polarizer lens question

D

Dibbles

Messages
2
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi all,

I am a complete beginner and never done much photography before. I want to take decent photos of jewellery that I make. I am using my husband's camera which is a Nikon D60 with 18-55mm lens. I know that a macro lens for this type of camera is expensive and someone has suggested I buy a polarizer lens to try and cut out glare. I've briefly looked at these and see they range like x5 x8 up to x10 etc..... I have no idea which one to go for. Can someone explain it to me please?
 
i think what you are looking at is magnifier rings not polarizing filter? hence the x5/x8/x10 etc.
 
If this is for business, get a decent macro lens, maybe also an extension tube and claim it as a capital investment in your tax return.

Polarizer can be handy reducing glare, and pay a good attention to the lighting.
 
I'm afraid I can't afford a macro lens and it's not for business-not yet anyway.

Do I need a polarizer lens then or a magnifier ring? If a need a polarizer lens, which type do I go for, I noticed there are different ones?

Thanks for your help.
 
A polarizer cuts reflections and glare from glass and water.
A magnifying filter, magnifies the image.

What do you want to do, cut glare or magnify?

A polarsizer is a polarizer, it doesn't come in strengths.
 
Personally I wouldn't use the standard kit lens for macro photography. Macro needs detail and the kit lens wont bring it out.

As you are are doing macro photography you should be using a tripod so I would recommend an old manual focus lens. For less that £100 you should be able to get an old manual focus Vivitar 90mm F2.5 (also sold as Tamron 90mm F2.5, and Tokina 90mm F2.5). This attached to a £10 adapter would give you results as good as any modern lens for a lot less money.
 
For polarisers, you need a Circular Polarising (CPL) as the Linear ones affect DSLR autofocus. You probably want extension rings if you want to try out macro (assuming a DSLR).
 
I think you've been mislead about the polariser. Forget that.

To have a go at close ups of jewelry on a budget, get a Raynox DCR-150 adapter - 40 quid off Amazon. Or a DCR-250 if you want to go very close on small rings etc. Macro is not easy though - you may need lighting and a tripod.

17,000 images here taken with the DCR-250 http://www.flickr.com/groups/raynoxdcr250/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top