Advice on Jewellery macro lens

[felixcanon5d]

Sorry if this is a daft question, I have been reading loads about the lenses on the forums, thought i'd see if someone had the practical experience.

I am about to purchase a 5d Mk II and am looking to get one of the bundled lenses or try and do a deal with the supplier, I have also been asked by some friends if I will take some high res photos of their Jewellery (they make and sell Jewellery), quality is important as they sell custom pieces in their shops, the photos will be used on their web site as well as going to print, either in a brochure or max of A3 size photo.

If anyone can help my questions are:

1. Is there anyone out there who has done some jewellery photography, if so what lens would you recommend for the 5d mkII?

2. I was also thinking of getting the 24-70mm as opposed to the 24-105 lens as a bundled lens with the camera, would the 24-70mm lens with the full frame camera deliver macro quality close ups or should I look at maybe trying to get the 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM as a bundled lens.

thanks for any replies

david

[themadman]

The 5D2 will be a GREAT camera for jewelry photography.

The 24-70 will deliver good photos, but you may want some extension tubes so you can get close enough.

[LLBNY]

I use the 50mm(1:1) and the 100mm macro. That should cover your need.
Don't forget that the majority of the pieces are not so perfect when magnified.

[EOlsenPhoto]

These were shot with the plain ol' 28-135mm. I usually use the 70-200 f/4, but really liked what I was getting with the 28-135 this time.
PS these are with a 50D, Full frame should be a plus

http://www.eolsenphoto.com/bloggorama/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_6409.jpg

http://www.eolsenphoto.com/bloggorama/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_6414.jpg

http://www.eolsenphoto.com/bloggorama/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/IMG_6426.jpg

Here is basically the setup. Don't even think of stealing my Lightning bag 3002, it is patented.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CFNhTOkh14o/S4df2u9zlqI/AAAAAAAAAEs/o9pnOqEmJIo/s800/IMG_6397.jpg

I have toyed with the idea of renting a macro L next time I do this. I think it would make certain things easier. Jewelry has been a crazy learning curve for me. It is a bit fun. But the guy I shoot for does some amazing work so that makes some stuff easy. http://www.oldwaydesign.com

Erik

[tim]

Lighting is more important than the lens. Canon 100mm F2.8 macro (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) is a great lens. Next you'll need off camera lighting and a diffuser for most of your lights. Google will have plenty of articles to help you out.

[felixcanon5d]

thanks all for comments, I have found some good tutorials of photographing jewellerey and as mentioned lighting is a main factor, along with background and reflection so this should be an interesting project.
When I've done I'll post some shots.

david