Ordering equipment for macro setup -- please critique before I order!

[phnoob]

I've been messing around with taking macro pictures for a few months now and have posted a few threads on here asking for advice. I think that to get really good pictures, I'm going to have to break down and purchase a good macro lens and the proper equipment. The pictures I need to take are product photos and as such need to look good. Based on advice I received on here, I've come up with the following setup I'm planning on purchasing (I've narrowed most things down to two options, so if you think one option is better than the other please say so, or also feel free to list an alternative!). As it's going to cost quite a bit, I would really appreciate feedback before I make the purchases. FYI, my camera is a Nikon D3000.

Tripod:

1 x $93.33: Amazon.com: Ravelli APGL4 New Professional 70" Tripod with Adjustable Pistol Grip Head and Heavy Duty Carry Bag: Electronics
OR
1 x $69.05: Amazon.com: Dolica AX680P104 68-Inch Proline Tripod and Pan Head: Electronics


Flash:
3 x $61.80: Amazon.com: Yongnuo YN-560 Speedlight Flash for Canon and Nikon: Electronics
OR
3 x $83.49: http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-560-Speedlight-Flash-Nikon/dp/B0079M711S/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1342992784&sr=1-2&keywords=flash


Lens:

1 x $450 (with rebate): http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF-90mm-2-8-Di/dp/B00021EE4U
OR
1 x $469.95: Amazon.com: Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo


Focusing Rail:

1 x $62.95: Amazon.com: Adorama Budget Macro Focusing Rail Set with 4 Way, Fine Control, Camera Focusing Rail for Macro Photography.: MP3 Players & Accessories


Light Box:

1 x $26.99: Amazon.com: CowboyStudio 24in Photo Soft Box Light Tent - 4 Chroma Key Backdrops: Camera & Photo


I need to be able to take pictures like the ones below:

Thanks for your advice!

 

[cgipson1]

That equipment will be capable of it.. now it will just take a lot of practice!

Those tripods are pretty low end, but will probably do you.... as long as you use a remote trigger (wireless or cabled) your choice!

 

[TheFantasticG]

Go with the Tamron. I say that having owned the Nikon and Tamron. Well, I guess if you aren't going to do anything other than product shots then it doesn't matter which one you pick up.

 

[cgipson1]

Go with the Tamron. I say that having owned the Nikon and Tamron. Well, I guess if you aren't going to do anything other than product shots then it doesn't matter which one you pick up.

hahaha.. I like that 85.. got some good shots with it, while I had it! But the tammy is a good lens, too!

 

[unpopular]

Make sure to order some extra macrofluid. While at these magnifications you don't need to worry so much about evaporation and degradation, at some point your lens will need to be topped off. It's better to be prepared, otherwise your lens could be irreparably damaged.

 

[TheFantasticG]

I was very dissatisfied with the bokeh and color rendition on the D90. So much so I sold it within three months of purchase.

 

[coastalconn]

I actually have the ravelli agpl4. That was the tripod in the quick demo I set up in the OPs other thread. It is a very solid heavy tripod and probably the best sub $100 tripod out there. It is not a travel tripod as it weighs like 9 pounds. It holds my gripped D300 with a Tamron 200-500 no problem at any angle. It would be rock solid with a D3000 and a macro lens....

I think you will need a set of these also since the D3000 does not have a built in flash commander. http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Trig...3184615&sr=1-10&keywords=remote+flash+trigger You will have to control the flashes manually. It will take a little practice. Others can chime in here but you might be able to get away with cheaper flashes since you will only use manual mode...

 

[phnoob]

Make sure to order some extra macrofluid. While at these magnifications you don't need to worry so much about evaporation and degradation, at some point your lens will need to be topped off. It's better to be prepared, otherwise your lens could be irreparably damaged.

Could you elaborate on that? I have no idea what you're talking about

I was very dissatisfied with the bokeh and color rendition on the D90. So much so I sold it within three months of purchase.

Are you referring to one of the lenses I linked to?

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Trigger-Receivers-SpeedLite-Olympus/dp/B003GVQ1J4/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1343184615&sr=1-10&keywords=remote+flash+trigger[/URL] You will have to control the flashes manually. It will take a little practice. Others can chime in here but you might be able to get away with cheaper flashes since you will only use manual mode...

By "manual," do you mean that I have to attempt to press the flash button and camera button at the exact same time?

 

[unpopular]

Every macro lens has a little door on the side, which you fill it with macrofluid, which cools the lens at high magnification. Without it, the lens would burst into flames, especially at very high magnification! So it is very vital that you keep the macrofluid topped off.

You will also need to do a macrofluid flush periodically, and the radiator should be checked occasionally for leaks. Leaks can be temporarily repaired with eggs and pepper.

 

[coastalconn]

I think K9P is the best macrofluid. If you can't find that try to find c3po or r2d2...

 

[cgipson1]

I actually have the ravelli agpl4. That was the tripod in the quick demo I set up in the OPs other thread. It is a very solid heavy tripod and probably the best sub $100 tripod out there. It is not a travel tripod as it weighs like 9 pounds. It holds my gripped D300 with a Tamron 200-500 no problem at any angle. It would be rock solid with a D3000 and a macro lens....

I think you will need a set of these also since the D3000 does not have a built in flash commander. http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Trig...3184615&sr=1-10&keywords=remote+flash+trigger You will have to control the flashes manually. It will take a little practice. Others can chime in here but you might be able to get away with cheaper flashes since you will only use manual mode...

All those flashes can be optically triggered by his on board flash.. or by one flash on a sync cord.

 

[cgipson1]

Comedians!!! lol!

 

[480sparky]

I think K9P is the best macrofluid. If you can't find that try to find c3po or r2d2...

Rockwell Automation makes the best macrofluid. They use it in their RetroEncabulator.

 

[Overread]

Looks like a pretty good list and if the tripod is as heavy as coastalconn says then it should be more than suitable. I would, however, suggest getting the tripod legs only and forgoing on the pistol grip head - they are good heads, but are very very tricky for macro work as they tend to suffer from droop (something you'll get in macro work with almost all ball heads that are not top of the range).

Instead I would suggest a manfrotto junior geared head. More expensive, but a fantastic head for macro work as it gives you the same fine controls that a focusing rail has in each of the 3 axis. Mounted to a solid set of legs and on a stable working surface (avoid carpet or soft wood floors - hard floors that won't move as you shift your weight are important) and you'll have a great setup for macro work like you've shown.





Also, the macro fluid - don't worry about the random dreams of mad people up way too late for their own good

 

[ZapoTeX]

By "manual," do you mean that I have to attempt to press the flash button and camera button at the exact same time?

Not sure whether it was a genuine question, but it did make me laugh
That's impossible, not even a ninja-photographer such as the child of Helmut Newton and Beatrix Kiddo from Kill Bill would be able to do that!

Triggering is always automatic. Manual refers to power setting. The contrary of Manual is TTL.

Ciao!