Glass Gems
Posted in Arts and Crafts on 08/19/2010 12:41 pm by adminGlass Gems
What is a good lens for Canon 50D for taking photos of gems and gemstones?
I assume one would need a macro lens, so which model (compatible with Canon 50D) is best?
Another related question, if the gems are behind a display glass in a museum, what lens and which model (compatible with Canon 50D) would be ideal? I went to a gem exhibit, and sadly most of my photos were crappy. 
My purpose is to create a gem website using all original photographs.
Your advice would be highly appreciated. Thank you very much.
A 50mm macro should do the job–depending on how much distance is between the gem and the glass case in which it’s contained. Last I checked, 50mm macros didn’t cost an arm and a leg. I use an old (non-autofocus) Nikkor 50mm Macro on my old but reliable D200 myself.
I’m sorry most of your images didn’t turn out as you had wanted them to. When you say “crappy”–were they out of focus? Were they blurry? If either/or were you shooting in automatic (program) mode? Were you getting reflection off the glass? Were you using a tripod or were you hand-holding the camera? Were you using a flash? All of these can affect the quality of the shot.
Generally speaking, when using a macro lens, you need to use a smaller aperture because the depth of field is very narrow to begin with, Furthermore, and depending on the ISO and/or lighting (especially indoors), you’ll have to use a slower shutter speed and a tripod. Proper focus and preventing camera shake is crucial for the environment and type of macro work you want to do.
Also–another thing to keep in mind is that a the purpose of a macro lens is to get up close and magnify small objects, so if the glass case limits how close you can get to the gems, a macro lens might not help you here. If so, camera shake, improper focusing, inaccurate exposure and/or color balance could be the culprits.
To summarize, here is the list of equipment you’ll need to do your gem photography:
- Macro Lens (provided you can get pretty close to the gems, despite the glass case)
- Tripod
- Polarizing filter (if unwanted glass reflection is an issue)
Notice that I didn’t include a flash here. Using a flash (either the built-in or hot shoe versions) will–more often than not–cause glare when shooting through glass cases, so I go with the ambient in these cases.
Finally–if you’re shooting in automatic mode–for either focusing or exposure (which I don’t recommend)–make use of your camera’s “autobracket” feature. Sometimes what looks acceptable in the digital preview can disappoint once it gets to the computer or lab.
Anyways–I hope this helps, and good luck to you.
How to Choose Glass for Glass Art : Using Glass Nuggets & Gems for Glass Art
|
|
50Pcs Amethyst Glass Abacus Gem Loose Bead 8x4mm,15 $1.81 |
|
|
50Pcs Black Glass Abacus Gem Loose Bead 8x4mm,B $1.11 |
|
|
p3309 8pcs Unique Design Fashion Murano Glass Oval Loose Bead Fit Bracelet Gem $0.85 |
|
|
40 Peppermint Blue Glass Marbles Gems Mosaic Tiles $4.49 |
|
|
144 Siam red ss20 Iron on 5mm glass Crystal Flatback Bead Hotfix Rhinestone 20ss $1.02 |
|
|
VINTAGE SWAROVSKI ARTICLE 4572 GLASS SAPPHIRE “HOPE REPLICA” GEM JEWEL s323 $3.99 |
|
|
50Pc Milky White Glass Abacus Gem Loose Bead 10x4mm,w $1.04 |
|
|
300pcs Clear Crystal Gem glass Loose Beads 4x3mm $0.98 |
|
|
50 Black Glass Gems Mosaic Tiles, Tile $3.86 |
|
|
300pcs 4mm Black Crystal Gem glass Loose Beads $0.99 |
|
|
50 Electric Blue Iridescent Glass Gems Mosaic Tiles $3.86 |
|
|
50 Opal Blue Glass Gems Mosaic Tiles, Tile $3.86 |
|
|
50 Periwinkle Glass Gems Mosaic Tiles, Tile $3.86 |
|
|
Mosaic Tile 3-D DOTS DOTS DOTS hp GLASS GEMS Tiles $4.20 |
|
|
50 Dark Frosted Green Glass Gems Mosaic Tiles, Tile $3.86 |
|
|
Acrylic Ice Cubes Square Shape, 2-Pound Bag $16.99 1 inch (2.5 cm) square Artificial Acrylic Plastic Ice Cubes. These Faux Plastic Ice Cubes are ideal for theatrical productions, photo shoots, or as display props. Each package of Artificial Acrylic Plastic Ice Cubes weighs 2 lb (.9 kg), and contains 40 ice cubes. Will not float. Hand wash…. |
|
|
Set of Three White Iron and Glass Cake Stands $103.09 Set of three – large is 11 diameter and 10.75 tall, 9.5 diameter and 8.5 tall, 8 diameter and 5.75 tall. White scroll metal frames. Clear glass inserts. Drop dangle accents. Beautiful addition to any table – casual or eleganttttt… |
|
|
Talisman Designs Stylish Stems Wine and Drink Charms $11.99 Transforms ordinary stemware into extraordinary stemware. Simply click on for stylish stems…. |
|
|
iPhone 4S Sparkling Glitter Vinyl Antenna Wrap for AT&T , Sprint, and Verizon – Sparkling Silver $9.99 Here at Kellokult, we love our iPhones, and the best thing about them is how every one is unique: everybody has a different combination of apps that change all the time. We thought, why cant we have the outside be just as unique and flexible? Designed for users who want their iPhone to stand out without weighing it down, Kellokult antenna wraps are the perfect highlight to the famous iPhone profil… |
|
|
AT&T iPhone 4 Sparkling Glitter Vinyl Antenna Wrap, Sparkling Silver $9.99 Here at Kellokult, we love our iPhones, and the best thing about them is how every one is unique: everybody has a different combination of apps that change all the time. We thought, why cant we have the outside be just as unique and flexible? Designed for users who want their iPhone to stand out without weighing it down, Kellokult antenna wraps are the perfect highlight to the famous iPhone profil… |
|
|
iPhone 4S Sparkling Glitter Vinyl Antenna Wrap for AT&T , Sprint, and Verizon – Sparkling Turquoise $9.99 Here at Kellokult, we love our iPhones, and the best thing about them is how every one is unique: everybody has a different combination of apps that change all the time. We thought, why cant we have the outside be just as unique and flexible? Designed for users who want their iPhone to stand out without weighing it down, Kellokult antenna wraps are the perfect highlight to the famous iPhone profil… |
|
|
Pro-Quality 20-Piece Diamond-Point Bit Set for Rotary Tool – Glass, Stone, Ceramic $1.10 Professional Quality, 1/8 in. Shank, 180 Grit. Includes 20 assorted shapes covered with diamond particles. All bits have 1/8 in. shanks and come in convienient plastic holder. Excellent for fine detail work, cutting, engraving, carving, touch-up and finishing. Use on wood, jade, ceramic, glass, hardened steel, semi-precious stones and other hard materials…. |
|
|
3M 8511 Particulate Sanding Respirator N95 with Valve, 10-Pack $13.05 Uniquely designed to help provide comfortable, reliable worker protection. Ideally suited for work settings that involve heat, humidity or long periods of wear. Workplace applications include grinding, sanding, sweeping, bagging and other dusty/hot operations. Features the 3M Cool Flow Exhalation Valve and adjustable M-noseclip to help provide a custom fit and secure seal…. |
|
|
SE Diamond Wheel Set 5PC DW13 1/8 Shank $1.98 With with Breathing Hole, Size 7/8 in., Arbor 1/8 in. Thickness 0.8mm with 1 Mandrel… |
|
|
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p HD Webcam – Black $37.50 Connect with clients and coworkers in HD720p HD widescreen sensorAuto focusTrueColor technology for bright and colorful videoClearFrame technology for smooth detailed video… |