Macro camera with 1" - aps-c sensor (Page 2): I believe that you will be both frustrated and disappointed. Macro-photography is much more difficult than just adapting a standard or...

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

JPL wrote:

What do you think about this idea?

I believe that you will be both frustrated and disappointed. Macro-photography is much more difficult than just adapting a standard or zoom lens with extension tubes, etc. If it were that easy, EVERY photographer would be doing it.

A zoom lens is like a station wagon (part car; part van). Putting knobby tires on a station wagon does not make an off-road vehicle, and using extension tubes with a standard or zoom lens does not equate to a macro set-up.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

JPL wrote:

I have been testing my theory on my Sony A7r. Had to use m39 lens and extension ring. Would this be acceptable for a $350 setup or do you have better ideas for me?

Your Sony A7r sensor is 35.9mm (1.5-inch) x 24mm (1-inch). Your toothpick is significantly longer than 1.5-inches, with space on both ends. Your posted image is a close-up, not a macro-photograph. Close-up photography is much easier than macro-photography, so if this format meets your expectations, then mission accomplished.

JPL

Nikonian72 wrote:

Your Sony A7r sensor is 35.9mm (1.5-inch) x 24mm (1-inch). Your toothpick is significantly longer than 1.5-inches, with space on both ends. Your posted image is a close-up, not a macro-photograph. Close-up photography is much easier than macro-photography, so if this format meets your expectations, then mission accomplished.

Yes, you are right about this. This is not macro, but close up. I have sent this sample to my client to ask if this is what he is looking for or if he wants to get closer to the subject, then we are soon in the macro category. But he knows nothing about photography so I have to make some samples for him to figure out what he wants :-P Sorry not to be more accurate about this from the beginning.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

JPL wrote:

.......what I am most interested in is a Sony A5000.....

Until I read this post I was going to recommend checking out Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras. That sounds like the most likely avenue to explore. (The A6000 seems to have many happy owners). I can't advise about macro lenses, but as Douglass points out, workarounds aren't going to give satisfactory results - unless close-up is good enough.

Allen McDonald Loc: Atlanta, GA

JPL wrote:

Hi. I was asked to find a good cheap camera for macro/close up photography. We are talking about a camera with good image quality and not too big in size or price. So what I am looking for is something with 1" sensor, m4/3 or aps-c. But not dslr, not even the most compact ones. Zoom is not important, low light capabilities are not important, fast focusing is not important. What matters is IQ, details and macro capabilities and low price.

Any advice to save my ass here :-D

iPhone 6.

JPL

Allen McDonald wrote:

iPhone 6.

I gave that one a thought. But the Iphone is twice as expensive as the Sony A5000 and the price difference alone is enough not to think about that anymore. But there are many better camera phones than the Iphone available at a much better price and that may be option #2 if the client thinks the Sony is more than he needs.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

[quote=JPL]Hi. I was asked to find a good cheap camera for macro/close up photography. We are talking about a camera with good image quality and not too big in size or price. So what I am looking for is something with 1" sensor, m4/3 or aps-c. But not dslr, not even the most compact ones. Zoom is not important, low light capabilities are not important, fast focusing is not important. What matters is IQ, details and macro capabilities and low price.

Any advice to save my ass here :-D[/qu

If you get desparate - Nikon Coolpix 990 - 3.3 MP and use pixel enlargement software if needed.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

Nikonian72 wrote:

I believe that you will be both frustrated and disappointed. Macro-photography is much more difficult than just adapting a standard or zoom lens with extension tubes, etc. If it were that easy, EVERY photographer would be doing it.

A zoom lens is like a station wagon (part car; part van). Putting knobby tires on a station wagon does not make an off-road vehicle, and using extension tubes with a standard or zoom lens does not equate to a macro set-up.

You are misguiding people about macro photography! You are saying that using true macro lens is the only way as macro photography, wrong!
People had been using extension tube, bellow, reversed lens, stacking lenses etc. for macro photo. for long time. You have just know how it works and how to set it up.

JPL

Well, now I have got respond from my client about my suggestion and he has decided to get the Sony A5000 with kit lens and also adapter, set of extension tubes and my old Industar 61 lens that I used for testing my theory.

So there is no need for more comments to help me find a gear for him, but you are welcome to continue the discussion of close up/macro photography and equipment here.

Thank you all again for your comments and ideas. ;)

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

While it's true that you can capture true macro images with the methods you mention, they are nowhere near as convenient & versatile as a true macro lens. I am one that has all of the items you mentioned, but given a choice, I'd opt for a true macro lens over any of the other methods...

wingclui44 wrote:

You are misguiding people about macro photography! You are saying that using true macro lens is the only way as macro photography, wrong!
People had been using extension tube, bellow, reversed lens, stacking lenses etc. for macro photo. for long time. You have just know how it works and how to set it up.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

JPL wrote:

Hi. I was asked to find a good cheap camera for macro/close up photography. We are talking about a camera with good image quality and not too big in size or price. So what I am looking for is something with 1" sensor, m4/3 or aps-c. But not dslr, not even the most compact ones. Zoom is not important, low light capabilities are not important, fast focusing is not important. What matters is IQ, details and macro capabilities and low price.

Any advice to save my ass here :-D

Lots of options. Regarding a 1" sensor: http://tomstirrphotography.com/category/animals/insect-photography

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Nikonian72 wrote:

I absolutely agree!
True macro lenses are made for APS-C and full frame cameras. 99% of all else is good only for close-up photography.

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_g_macro_30mm_f2_8_asph_mega_ois_review/

Or,

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-45-2p8-o20

...for starters. These work on any m43 body. A used 55mm Micro Nikkor on a cheap (or expensive SpeedBooster) adapter works on m43, too.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

Screamin Scott wrote:

While it's true that you can capture true macro images with the methods you mention, they are nowhere near as convenient & versatile as a true macro lens. I am one that has all of the items you mentioned, but given a choice, I'd opt for a true macro lens over any of the other methods...

Well that's your thought, when I go out for photo. op. if I am not planning for macro shoot, I will not bring the macro lens, not carrying an extra lens. But some times something just pops out that I need to take a macro shot, then I will miss the opportunity. What i do is bring with me the tiny reverse ring or the lens couple ring, even the extension ring, so I will be able to make the shot. That's convenient & veratile!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

wingclui44 wrote:

Well that's your thought, when I go out for photo. op. if I am not planning for macro shoot, I will not bring the macro lens, not carrying an extra lens. But some times something just pops out that I need to take a macro shot, then I will miss the opportunity. What i do is bring with me the tiny reverse ring or the lens couple ring, even the extension ring, so I will be able to make the shot. That's convenient & veratile!

A close up diopter lens/filter is even more convenient/versatile !

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

[quote=imagemeister]A close up diopter lens/filter is even more convenient/versatile ![/quote

You are right too!