Lens for photographing scale models

E

efortysixm

Senior Member
Hello Fellow Nikonites!

I am a novice photographer and am slowly learning but am in need of assistance!

(Sidebar: I apologize if this thread is in the wrong Forum Section. Please move if necessary.)

I am currently shooting with a D7000 + 18-105(Kit Lens). I intend on photographing Architectural Scaled Models to document some work for a friend and was wondering what would be the best lens for me to purchase? I have done some research and also looked on the Nikonites forum. I think (concluding from my research) that I will need a macro lens? If so any suggestions on what would be a good lens would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
​:cool:Byk
 
RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
Re: In Need of Assistance!

efortysixm said:
Hello Fellow Nikonites!

I am a novice photographer and am slowly learning but am in need of assistance!

(Sidebar: I apologize if this thread is in the wrong Forum Section. Please move if necessary.)

I am currently shooting with a D7000 + 18-105(Kit Lens). I intend on photographing Architectural Scaled Models to document some work for a friend and was wondering what would be the best lens for me to purchase? I have done some research and also looked on the Nikonites forum. I think (concluding from my research) that I will need a macro lens? If so any suggestions on what would be a good lens would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
​:cool:Byk
Click to expand...

A lot will depend on the what the models are and the scale.. Depending on the size, you may or may not be able to shoot them with the 18-105 (I have the same lens). I assume buildings of sort, how large are they?? Have you tried one with your 18-105 to see how well (if) it works?

Pat in NH
 
N

nickt

Senior Member
Re: In Need of Assistance!

How big are these models? Would it be a single piece or a scene set up on a table? I would try the lens you have at different distances and see if or how it disappoints. It may do the job, its a great lens. The primary purpose of a macro lens is to get REALLY close. True macro is when the real life subject is the same size of the film or sensor. Depth of field is VERY shallow at that close range. Macro lenses are good at other things like blurring the background on somewhat close scenes. That might or might not help you with anything though. They also max out at infinity focus at a closer range. Not really optimized for great distance though. A macro may help you get the perspective and depth of field you want but maybe a wide angle or even a zoom lens may help you in different ways. Experiment with the lens you have. It really depends what you want to achieve. You can flatten or deepen your scene depending on your distance and focal length and macro or zoom lens or wide angle lens. Google 'Focal length and Perspective' to see some scenes under various focal lengths.
 
N

nickt

Senior Member
Re: In Need of Assistance!

And another thing.... depending on what you use for lighting, you might want to use a tripod to insure super sharp photos with good depth of field.

Several of us here recently got the 18-105 and it's a great lens for the price. You should be able to get nice detailed shots of items displayed on a table.
 
Mycenius

Mycenius

Senior Member
Minimum focus distance will be more important than having a Micro (Macro) specific lens... I am a Wargamer (historical miniatures gaming, or toy soldiers :)) and photograph a lot of scale military models and wargames in progress, I have used my 105mm Micro, 18-200mm, and an 18-105mm I had for a short while. When I first got my D70 I used the 18-70mm kit lens that came with that... A super-wide (like my Tokina 11-16mm) with a short minimum focus distance (e.g. 30cm or 1') will work fine. Another important fact is with your D7000 (16MP?) you will be easily able to crop down the image so you get the effect of "Digital Zoom" as well - something you couldn't easily do on a D70 for example (only 6MP).

I can post a couple of examples if you like of photos with standard (non-Micro) lenses...

​:)
 
Top