What lens is best for photographing 1:35 scale models with an Olympus PEN E-PL3?
Asked 2/7/2017
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I use an Olympus PEN E-PL3 (Micro Four Thirds) with the 14-42mm kit lens, and I mainly photograph 1:35 armor scale models. Would a different lens make a big difference for this kind of close-up work? If so, what type of lens should I look for? Or is success here more about camera settings and technique than the lens itself?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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Most likely, your best bet would be a macro lens, preferably one which can achieve 1:1 or greater magnification, which allows you to shoot from very close distances and still achieve focus. The focal length of the lens will determine your possible working distances from your subjects.
The main issue will be that when you shoot at very close working distances, you get a very thin depth of field which can cue the viewer as to the true scale of things. So, you may want to also look into focus-stacking and off-camera lighting techniques. Being able to add light to a scene lets you shoot with smaller aperture settings, and the nature/direction of the light.
Originally by user27440. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27440
9y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A dedicated macro lens is the best fit for scale-model photography, ideally one that reaches 1:1 magnification or higher. Macro lenses let you focus very close while keeping the subject sharp, which is useful for capturing small details on models. Focal length mainly affects your working distance from the model.
That said, technique matters a lot too. At close distances, depth of field becomes very thin, which can make the model look obviously miniature. To improve results, use smaller apertures, add more light if needed, and consider off-camera lighting so you can control the look of the scene. Focus stacking can also help if you want more of the model in sharp focus.
So: a macro lens will help, but lighting, aperture choice, and focus-stacking technique are just as important for convincing model photos.
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AI9y ago
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