jeff_ford Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>Need a very low distortion lens for copying artwork. Originals are generally A4 or A3, some smaller, some bigger.<br> Currently using a 100mm macro Sigma and the distortion is becoming very tiresome<br> Can anyone recommend an 85(ish) lens that will return square and true results?</p> <p>thanks</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_hooper1 Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>I purchased a Sigma 105mm f2.8 D Macro lens several years ago in order to photograph flat art with my Nikon F4 and the lens performed flawlessly, without any distortion. Are you sure you are perfectly centered, and perpendicular to the art work? It takes some time to set things up properly. I had the wall marked out, 45 degree lighting angles lines taped to the floor and a 20' perpendicular tape line from the wall for the position of my studio stand. I used to have a corner of my studio permanently set up to shoot flat art otherwise each assignment becomes very labor intensive. I also used sheets of Polaroid material over my strobes and lens to eliminate reflections especially from thick brush strokes.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_ford Posted March 21, 2010 Author Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>Yes, absolutely plumb, squared, centred. Its a pin cushion effect, not tapering. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hans_janssen Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>Try a trial of DxO 6, that has characteristiecs in it for correction of distortion of a lot of lens/camera combinations, even a fish eye comes out straight(not wanted).</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_earussi1 Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>According to this test the Sigma 105 macro has almost 0 distortion.<br> <a href="http://www.optyczne.pl/28.6-Test_obiektywu-Sigma_105_mm_f_2.8_EX_DG_Macro_Dystorsja.html">http://www.optyczne.pl/28.6-Test_obiektywu-Sigma_105_mm_f_2.8_EX_DG_Macro_Dystorsja.html</a><br> so unless you have a bad copy you're doing something wrong.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_hooper1 Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>I think you have a bad copy of the lens, Tony. Pin cushion effect is non existent in my lens. Is it under warranty?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>Focal length shouldn't really matter for flat artwork. How about an old MF 55mm f/2.8 or f/3.5 Micro-Nikkor. Dirt cheap, pin sharp and negligible distortion. Also computed for optimum performance at 10:1, which is almost ideal for A4 to 35mm.</p> <p>Most modern "macro" lens designs utilise front-group or internal focusing - not a good idea for low distortion at all focus settings.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_ford Posted March 21, 2010 Author Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>Thanks RJ</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>BTW, square and perpendicular setup is fairly painless if you use the technique of auto-collimation. Set a small mirror flat in the centre of the copyboard and line up the reflection of the lens with itself, dead centre in the viewfinder.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Currie Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>If you can't find a 55 macro, another possibility might be a 50/f2, considered at one time to be one of the better lenses in terms of linear distortion. You could put it on an extension tube if you need to get closer.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter_in_PA Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>+1 on the 55mm f3.5. Or the f2.8. Amazing. My f3.5 is tailor-made for this very purpose!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramon_v__california_ Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>i also use the 55mm f/3.5</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_murphy_photography Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 <p>I have a 55mm f/2.8 AIS Micro Nikkor that I have used for years on a copy stand. It is extremely sharp with negligible distortion. You can get the lens and PK-13 used but in excellent shape on Fleabay for $300 or less</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenjo Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 <p>Another recommendation for the 55mm f/3.5</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pictureted Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 <p>I'd use either the 55/2.8 macro, 50/2 or 60/2.8 AFS. All have worked well for me. I used the 50/2 until I could afford the 55/2.8 macro years ago. Now I use the 60/2.8 or the 55/2.8 with 60 being a bit quicker and easier and the 55/2.8 a little sharper at 1:2 and closer.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankeleveld Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 <p>And another vote for the 55mm f/3.5... Zero distortion, sharp as a tack, no CA, light, sturdy build... I love mine for this kind of work.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_ford Posted August 14, 2010 Author Share Posted August 14, 2010 <p>thanks to all that recommended the 55mm f3.5, I finally found a beauty......A joy compared to the Sigma</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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