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Snowflakes
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Jan 12, 2019 07:36:58   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Triggerhappy wrote:
I have a Nikon D7100. I would like to photograph some snowflakes. What lens do you guys recommend? (Without breaking the bank)
Thanks. Your advice is always good.


Old Nikon made 55mm micro lenses are relatively cheap and still very good performers.
Sell on Ebay for $50-60 and are very sharp and flat field for snowflakes.

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Jan 12, 2019 08:17:06   #
Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)
 
Triggerhappy wrote:
I have a Nikon D7100. I would like to photograph some snowflakes. What lens do you guys recommend? (Without breaking the bank)
Thanks. Your advice is always good.


Sounds like your looking for a Macro lens. I would suggest a used Nikon Macro AF 105 2.8D lens. I bought this lens from KEH for less then $400. Beautiful lens and works great on the D7100. Can also be used for a portrait lens or medium telephoto.

My $.01 worth, Hope this helps.

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Jan 12, 2019 08:17:44   #
Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
 
I had a board with a 'fine' navy blue velvet adhered and used to freeze it so that the flakes wouldn't melt. I then used a macro lens with my F2 Photomic... about 50 years back. An extension tube should work well. I've not tried it with digital.

Also used a tripod with a small lens aperture. Tripod had 'clip' type leg adjusters so could use it with mitts on.

Dik

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Jan 12, 2019 08:19:06   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
Triggerhappy wrote:
I have a Nikon D7100. I would like to photograph some snowflakes. What lens do you guys recommend? (Without breaking the bank)
Thanks. Your advice is always good.


This is the best you can do for the price. I still have mine and use it all the time. VERY, VERY, SHARP.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-AF-Micro-NIKKOR-60mm-f-2-8D-Lens-Pre-Owned-Good-Condition/113529709823?epid=99688962&hash=item1a6ee5e4ff:g:XCYAAOSwIApcMmcI:rk:2:pf:1&frcectupt=true

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Jan 12, 2019 09:22:14   #
Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley
 
billnikon wrote:



Yep, I have that lens too. It does very well on my D90. here is an example on what it can do.

Closeup of Iris Stamen
Closeup of Iris Stamen...
(Download)

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Jan 12, 2019 09:53:35   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-snowflakes-with-a-dslr/
https://www.slrlounge.com/breathtaking-snowflake-photography-done/
https://petapixel.com/2013/03/19/shooting-high-resolution-macro-photos-of-snowflakes/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcQkiMh8p7g

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Jan 12, 2019 09:56:14   #
Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida
 
Haydon wrote:
On a tangent, check out this guys "Snowflake a Day" work. Pretty amazing stuff using a Canon 1Dx Mark II and a MP-E65mm f/2.8. Not in your budget but really stunning to view.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/donkom/


Yes...his work is incredible...thank you

Jimbo

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Jan 12, 2019 10:02:40   #
tdekany Loc: Oregon
 
Haydon wrote:
On a tangent, check out this guys "Snowflake a Day" work. Pretty amazing stuff using a Canon 1Dx Mark II and a MP-E65mm f/2.8. Not in your budget but really stunning to view.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/donkom/


I just looked, but the info says that it is Panasonic m4/3 gear.

PS: I went back, “some” are shot with canon stuff.

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Jan 12, 2019 11:12:21   #
Pine Warbler
 
Wow!!!

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Jan 12, 2019 11:44:49   #
John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN
 
If your intent is to show the intricate hexagonal geometry of a snowflake, then at least a macro or even a magnifying lens, similar to a microscope. If your intent is to show a collection of snowflakes in some intriguing way, then a medium closeup lens might work.

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Jan 12, 2019 11:45:10   #
fetzler Loc: North West PA
 
See Don Komarechka.s web page . He is excellent and does things that I couldn't do.

https://skycrystals.ca/common-questions/

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Jan 12, 2019 12:21:39   #
Haydon
 
fetzler wrote:
See Don Komarechka.s web page . He is excellent and does things that I couldn't do.
https://skycrystals.ca/common-questions/


I posted his Flickr page earlier in this thread :)

tdekany wrote:
I just looked, but the info says that it is Panasonic m4/3 gear.

PS: I went back, “some” are shot with canon stuff.


Sorry Thomas, I should have included that as well. You're right.

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Jan 12, 2019 13:48:20   #
rdubreuil Loc: Dummer, NH USA
 
Triggerhappy wrote:
I don't have a macro lens and was wondering what lens I need to photograph/capture individual snowflakes.


Depending on you budget, macros can range from a couple hundred (used) to nearly 2000.00 new. For a couple hundred on an in good condition lens you can look at Nikkor Micro 60mm f/2.8, for a couple hundred more you can get into the 90 to 105mm range (Nikkor, Tamron, Sigma, Tokina, Venus Optics), a couple hundred more then you're into the 150mm range, and several hundred more your into the 180-200mm range.

All micro/macro lenses will give exceptional IQ and get you to 1:1 or greater image ratios. The longer the focal length the more working distance you will have from your subject, with live subjects the more distance the better, you're less apt to scare them away. If you don't have the budget for a macro lens for under $100 you can get a good set of extension tubes (Kenko, Panasonic etc.) and use your existing lenses, another option for using your existing lenses would be a reversing ring and a 35-50mm lens. Good luck, have fun and keep shooting.

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Jan 12, 2019 14:07:44   #
rdubreuil Loc: Dummer, NH USA
 
rdubreuil wrote:
Depending on you budget, macros can range from a couple hundred (used) to nearly 2000.00 new. For a couple hundred on an in good condition lens you can look at Nikkor Micro 60mm f/2.8, for a couple hundred more you can get into the 90 to 105mm range (Nikkor, Tamron, Sigma, Tokina, Venus Optics), a couple hundred more then you're into the 150mm range, and several hundred more your into the 180-200mm range.

All micro/macro lenses will give exceptional IQ and get you to 1:1 or greater image ratios. The longer the focal length the more working distance you will have from your subject, with live subjects the more distance the better, you're less apt to scare them away. If you don't have the budget for a macro lens for under $100 you can get a good set of extension tubes (Kenko, Panasonic etc.) and use your existing lenses, another option for using your existing lenses would be a reversing ring and a 35-50mm lens. Good luck, have fun and keep shooting.
Depending on you budget, macros can range from a c... (show quote)


Here are a few images ranging from 60mm through to 200mm.


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Jan 12, 2019 14:24:42   #
Dan Copeland Loc: Hamilton Ontario Canada
 
playing today with my Olympus and a Microscope


(Download)


(Download)

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