Shooteasy

Hello all,

Hoping for some advise here. When I started into photography I wasn't sure what I would enjoy most so I bought an array of lenses to cover the spectrum. I now have a Nikon 10-24, nikon 35mm prime, a Tamron 24-70 and a Tamron 7-200. I have discovered I really enjoy taking photographs that show great detail, usually close up type of portraits or close up on everyday things. I usually use these for different screensavers. Not too exciting I know but I really enjoy the clean detail. So I have 2 questions for you:

1) My Tamrons have "iffy" areas for lack of a better word. Focus seems off sometime. I want to know if they may just need to be calibrated with a tap in to get to look as good as the 2 Nikon. Or should I trade them (usually at a loss I suspect) and get higher quality. For what its worth I really like the build and feel of the Tamrons, just want better results (could be my amateur skills also).

2) I am starting a business and will be offering some products online and will be taking pictures of them of course. So being that this is going to be the majority of my work, would I be better off with primes only? Or would what I have suffice once calibrated. I am not about having the latest and greatest, and hope not to have to buy more but get the best out of what I have. Will these Variable lenses do the trick? Is calibration required or recommended?

Rookie questions I know but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your reference to the Tamron lenses is a little vague. Are these their top-line f/2.8 VC G2 lenses, comparable to anything from Nikon or Canon? You also haven't said anything about your camera. Nor have you presented any examples of problems where actual images can be analyzed for potential areas for improvement in your technique with no change of equipment. If you're simply looking for confirmation from others to spend more of your money, you'll get plenty of them as it's all free to them. If you want to get the best of what you have, consider starting new individual threads for each lens / shooting situation and / or problem and ask for detailed help. Be sure to store an original, unprocessed JPEG file for download and analysis.

Shooteasy

Thanks, will do. Prefer not to spend the money and get the best out of what I have if possible.

Shooteasy

Also, they are the top of the line lenses , Camera s a D7200.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Start with your 'products on line' first rather than the camera and lens.
Product photography need a little kit like light boxes, studio lighting etc depending entirely upon the product....small stuff can be done in a light box but large stuff cannot be done with a single flash. Research this.
Speed of turnaround....ie Jpg not Raw (probably) A 'set up' that gives consistently great images...Take time to create a 'camera setting' or a tethering program to allow you to mix focal depths quickly.
You may not need to buy 'high end' lenses for what is probably a number of static subjects processed under a known stable lighting.

Search UHH and other sources for 'product photography' The Strobist is a good start.

good luck and have fun.....a business you enjoy doing has a greater chance of success.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Then honestly, you should be getting consistently excellent results and changing to Nikon's version of each lens will show most in your bank account. Looking forward to specific examples to help determine where the opportunities exist.

Shooteasy

Thanks again for the reply and solid advice. Took in the Tamrons and what I had failed to notice or identify was that they were front focusing? Thats what the person at the camera shop told me. He also told me that because I bought those there he could calibrate them with the tap-in console. Magic. Could tell right in the store that was the issue. Learning the hard way I guess. I will put some before and afters when I get a chance, this is a busy time of year for me. Best part is that it was FREE! No money spent on un-needed gear though I did pick up a light box and will start to practice some product photos tonite. Any advice on where to post them for advice on improvement? Thanks again.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This is great news! For analysis, there's a section on Photo Analysis, although the Photo Gallery would work as well. If you haven't visited all the available subsections, click the "All Sections" link below and see if there are any more of interest where you should subscribe.