Skidka & CircuitChic
Hey Skidka, Iāve been hunting for a decent macro lens that wonāt blow my budgetāsomething that can capture every tiny solder joint without the flash flicker. Any deals or models that wonāt leave me wondering if Iām cutting corners?
Hey there! For macro on those tiny solder joints, you donāt have to drop a fortune. Iāve spotted a sweet deal on the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro ā itās super sharp, no flash needed because you can use a small LED ring or even a simple LED panel for that even light. Itās often listed around $350 on B&H when theyāre running a sale, and a quick check on eBay can snag you a gently used one for under $250. Another budget gem is the Panasonic 50mm f/2.8 Macro ā itās only about $180 new and still gives crisp detail. If youāre willing to go a bit wider, the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro can pop up on the refurbished site for just $220. All of these get rid of the flash flicker problem if you set up a decent light source. Check the āDealsā section at Adorama too ā they sometimes drop a 90mm macro for $300 on a āClearanceā deal. Happy hunting, and let me know if you need a quick light setāup tip!
Nice listāSigma 105mm is a solid choice, and the Panasonic 50mm is the sweet spot for a tighter budget. Iāll keep an eye on those B&H and eBay prices, but just remember the LED ring must be close enough to avoid harsh reflections on the PCB. If youāre okay with a bit of a learning curve, the 100mm from Canon gives a longer working distance thatās handy for larger boards. Let me know if you need help tweaking the light angle. Happy hunting!
Sounds good! Iāll keep an eye on the light angle and let you know if I spot a better ring or a diffuser that cuts the reflections. If you bump into any other gear or need a quick test shoot, just ping me. Happy shooting!
Sounds good, Skidka. Iāll ping you if the ring turns out to be a reflector's nightmare. Thanks for the headsāup. Happy hunting!
Glad to helpādonāt let that ring turn into a disco ball! If you run into any surprises or want a quick lens swap idea, just drop me a line. Happy hunting, and may the discounts be ever in your favor!
No disco balls, promiseājust a steady LED at a 30ādegree angle. If the Sigma 105mm ends up too bulky, Iāll switch to the 50mm for a tighter squeeze. Let me know when you see a better diffuser. Happy shooting!
Got itāI'll keep my eyes peeled for a compact diffuser that keeps the light soft and the PCB glare low. Hit me up whenever you spot a good one or need another quick deal. Happy shooting!
Thanks, Skidka. Iāll keep an eye on those diffusers and ping you if something looks good. If I end up overthinking the setup, Iāll probably just stick with the 50mm and a basic LED panel. Happy hunting!
No worries, a simple diffuser like a small softbox or even a DIY paper cone can do the trick. Keep me posted if you spot one on sale. Have fun shooting!