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Light tent size
Jan 24, 2015 12:18:31 #
Catnlion
Loc: Arizona City, Arizona
I was looking to buy/build a light tent to start playing around with to see if I enjoy that type of photography. My question is about the size of tent to start out with. I would guess I don't a need 4x4 foot tent to take pictures of my wife's wedding ring. Yes it's small and I'm cheap, but that's a different post.
I'm thinking about rings, coins, flowers, maybe a Campbell soup can. So how much clearance do I need minimum and maximum around the object that has caught my interest? Is there anything that I really should have or avoid?
I'm thinking about rings, coins, flowers, maybe a Campbell soup can. So how much clearance do I need minimum and maximum around the object that has caught my interest? Is there anything that I really should have or avoid?
Jan 24, 2015 14:35:43 #
For small items, build a light box tent - google for a bunch of ideas - "diy lightbox"
Here is one link - easy to do and inexpensive ;)
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Inexpensive-Photography-Lightbox
Hope this gives you some ideas...
Here is one link - easy to do and inexpensive ;)
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Inexpensive-Photography-Lightbox
Hope this gives you some ideas...
Jan 24, 2015 14:48:24 #
Catnlion
Loc: Arizona City, Arizona
Shellback wrote:
For small items, build a light box tent - google for a bunch of ideas - "diy lightbox"
Here is one link - easy to do and inexpensive ;)
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Inexpensive-Photography-Lightbox
Hope this gives you some ideas...
Here is one link - easy to do and inexpensive ;)
http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Inexpensive-Photography-Lightbox
Hope this gives you some ideas...
Ideas on how to build one is not a problem. My question was mainly about size. That's the issue I don't see addressed.
Thanks
Jan 24, 2015 15:08:34 #
The size will be determined by the minimum focus distance of your lens.
What lens are you using?
What is the minimum focus distance?
Do you want to shoot from multiple angles without moving the object? If so, you will need to be able the move the camera around in the light box. (ie - diswasher sized box)
If you are will be shooting from one location and moving the object around, then you can use a smaller box. (a 3.0 cubic foot box or approx 20" x 20" x 20" - )
You could also try a medium packing box from Home Depot -
Hope this helps...
What lens are you using?
What is the minimum focus distance?
Do you want to shoot from multiple angles without moving the object? If so, you will need to be able the move the camera around in the light box. (ie - diswasher sized box)
If you are will be shooting from one location and moving the object around, then you can use a smaller box. (a 3.0 cubic foot box or approx 20" x 20" x 20" - )
You could also try a medium packing box from Home Depot -
Hope this helps...
Jan 24, 2015 15:32:33 #
Catnlion
Loc: Arizona City, Arizona
Shellback wrote:
The size will be determined by the minimum focus d... (show quote)
I'm shoot with a Nikon D5300 and a Nikon 85mm Macro lens. Most all of it will be shot using controlmynikon tethered to my laptop so I can see a large live view, make adjustments, and take the picture.
Everything I plan on shooting I will be able to arrange in the box. I can not foresee having to get the camera inside the box.
One of my biggest concern is having the object to close, or to far, from the sides and back to where I get some funky light on the object.
Jan 24, 2015 19:38:50 #
Testing will tell you what works and doesn't...
I would try a med size moving box to start with - adjust sizes from there -
I would not cut anything to perfect fit until I found the size that works for my items...
I would try a med size moving box to start with - adjust sizes from there -
I would not cut anything to perfect fit until I found the size that works for my items...
Jan 24, 2015 20:12:29 #
Catnlion wrote:
I was looking to buy/build a light tent to start p... (show quote)
If you like projects and your time is free by all means make one.
If not, try Amazon. They are available in multiple sizes and not very expensive...
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-30-Inch-Photo-Soft-Light/dp/B001TKCZVM/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1422148107&sr=8-15&keywords=light+tent
http://www.amazon.com/Neewer%C2%AE-Shooting-Diffusion-Backdrops-Photography/dp/B00GKGGICC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422148187&sr=8-1&keywords=light+tent
The lights come separately of course, but the whole rig isn't that much if you shop carefully...
My wife deals in antique jewelry, and 12"x12"x12" is our norm, although we have larger but hardly every use them.
The attached image used the small tent. It is a Canon FL 55mm F/1.2 manual focus lens (circa 1970) modified to a Canon EOS mount. The lens works like a dream, especially with Magic Lantern and trap focus. That's nothing to do with the tent of course!
Or on the other hand, a white sheet or pillow case and few wire coat hangers and a few mirrors could be coaxed into use.... :)
It probably depends how often you are likely to use it!
Check out Wedding Photography section of our forum.
Jan 25, 2015 06:01:56 #
Jan 25, 2015 09:38:58 #
24 x 24 x 24 inches, is the size most commercial boxes are. I've printed numerous backgrounds for folks, and it's almost always 24x24.
Jan 25, 2015 11:42:05 #
Catnlion wrote:
I was looking to buy/build a light tent to start p... (show quote)
I purchased one of these some years ago.
http://www.adorama.com/VRDSB1616.html
It's quite nice easy to carry and store. It's storage size is about that of a briefcase. Here's a photo of an exposure meter that I took using that setup.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-113454-1.html
--Bob
Jan 25, 2015 14:09:10 #
Catnlion wrote:
I was looking to buy/build a light tent to start p... (show quote)
Reasonably priced light boxes can be found online. I got one with a white background and 3 other backgrounds from LS PhotoStudio. It was very reasonably price and came with a carrier. Couldn't make anything as convenient and at a good price.
Check out Advice from the Pros section of our forum.
Jan 25, 2015 14:36:52 #
Catnlion wrote:
I was looking to buy/build a light tent to start p... (show quote)
Catnlion, here are a few suggestions on starting macro or close-up photography. One, you can bounce your light off the ceiling if it's white, low enough and your light source is strong enough. You can have longer exposures to compensate for a high ceiling or a less powerful light source. If you want to start with small subjects such as your wife's ring, a Styrofoam cup with the bottom cut out for the lens to see through will work just fine. See attached image. In the past, I made and used a 2' X 2' tent that was 36" high. I made it out of 1/8" steel rod and double matte Mylar available from a blueprint shop. I made it so one panel could be removed for access to the subject. Tents are easy to make. Just use a little imagination. Start small and have fun. Best, J. Goffe
Styrofoam cup tent
Jan 25, 2015 16:08:45 #
Catnlion
Loc: Arizona City, Arizona
the f/stops here wrote:
Catnlion, here are a few suggestions on starting m... (show quote)
I'm one of those people who when something looks interesting, or I start something new, study it to try to learn from others success and failures. I do have to say that I've never thought about using a cup like that. Being an OTR truck driver I end up with tons of them from the truck stops. While macro was something I was going to explore (read play with) while at home, the cup on white something could easily be done if I find something along the way.
Thanks for the idea.
Next great idea!
Jan 25, 2015 20:00:44 #
Jan 25, 2015 20:47:24 #
Catnlion
Loc: Arizona City, Arizona
Michael Hartley wrote:
Gallon milk jugs work too.
How would that be done?
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