What Macro lens should I use for this???

I need to take some shots of some coins and stamps. I know that about half the coins have errors on them. They want me to shoot the coins and stamps so that they can see all the detail. That way they can show like the error coins and see the errors on the coins in great detail. They want this to get insurance on this collection.

What would be the macro lens I should use for this?
If you have this lens can you post a shot, so that I can see how good the detail is?

Any of the life-size-capable ones. In your case, working distance won't be important, so even the 60 EF-S will do the job. Only reason to not get the 50 f/2.5 is that it doesn't reach life-size without a separate adapter; you may need to get past 1/2 life-size. And none of the macros out there from Canon, Sigma, Tamron or Tokina are bad.

Jon wrote in post #2172188
the 60 EF-S will do the job. Only reason to not get the 50 f/2.5 is that it doesn't reach life-size without a separate adapter; you may need to get past 1/2 life-size. And none of the macros out there from Canon, Sigma, Tamron or Tokina are bad.

So if I get the 60 what would I need to get past 1/2 life-size. Would it be an Extender or a Tube?

The 60 will go to life-size. It's only the EF 50 f/2.5 of all the Canon macros that doesn't reach life-size. The 60, 100, and 180 all reach 1:1 unaided, as do Tamron's, Sigma's and Tokina's various offerings.

the 60 is already life-size so you are all set. i think that Jon is talking about the canon 50 f2.5 which is a macro lens but it can't do full life size without a special converter.

damn you Jon for typing so fast

:{)#

OK so the 60 will get me life size, that will show the errors on the coins with great detail?

I know Im being dumb. I just dont know how much detail will show. I just dont want to do the shots and then have to go back and redo.

another vote for the 60 given your situation.

yes it will. take a look at this link and you will be able to see what kind of focal length people are using for the kind of shooting you will be doing:

http://search.pbase.co​m/search?q=coins&begin​=20

pagefile wrote in post #2172306
OK so the 60 will get me life size, that will show the errors on the coins with great detail?

Lighting will be of much more importance than the lens. All macro lenses are pretty dang sharp and even a 'fake' macro at around 1:1.5 would still be very acceptable. You'll find that you really pull out the details with lighting.

The 60 will give you detail down to the slightest nick on the coin. Any of the other macros will probably do the same. Not sure how much detail you are after, but the 60 and the others will give you as detailed a picture as you're going to get.

nice link Blonde... i never knew Franklin wore an earring!
lol

Life-size means that the image captured on the sensor will be exactly the same size as the coin. When you enlarge that for people to view, the errors, blemishes, etc. should be quite evident.

dont forget youll need a great tripod for this, sorta like the Benbo Trekker2 I have for sale on ebay right now...lol

And make a good light tent... gonna need it.