Hm, I'm a pretty big amateur so I'm not too sure about what I need to get that shot. How much would a speedlight cost and is it an add-on flash? If I just need a speedlight, would a kit lens suffice? My problem with the kit lens is that it doesn't focus on what I want it to when it is in close proximity to the target.
Also, the lens isn't only for that. It's also for indoor model shots in general and of large poster set-ups, but I also need it to shoot close-up details.
nightlinedrive wrote:
Hm, I'm a pretty big amateur so I'm not too sure about what I need to get that shot. How much would a speedlight cost and is it an add-on flash? If I just need a speedlight, would a kit lens suffice? My problem with the kit lens is that it doesn't focus on what I want it to when it is in close proximity to the target.
If your problem is close focus, then what you need is a macro lens. They can focus as close as you would want to get (that's the only difference between a macro lens and an ordinary lens). Alternatively, you could go for macro tubes, which connect in between your current lens and your camera -- but that is a third party solution.
If your problem is that the frame is too dark, I agree that you would probably be better served with a flash. Personally I would go with the cheapest off-camera flash you can get, which I think is the SB700 (which I have) -- about $330 new.
Edit: Also, most macro lenses are f/2.8 anyway, so that may solve your low-light problem in some other situations.
Thank you for your tips. What focal length would macro lenses fall under? I'm not too sure about a speed light more than $300. I think in that case I'd use the poor man's method and use lamp lighting to a stronger degree. Would the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 be good for just overall shots of models for example like my shot linked below?
nightlinedrive wrote:
What focal length would macro lenses fall under? I'm not too sure about a speed light more than $300. I think in that case I'd use the poor man's method and use lamp lighting to a stronger degree. Would the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 be good for just overall shots of models for example like my shot linked below?
www.ciel-lumineux.tumblr.com/tagged/studio
and scroll to the large scale model!
I'm sure the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 would be fine, but I don't think it would work any better than the lens that you have now. As you lower the f stop, you get a smaller depth of focus -- so you only have one in-focus spot. For the shot that you linked, you would be best off getting a flash and shooting with your kit lens at a high f stop like f/16 or even f/22 (if I'm looking at the right pic). That way, everything will be in focus and bright.
As far as which macro lens to get, the 40mm F/2.8 Micro is in your price range ($279 retail). It should be almost as sharp as your kit lens - you can compare them here.
The others may have better recommendations, though.
Oh, I see. Overall, I think I'm looking for a lens that can pretty much do everything, but realistically that isn't possible. Does the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 cover my basic photography style and will it be decent if I light the inside of the model while taking a shot with a high f stop?
Will the Micro lens be beneficial for the general shots of the large-scale model?
If I were you I would use the kit lens, on a tripod with the shutter on timer mode, get some auxillary lights, and lastly check out a depth of field calculator. Depending on the size of your models you could build a cheap lightbox.
Hm, alright! Do you have any suggestions for auxillary lights? The link you linked me sounds good and should be easily made for me since I have materials and experience with craft. Thanks a bunch for the tips! This should really help in the aspect of lighting.
