Leon Chen , Jul 29, 2010; 10:27 a.m.
All right, I have got some Gundam toy model (not the 1:1 huge one! around 20cm high :)) and I want to take some picture of them. Just a very simple shots: no flash, handheld(which is quick and I really don't want to bother with tripod), more importantly, I don't want to back off some distance because there is not much room here, and I am glad to get very close to the model if there is enough light. And the cost the lower the better.
Of course, the lens should produce nice photo, which I believe is true for most Nikon micro lens.
I would like to pick from the new AFS G series, so the only problem is the focal length: 60mm, 85mm, 105mm. (The 200mm is too big and long for handheld, I would skip that for now).
To tell you the truth, now I grab my 50mm AFS F1.4 to take the shots, which produces a nice Bokeh and the size feels comfortable (although it is a bit smaller than I expected, see below). However, this lense is not a macro version so the minimal focus distance annoys me a lot, which means it could not produce a larger image.
I seriously want to grab a 60mm to do the job, could anyone give any comment? Or I can get a 85mm for better result and easy working distance, or, 105mm? (I doubt it, and it is more expensive)
Thanks!
Peter Hamm 
, Jul 29, 2010; 10:53 a.m.
handheld is a mistake. a tripod is the way to go.
I'd get the 60mm if it were me. For things that don't move it's fine.
Akira Sakamoto , Jul 29, 2010; 02:36 p.m.
If you need to work at 1:2 or closer for the details of the model, 85/3.5 would be more comfortable because it offers much longer (thus more) working distance than 60/2.8 in this range. VR would not be so helpful in such a close range, though.
JDM von Weinberg 
, Jul 29, 2010; 04:04 p.m.
For those as unclear as I was about who or what Gundam (ガンダムシリーズ) is or was, here's a link to the Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gundam). It's apparently some sort of Anime robot.
I'm guessing there are at least two types of people in this world : those who like anime and those who can't abide it.
Leon Chen , Jul 29, 2010; 08:04 p.m.
Thanks Akira. I think 85 would be nice, but just when I noticed Nikon 85/F3.5 is a DX lens, it doesn't seem the first choice for my D3... There is a 85mm micro shift lens, but it is super expensive... I guess I can just stick with 60mm.
JDM, thanks for the explanation. :D Actually, I am not a hot fan for Anime robot as others. This is my first Gundam for my birthday from my girlfriend. Then I realize it could be nice to take some picture out of it, posing it as a real person. I always like models (Cars, Airplanes, Tanks, etc.) so close-up photography really interests me a lot.
Please put some comments if you like model making as well!
Leslie Cheung 
, Jul 29, 2010; 09:55 p.m.
Geeez...no one has heard Gundam before? I used to watch it when I was a small kid back in the late 70's/early 80's. It was waaaaaaay ahead of its time. It was light years ahead of Gobots, Transformers and GI Joes...
Tommy Lee , Jul 29, 2010; 11:39 p.m.
You can save some money and get an old Nikon #0 (+1) close up lens (good for a Gundam three quarter portrait). Or a #1 (+2) for a half portrait. At that magnification with a 50/1.4 and a 3D subject like that, you have to look hard to tell the different from a macro lens. Just make sure it is at least set to f5.6 or smaller. Better still, a Nikon 3T (+1.5).
Stanley Spedowski 
, Jul 30, 2010; 12:15 a.m.
I would get a second hand 55mm f2.8 micro, they're cheap and good.
If you don't intend to use lighting or a tripod, you might want to look at getting a point and shoot camera. Some are very good, have tons of DOF and have wide-angle macro ability.
Tommy Lee , Jul 30, 2010; 02:07 a.m.
Now if you want a tight head shot, that is another story. Gundam has small head. You will need to shoot real macro. This one at around 2:1 with a reversed 28/2.8 AIS, hand held. I cheated and used a flash.
Gundam Tight Head Shot
Leon Chen , Jul 30, 2010; 10:35 a.m.
Thanks! I am glad here is Gundam Fans! :D
Well Nikon close-up filter would be a good idea, but I think it is quite hard to find one now... but worth a try!
