I want to phoograph diamonds for a web site. They need to appear on the site abot 10 times real size. I bought a 3+ filter but this was a waste of time and money. I got myself a camera book (I am a photo novice) and it would appear the only way I am going to get quality macro images is with a macro lense.
At this magnification... which would be at least 4x in film terms, there's little he can do without spending some money. I would vote for some bellows gear, or a macro lens with extension tubes. The biggest problem will be framing, focusing and getting enough DOF, and long exposures, I suspect the macrophoto stand + lighting table would be really nice. Otherwise a good tripod and the macro focus rail.
There is the cheaper alternative of attaching some 50mm reversed on 200mm lens. But that is cheaper only if you already own such lenses, otherwise it would be more convenient to get the FA 100/3.5 and some extension tubes. Or an used macro lens running at decent price, if he can find one.
I suspect the first experiments were with closeup diopters on a zoom lens. No way to get decent quality at very high magnification with this combination.
cheers, caveman
