So looking at all the great pictures here and taking more photos lately myself, what lenses are you guys using to take pics of your Transformers? I come from the Snowboarding/Skateboarding video world so when I got my NEX-5, I went for the 24mm (35 equiv.) wide angle lens (SEL16F28) and 18mm wide angle adapter (VCL-ECU1). Most my shots are taken without the adapter. I've had my eye on the 18-200mm lenses they have but haven't pulled the trigger yet, mainly because they are a bit to expensive for me to justify right now. I'd love to be able to more close-up detail shots than I've been able to get with my lenses. Some pics from my current setup: Please post some lens specs/models and samples of your pics!
I have a Sony NEX-3N with the kit lens (16-50mm). I actually have the SEL16F28 in my cart for several months now, but I can't pull the trigger just yet. How is it for toy photography? The f/2.8 aperture is tempting, but I usually shoot at the 35-50mm end with the kit lens to take out the background as much as possible. Here's a few shots I took today of my new CW Thundercracker Combiner Wars Thundercracker by Harvey Dent, on Flickr Combiner Wars Thundercracker by Harvey Dent, on Flickr Combiner Wars Thundercracker by Harvey Dent, on Flickr
I use Canon 5d mark 3 camera bodies with a couple of zoom L lenses and several new Sigma art primes. For example, the new Sigma 50mm taken with the slightly less new Sigma 35mm. The new Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art Lens Most of my transformers photography is done with a 24, 35 or 50mm prime. Occasionally I use a 70-200mm or a 100mm macro but not very often. I like to use a shallow depth of field from time to time. G1 Powermaster Doubledealer I seem to stick to 35mm and 50mm these days and for some reason I have a habit of using f/5.6 a lot as well. Masterpiece Skywarp
Nice! That's what I want to achieve and it seems around 50mm is all I will need which will save a ton of money compared to the 18-200 I want but I can't help but think I'll want the extra zoom for something. As for how the SEL16F28 is for toy photography, all the shots I posted above were taken with it except maybe a couple with the wide adapter attached. Man, it would be nice to have a bunch of prime lenses but I don't think I'm at the level to invest in a bunch of those over a zoom lens yet. How's the 100mm macro been? Any samples taken with it you want to share?
Sony make some fantastic camera hardware these days. I have been tempted by their stuff on a number of occasions. As for the 100mm macro... I don't use it much for figures but I have used it recently on Turbo Ejector and Maketoys Ripper. Warbotron's Turbo Ejector Maketoys Ripper
Thanks! I'm avoiding the superzooms (200mm) with the NEX series because the gigantic barrel kinda defeats the purpose of the compact body. I love being able to walk around and take pictures without lugging a camera bag, the 3N with the kit lens fits easily in a jacket pocket, or if I don't mind looking like a goof, it fits in my jeans' front pockets as well. That's the biggest draw of the SEL16F28 for me, with the pancake lens and wide angle, it's as big as a point-and-shoot and great for street/landscape shots. @Robotochan: I mentioned this in the Find That Transformer thread, but I'm going to repeat it here: I really love your pictures!
That is sweet! I might have to consider looking into a macro lens. And yeah, I've never been a fan of Sony since the old Walkman Days (I loved Aiwa but they were bought by Sony, lol) but I can't deny some of the products they make. Really sold on them from their camcorders I used for professional filming back in the day and their monitors have always been great. When I saw the NEX line of cameras come out and what they could do for the size, I couldn't resist.
Yeah, that's another reason I haven't gone for that big lens yet and my current setup is so easy to have just about anywhere. Just can't get the close detail I want sometimes. I also need to start using a tripod more often instead of being lazy which will help me use higher f stops.
@harveydent... Cheers dude, it's nice to get some positive feedback. I will get back into shooting figures again very soon. I have some new and interesting ideas that I want to try out.
This thread is better suited for Creative General Discussion, so here we are! Also, don't forget to check out our Photography section of Tutorials! http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/tutorials-how-tos/201900-table-contents-post7127206.html
