a little old for modern electronics, but still takes good photos - but the only lens I can use is an 18-140mm zoom lens. The closest I can get to the coin still results in a tiny, poorly focused image that requires a lot of cropping. Most times I use my defunct smartphone, a Samsung Galaxy 6, to take the photos. It usually does better at close-ups than my other lens. I am really wishing I had a better method/setup though... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prieure de Sion Posted July 30, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted July 30, 2022 23 minutes ago, CPK said: Somehow I missed most of this. @Prieure de Sion that little microscope setup did surprisingly well! I can see of course why you'd want to minimize your photography apparati (?) though. I have a Nikon DSLR - 3200 - it's a little old for modern electronics, but still takes good photos - but the only lens I can use is an 18-140mm zoom lens. The closest I can get to the coin still results in a tiny, poorly focused image that requires a lot of cropping. Most times I use my defunct smartphone, a Samsung Galaxy 6, to take the photos. It usually does better at close-ups than my other lens. I am really wishing I had a better method/setup though... I'm still looking for an ideal solution between professional photography and easy handling like with a mobile phone - without having to set up a photo studio. But that probably won't happen... 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted July 31, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted July 31, 2022 8 hours ago, CPK said: I have a Nikon DSLR - 3200 - it's a little old for modern electronics, but still takes good photos - but the only lens I can use is an 18-140mm zoom lens. The closest I can get to the coin still results in a tiny, poorly focused image that requires a lot of cropping. All you need is an extension tube, like the one I talk about above. (Here: https://www.numisforums.com/topic/689-coin-microscope-it-works-well/?do=findComment&comment=12139 .) You will be amazed at the difference it makes, at a very low cost! There will definitely be one available that will fit your camera. Try it with your various lenses and see what works best for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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