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Archive 2013 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

the solitaire
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p.2 #1 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

I own the AF-S 105 f2,8G VR micro Nikkor and for your photographic needs I�m afraid it�s not the right lens.

The AF-S 105 is a great short tele that can do macro photography in a pinch.

The downsides:
-Focus breathing While you try to get your focus on the mark your framing changes. This is horrible for a macro lens
-changing aperture while working in macro ranges
-VR. You don�t need it when you have the camera on a tripod and use flash/lighting
-AF-S. See VR
-AF hunts on low light, low contrast subjects
-Focus limiter has 2 settings only. Full and 0.5m-infinity. You�ll be using the Full setting most of the time which slows AF performance down.

The good:
-It�s awesome sharp
-Has very low distortion
-Has a negligible amount of vignetting/light fall-off
-Is sharp corner to corner
-It doesn�t have moving external parts except for the focus ring and VR and AF controls. No rotating filter thread, no extending lens barrel.

If you decide to buy the AF-S 105 f2,8G VR micro Nikkor you can make some pretty good photographs.

You could of course decide to save a lot of money and buy the AF 105 f2,8D micro Nikkor. Compared to the AF-S flavor it offers following benefits:

-No focus breathing. When you focus the lens will keep your framing
-Even less distortion
-Less vignetting/light fall-off
-Less problems with chromatic abberations
-It�s a lot smaller and about 1/3rd lighter then the AF-S lens
-Uses 52mm filters which are cheaper then 62mm filters

The downside

-Your camera needs an AF motor with driver pin (screwdriver). I don�t see it as a disadvantage but some do
-Slower AF then the AF-S lens
-Extends when focusing (filter thread does not rotate though)
-Slightly lower resolution

On to the Sigma. What does it offer and what do I pay for that?

The Sigma gives you 70mm of additional working distance at 1:1 magnification, lower resolution then the AF-S lens and an even bigger 72mm filter thread. It also does not give you a better focus limiter and it also suffers from focus breathing.

The good thing about the Sigma, it comes with a tripod mount.

The Zeiss. The Zeiss does not give you 1:1 magnification. Might not be that big an issue for jewelry though, plus a PN-11 macro ring should give you 1:1 magnification. It has a freaky 67mm filter thread, no AF so no limiter needed.

Smallest lens of the bunch but I would rather buy a Nikon 105 f2,8 Ai-S for 1/5th of the cost, have 1:2 magnification, markings on the lens for use with the PN-11 and 1:1 magnification, 52mm filter thread and a nice classy coat of enamel rather then the cheapish paint used on the Zeiss lenses.

On a D800E you might actually be able to see the benefits of the AF-S lens, but you�ll also see the CA that lens produces (red rather then the more common purple/blue). Personally, for pure macro work I�d opt for the AF-D lens instead, despite the slower AF performance and lower resolution.

Dec 03, 2013 at 01:35 PM

rkgatteleport
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p.2 #2 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

LeifG wrote:
The 105mm F2.8 AFD is another option, excellent optics, but avoid F16. Personally I would avoid a 150mm lens, you might find too much working distance, and end up at the edge of the room. It depends on the size of the items of course.

Lighting wise, the Nikon macro flash is excellent, and you can also use an on camera flash with a plastic diffuser, as I am sure you know.

As you clearly know that lens should not show much CA. I have both versions - AFS, and AF - and I have never seen CA in 20...Show more →

Dec 03, 2013 at 01:36 PM

rkgatteleport
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p.2 #3 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

Hi,

Yeah, that's why the 60 is going back - Unfortunately in my main application for the lens I'm effectively using the D800's images at 100% (the items are VERY contrasty, and you actually can see the detail loss when they are downsized, the CA sticks out like a sort thumb, etc). I put up some test images for the repair guys if they care. Again, I'd prefer to use other methods to get around these issues, but....

The first is a test image I use a lot to check for big stuff like bad corners - you'll note the upper right corner (and I actually need the corners - see below) is a bit softer than the other three:

test chart

On the CA issue, the next two are un-tweaked/sharpened crops of something I was shooting - the first is the 60, and the second is a 50mm f/1.8D for comparison. If you look along the back edge of the piece, you can see the difference in CA - there's also some subtle stuff like the color of the tang has changed slightly because of the CA off of all of the edges on it, etc. but that's not an issue in print in this case (downsizing is sometimes your friend).

test item with 60mm lens

And here's one shot with a 50mm f/1.8D for comparison - Its not as contrasty, but the CA is small enough that I can get away w/o heroic measures to remove it and interestingly,with careful sharpening, you can pull up the detail so its about the same as the 60.

same item shot with 50mm f/1.8d

Again, this particular application is kind of a lens torture test, but I have run into similar issues with jewelry in the past as well, depending on what the client wanted the piece to look like. In most other applications, its nowhere near as important (and obviously w/ lower resolution cameras, this is kind of a non-issue - it seems like this step up 36 megapixels is kind of a "bridge too far" for most of the existing 35mm slr lenses - all that stuff you were blissfully unaware of is now in your face...).

Best,

rkg
(Richard George)
EDIT: I forgot to use links to the images initially - sorry about that.

LeifG wrote:
The 105mm F2.8 AFD is another option, excellent optics, but avoid F16. Personally I would avoid a 150mm lens, you might find too much working distance, and end up at the edge of the room. It depends on the size of the items of course.

Lighting wise, the Nikon macro flash is excellent, and you can also use an on camera flash with a plastic diffuser, as I am sure you know.

As you clearly know that lens should not show much CA. I have both versions - AFS, and AF - and I have never seen CA in 20...Show more →

Dec 03, 2013 at 02:34 PM

davidnholtjr
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p.2 #4 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

For jewelry I'm going to say the Nikon 60G is the one to get. Super sharp lens.

Orlov wrote:
I just purchased a d800e and wanted to get your opinions on macro lenses for use in jewelry photography. I photograph a lot if smaller gold pins and chains and some diamond pendants and necklaces as well. Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

Some of the ones I have been looking at are the 105vr Nikon, the 150 sigma, and then the slightly out of my price range Zeiss 100mm f2

Dec 03, 2013 at 02:38 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.2 #5 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

Not everyone agrees on everything (I've found the Sigma 150 to be sharper than the 105VR at all stops, but both are excellent and I don't discount others' experiences), but there's a lot of good info here about key differences between macro lenses. Some of those differences are subtle, but very important for dedicated use.

The focus breathing thing is very important, and should be considered. As macro lenses have increasingly been adopted as general purpose short teles, there's likely been a strong incentive to make them handle better in everyday (non-macro) use. Internal focusing is one of those compromises -- it keeps the barrel length consistent, which means both better handling and better weather/dust sealing. It also means that the lens has to be in some sense vari-focal -- that's how it achieves such close focusing without lots of barrel extension. The result is a more generally useful lens, but one which is more of a hassle for macro shooting.

As much as I love the Sigma 150, I'd still be inclined toward something that is more specifically oriented around macro shooting. The 105/2.8 AIS plus a PN-11 collar is a very solid choice, and inexpensive. If money is somewhat tight, it would leave more room for lighting and support gear (a good tripod, head, and appropriate rails will make this job a lot less painful). With an unlimited budget and room for a longer learning curve, I'd still seriously consider a PC lens, which will reduce your need to do focus stacking for depth of field.

Dec 03, 2013 at 03:37 PM

sjms
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p.2 #6 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

I think these answers should include an image of what can be done with the lens being suggested.

Edited on Dec 04, 2013 at 07:55 AM · View previous versions

Dec 03, 2013 at 11:08 PM

ytwong
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p.2 #7 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

I 'd choose a T/S lens. Able to tile for MORE DOF is quite useful for this kind of application.

Dec 03, 2013 at 11:17 PM

JBPhotog
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p.2 #8 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

Jewellery? An 85mm f2.8 PC no need for the E version if you can still find one, used maybe. Optically they are identical just Nano on the E version.

Also, get yourself a focus rail or at least a couple of slide rails so minute adjustments to camera placement can be achieved without moving the legs. You are gonna need some rather serious lighting too, shooting shiny reflective items doesn't come cheap.

Dec 04, 2013 at 02:18 PM

Cliff_g26
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p.2 #9 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

To take advantage of the D800's resolving power I would recommend the Nikon 200mm f/4 Micro lens. It's an excellent lens, and the extra working distance is very useful

Dec 06, 2013 at 10:11 PM

diamondsdr47
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p.2 #10 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

I'd say there is none "best lens for shooting jewelry" most 1:1 macro lenses are fine, a good start Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G work with it, then if you feel you need something longer you can try other ones...

Dec 06, 2013 at 11:09 PM

pbraymond
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p.2 #11 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

JBPhotog wrote:
Jewellery? An 85mm f2.8 PC no need for the E version if you can still find one, used maybe. Optically they are identical just Nano on the E version.

Also, get yourself a focus rail or at least a couple of slide rails so minute adjustments to camera placement can be achieved without moving the legs. You are gonna need some rather serious lighting too, shooting shiny reflective items doesn't come cheap.

Reading and thinking a little more, +100 to this advice. The Tilt on the PC version would definitely be very beneficial for shooting jewelry.

Dec 06, 2013 at 11:43 PM

gugs
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p.2 #12 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

pbraymond wrote:
Reading and thinking a little more, +100 to this advice. The Tilt on the PC version would definitely be very beneficial for shooting jewelry.
+1

Guy

Dec 07, 2013 at 04:59 AM

playerofwar
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p.2 #13 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

105mm + 60mm.
Both are tacksharp up to f/22.
I would actually prefer a 60mm when doing larger stuff like necklaces, bracelets. And use the 105mm for rings, diamonds,...
I currently use 105mm VR and 55mm macro's with great results. (not for jewelry though, but also stuff comparable in size). The 85 PC is amazing to work with, but becomes a bit less sharp (just like every PC lens) when using the tilt/shift function because the light won't hit the sensor dead-on and thus can give some nasty colours/contrast/CA. When not used to the extreme tilt/shift, it is one of the best macro-lenses currently available for use on tripod.

Personally I don't like to work at large distances, if you want to shoot something straight I need more than 2 meters working distance high. Medium macro is ideal IMO for static subjects.

Dec 07, 2013 at 06:44 AM

hdavid
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p.2 #14 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

For flexibility, the 70-180mm cannot be beat. Great lens. I use it 90% of the time on all my table top photos.

Dec 07, 2013 at 12:31 PM

sjms
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p.2 #15 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

its DOF control is somewhat limited at f4.5-f5.6 and it is a front end mover. almost went for it back in 2004. kind of glad i passed on it.

Dec 07, 2013 at 01:04 PM

nolaguy
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p.2 #16 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

I use Nikon's VR Micro 105 to great satisfaction but many of the lenses mentioned would be just fine. Assuming crisp focus and adequate depth of field, with jewelry the question is more of the lighting, environment, reflections and favorable handling of gemstones.

Polished metal is nothing more or less than a mirror with a slight color cast. Pay attention to what the metal is seeing and projecting into your lens. The classic solution is a lightbox of some sort to try to eliminate reflections of the environment but that often creates a non-descript quality. Sometimes it works well to lightbox with the addition of a dark element within the box to provide a visual cue.

More importantly, the faceting, proportions and refractive index of diamonds and gemstones dance in completely different ways when the angles are adjusted even a fraction of a degree. Play with it and find the most interesting option within your acceptable range of positioning. When photographing diamonds and gems, this, more than anything else, will liven or deaden your shot.

In post, metal often looks more seductive when buttery, but gems almost always benefit from sharpening and saturation. Layer, mask and adjust. With diamonds, look for those glints of color their prismatic nature naturally creates and bump a bit.

Occasionally some center gems are so lifeless very little is happening to light as it passes through them and they can be dull or dark. In such cases it may help to trim and place a bit of white paper within the setting behind the gem to brighten it.

Hope this helps,

Chuck

Dec 07, 2013 at 01:04 PM

sjms
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p.2 #17 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

the MK Gem Box
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/885290-REG/MK_Digital_Direct_72998_Gem_eBox_Basic_System.html

what ever you use you need to give yourself enough room for the proper lighting which is dependent on what
you are shooting. that is all axis

Dec 07, 2013 at 01:11 PM

Mark_L
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p.2 #18 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

Sigma 180mm macro, it is one of the sharpest lenses out there. If you are stopping down to f/16 though, it probably doesn't matter too much which lens you use sharpnesswise - look at halicon focus and the like for focus stacking.

Dec 07, 2013 at 01:45 PM

Cliff_g26
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p.2 #19 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

I agree with hdavid. I also use the 70-180mm Micro Zoom for most of my tabletop shots. It's a great lens. It's no longer being made, and I believe it sells for more used than it used to sell for new.

Dec 07, 2013 at 03:16 PM

azbill
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p.2 #20 · Best macro lens for jewelry photography?

No mention of the Nikkor 200mm f/4 Micro?
A little long, but tack sharp.

Dec 07, 2013 at 03:23 PM

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