Lenses and Flashes for a D60

[John Rummel]

Hello,

I just recently purchased a D60, and I wanted to get some advice on types of lenses and flashes to use. My primary use of the camera will be photographing Museum collections and private collections of Native American Art and Objects (basically indoor shooting). I will need a lens/flash that will accomodate single items and large groups of items.

I know I will definitely need a macro lens for some detail work, but I would appreciate some suggestions on overall equipment.

Sincerely,
John Rummel

[robertwgross]

John, there are a few museums that will not allow flash photography. However, if you are past that, then can we assume that the subject material will be within a glass case, or within a glass frame?

Obviously, glass can be reflective, and you know not to shoot straight-on at glass using a camera-mounted flash.

In general, the flash of choice for a D60 is the Canon 550 EX. However, how you apply that to a bracket or something depends more on the subject and distances.

You probably are not concerned about other photographers shooting at nearly the same time, so that simplifies the job with slave flashes.

---Bob Gross---

[John Rummel]

Bob,

Thank you for the information. Most of my work will actually be in the collection facilities, and I will be physically handling the objects. The work will be primarily for my research, however, I am also putting the images on disc for the curators for their future use.
Fortunately, most of the objects will not be behind glass, but I just want to make sure I have the right lenses and flashes for the job.
Sincerely,
John Rummel

[robertwgross]

John, it sounds like the subject material is from one to ten feet away, and it is from one to three feet across. I think you are looking at a macro lens with a flash bracket to hang two external flash units a few feet apart.

That is not my specialty, so I will shut up and let others comment.

---Bob Gross---

[Longwatcher]

As has been mentioned already the 550EX flash is great, a pair is even better. As to lenses, I can't help with the macro lens, but the 16-35mm L series will probably work well for most of the subjects you will need to shoot, given the room you will probably have to shoot in.

Trivia: In high-school I had some experience working in the back regions of a paleontology museum, I remember the most exciting thing was getting into the back rooms of the Los Angeles museum of Natural History. So I have some idea of what you may be working with, if a bit dated.

[soumya63]

I would carry three lenses

Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM,
Canon 50mm f1.8
Canon 24mm f2.8

· 100mm macro is wonderful for razor sharp macro and normal shots from a distance.
· I would use 50mm to shoot medium sized objects like utensils, vases etc.
· For a collection of objects, I would use 24mm
· Lighting is the most difficult. For macro, I would advice to carry a ring light. Not only Canon, many third parties like Vivitar, also manufactures low cost affordable ring light. This will give you a shadow less macro illumination.
· You will also need two or three normal flash units. It is not necessary to buy 550EX. You have couple of other options like Metz, Sigma etc. If you use 550 or 420EX, be sure to use FEL to ensure proper exposure. Read manual about FEL and ETTL, otherwise you may have great problem in getting proper exposure.
· The other option is- use non-dedicated flashes like Sunpak or Vivitar in manual mode and use a flash meter to determine your exposure. This will give you guaranteed success in Flash photography. I use 3 Viviter 285HVs and Minolta IVF flash meter.
· Use reflectors to bounce off your flashes and use some Black velvet as backdrop of your subjects. Silver colored Car windshield shades makes excellent low cost reflectors.
· While shooting macro, use mirror lockup function of D30/60. This will ensure less camera vibration.
· A Canon remote release RS80N3 is also very helpful for macro photography.
· Lastly, buy a good tripod to support your camera and required number of light stands with Flash unit mounting brackets.

Obviously budget may not permit all those accessories. Use your judgment and wish you best of luck.

[John Rummel]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I will work on getting the equipment as time (and Money!) permits!lol The camera just arrived, so I have been looking it over and trying to keep out of my head how long it will take to pay my Credit Card off now!!!
Thanks again,

John Rummel

[Rudi]

John,

I am going to go against the tide, and suggest the Metz 54MZ-3 as the flash of choice! You can use it just like the 550EX (with E-TTL or fully manual), but you can also use it in auto-thyristor mode. Essentially, you will have the best of both worlds! :)

Granted, for what you are planning to do with it, E-TTL and FEL should be no hassle to you, as you should have plenty of time to set up the shot, BUT, if you ever plan on using the flash for event photography (such as weddings, kids' parties, etc.), you will be thankful that auto-thyristor is available on your flash! (I still don't understand why Canon did not include a thyristor sensor on their flashes - it would have cost them a whopping $5 or so on each flash!).

I put my money where my mouth is - I have purchased the Metz instead of the 550EX! I am now selling my 420EX, and will be getting other Metz flashes to compliment my collection (another 54MZ-3 and a 60CT-4, plus some slave sensors and stands and umbrellas - you know... a portable studio setup :) ).

As for lenses, I would go with the EF 20mm f/2.8 USM, the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and the 100mm f/2.8 Macro, plus a set of Kenko extension tubes (again, these are all lenses that I own myself). They should get you started. Depending on exactly what and how you shoot, one of the tilt-shift primes might also be a good investment in the future.

Hope this helps. :D