Confused with lenses

[RAP66]

I'm trying to find 2 different lenses for my D80.

I like building scale models and want to find a macro lense where I can get some nice close detail pix.

I also like taking scenery pix, so I'm looking for a super wide angle lense.

I've been looking and everytime I think I find a lense I get messed up in all the jargon and reviews etc etc.

Here are my current lenses:
Sigma 70-300 F4-5.6 DG Macro
Sigma 28-70 F2.8-4 DG
Tamaron 19-35 F3.5-4.5

Here are some of teh lenses I am looking at:

Nikon AF18-70 f3.5-4.5
Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6
Sigma AF 17-70 f2.8-4.5 Macro DC
Sigma 18-50 f2.8 ex dc macro
Tokina 12-24 f4 DX
Nikon 17-35 f2.8 ed-if af-s
Tamaron SP af11-18 f4-5.6

and I found these last nite:
Sigma super wide angle 17-70 f2.8-4.5 DC (i think this will for for the super wide/macro)
Sigma Macro 70 f2.8 ex dg

can you guys help me narrow this down and clear the confusion . I have some examples of the macro shots (but they dont belong to me, they are my friends) I'm not sure what he uses.

Thanks for your time

-Rich

[Tom Swaman]

Rich,

When you say "scale models, one must know the model size in order to be certain of the lens/lenses you need. Then, I would suggest you do some research on model and remote close-up photography. Most scale model photography is actually accomplished using relatively long focal length lenses and mirrors, preferably first surface mirrors and pellicle mirrors depending upon how the model needs to be lit for photography. By the way, these are very common techniques applied in the photography of architectural models so there is a lot of available material for your review. With that said, I suspect that you will seriously want to consider a 200mm macro lens, preferably the Nikkor f/4 lens. This is an excellent lens and it will give you much working distance. You must figure the compromise you must make between working distance and depth-of-field.

You actually may want to consider using bellows and/or extension tubes and a short mount lens. Done correctly, you can optimize among magnification, working distance and depth-of-field.

Without knowing more about your model sizes and scale and lighting needs, I would not begin to suggest a wide angle lens. However, once again, mirrors may offer you a very beneficial approach.

Finally, remember that perspective comes into play strongly in this kind of photography. You might want to define your limits of acceptable architectural distortion before going to far into the actual hardware purchases.

Best of success and I hope this gives you some help and ideas,
Tom

[cyclohexane]

When Sigma labels a zoom a "Macro", it means that something slightly more than 1:4 magnification is achieved, which is hardly in the macro realm. You're going to want different lenses for the two subjects.

[RAP66]

I typically work in 1/48 to 1/32 scale aircraft, and 200mm-1/6 scale figures. Here is an example of my friends work, he use a 35mm with a macro lense



He's also been a prof photographer since the 60s. Since he moved it's not very easy to contact him.

I tried using my sigma lense for similar picture and it didn't work very well, for me it was too clumsy & bulky, thats why I'd like to find a dedicated macro lense. Now if it's my camera settings then thats a whole different issue, I am still learning

Thanks
-Rich

[cyclohexane]

For 1/6 scale figures, you should back up some and use something in the realm of 50-70mm.

[Blinky]

Try long lenses with extension tubes so you can focus closer.

[EDIT]
I'm stupid, I read the last post thinking it was the first... ignore me.

[SgtDisturbed]

I recently sold my D50 along with my 18-70mm lens. Together, that system was perfect. Great shots, smooth-as-silk operation, silent operation, sharp image results, almost no lens flare, 3.5-4.5 instead of 3.5-5.6, which gives you a bit more light when zoomed which WILL make a difference in comparison.

I fell in love with my D50 and 18-70 set. I still miss it dearly.

Pair those two up and you will see what I mean. These are the pics I took using my D50 and 18-70 (they aren't as good as the original set as they are reduced in size and quality for faster uploads). These are only a fraction of the pics I had taken, but since my computer died and killed about 500 of my best pics, and these aren't really anywhere close to my best pics. These were quick shots, taken once without any reshots (except for the lightning, it took 300 free-hand shots during that particular T-storm to get one good lightning pic) : Picasa Web Albums - sgtdisturbed

[badpickev]

as stated for a macro, i would look at the sigma 70 or the nikon 60.

now for the other lenses

Nikon AF18-70 f3.5-4.5
Sigma AF 17-70 f2.8-4.5 Macro DC

both of these lenses do the same thing, they are just dx lenses fo your 28-70. The sigma is half a stop faster than the nikon.

Sigma 18-50 f2.8 ex dc macro
Nikon 17-35 f2.8 ed-if af-s

these 2 lenses were grouped because of f stop. the sigma is a constant apature lens of the above lenses. The nikon really would replace your tamron.

Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6
Tokina 12-24 f4 DX
Tamaron SP af11-18 f4-5.6

these three would give you that super wide, on a dx camera you have the equalivalent of a 15-30, 18-36, and 15.5-27.

[galladanb]

Here's my 2cents worth...

1.) I would look at getting a real macro, and not a zoom for
what you are trying to do. And maybe even a bellows!!!

2.) A VERY BIG SOLID and heavy TRIPOD is a must!!!

3.) I considered the Nikon 60MM Macro, but settled on a
Nikon 105 Macro, used for just about the same money at KEH.
I am not regreting it at all. I get 1:1 no problem now!!!!

4.) Macro is a whole new world, and you are fortunate as
most of your subjects are going to be very stationary.
Shooting a small bug on a tiny flower outside is always a
challenge, ESP if it's just a small breeze!!! (YIKES!!!!)

Good luck, man!!! Just keep shooting with what ever ya got!!!!