Close ups: I want to take a picture of a picture in order to digitize it. In order to do this, I need to take a very closeup shot. What extension tube size and lens would I use. I have...

oldrunner

I want to take a picture of a picture in order to digitize it. In order to do this, I need to take a very closeup shot.
What extension tube size and lens would I use. I have a D500, a 28-80, an 80-400, a 200-500, and a 10-24.
The picture I am trying to copy is a 4x6.
Thanks for any info you can give me.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

When you tested each of these configurations, which gave you the best result?

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

Better to use a fixed focal length lens than a zoom IMHO. I use a scanner mostly though.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

oldrunner wrote:

I want to take a picture of a picture in order to digitize it. In order to do this, I need to take a very closeup shot.
What extension tube size and lens would I use. I have a D500, a 28-80, an 80-400, a 200-500, and a 10-24.
The picture I am trying to copy is a 4x6.
Thanks for any info you can give me.

I had a bunch of old 4X6 prints. I gave up on trying to photograph them and used a flatbed scanner instead. Much better.

BebuLamar

Use the 28-80mm lens. Zoom to about 80mm. Try to get as close as you can. You won't be able to fill the frame with a 4x6 but you can crop and still have sufficient resolution for such job.
If you have to buy anything even if it's a close up lens of extension tub then it's better to buy a cheap scanner.

mcmama

I scanned also. I scanned a photograph of an original painting my aunt had. I then edited it and a 16x20 print is hanging in my house. It turned out beautifully.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I scan all my old prints.
I can set the scanner to "enlarge" when it scans, which I usually set to 2x. Wallets I scan at 3x.
The only time I shot with a camera was copying pictures from my high school yearbook, because it would not easily fit on the scanner.

oldrunner

I don't have an extension tube. I am trying to figure out which one to get.
I know a scanner would work, I am trying to avoid that expense.

BebuLamar

oldrunner wrote:

I don't have an extension tube. I am trying to figure out which one to get.
I know a scanner would work, I am trying to avoid that expense.

x

It's difficult to find an extension tube that works for your job. Once the extension tube is installed it makes the focusing range of the focusing ring very limited. So the extension tube must be picked to provide very close to the magnification you need.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

oldrunner wrote:

I don't have an extension tube. I am trying to figure out which one to get.
I know a scanner would work, I am trying to avoid that expense.

Ahh.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

oldrunner wrote:

I want to take a picture of a picture in order to digitize it. In order to do this, I need to take a very closeup shot.
What extension tube size and lens would I use. I have a D500, a 28-80, an 80-400, a 200-500, and a 10-24.
The picture I am trying to copy is a 4x6.
Thanks for any info you can give me.

With your 28-80 set at 50mm, an 8mm tube (Nikon PK-11a) will get you close. Leave the lens at infinity, fine tune your framing with the zoom, focus by moving the camera.
Note: See what others have said about image quality, particularly edge definition. Only you know what is good enough for you. Good luck!

chulster

A D500 and a 28-80mm? What an odd pairing. The best, most-expensive DX body with the cheapest full-frame lens Nikon ever made.

I'm not criticizing, though. I've bought many cheap, decades-old lenses to try for fun on my relatively new camera.

Too bad you don't have a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 or 105mm f/4. THAT would do well as a copy lens.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

oldrunner wrote:

I want to take a picture of a picture in order to digitize it. In order to do this, I need to take a very closeup shot.
What extension tube size and lens would I use. I have a D500, a 28-80, an 80-400, a 200-500, and a 10-24.
The picture I am trying to copy is a 4x6.
Thanks for any info you can give me.

I don't think any of the lenses you have can focus close enough on a 4x6 picture. A macro lens would be perfect. For coping 4x6 photos I use a 60mm micro nikkor.

w00dy4012 Loc: Thalia, East Virginia

oldrunner wrote:

I want to take a picture of a picture in order to digitize it. In order to do this, I need to take a very closeup shot.
What extension tube size and lens would I use. I have a D500, a 28-80, an 80-400, a 200-500, and a 10-24.
The picture I am trying to copy is a 4x6.
Thanks for any info you can give me.

Take the image to a major drugstore such as Walgreens or CVS. Most are able to scan prints, as far as I know. Have them make a print. It's cheaper than buying an extension tube.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

oldrunner wrote:

I want to take a picture of a picture in order to digitize it. In order to do this, I need to take a very closeup shot.
What extension tube size and lens would I use. I have a D500, a 28-80, an 80-400, a 200-500, and a 10-24.
The picture I am trying to copy is a 4x6.
Thanks for any info you can give me.

With digital you can experiment and see the result right away. If you want a 4X6 your aspect ratio should be 3:2.
Personally, I would scan it, much better results.
A macro lens is best also. Extension tubes tend to have a very shallow depth of field, if your camera is not exactly right, or not stopped down far enough, one side of the photo may be out of focus. A copy stand is also recommended or a tripod that will allow you to reverse the center post.
The 28-80 and 10-24 may be your best options.
You may also find the following helpful.
https://shuttermuse.com/ultimate-guide-to-extension-tubes/