Reverse Lens
Oct 11, 2015 16:54:35 #
Not sure if this is accepted, but since I do not own a macro lens, a good one, I am doing something else to achieve the result. So I am currently using the cheaper, and a little harder way: Reversed Nikkor 55-200mm standard kit lens.
This is my first project made with a normal house spider "Tegenaria domestica" who was in my captivity for a week, in a nice big glass jar, with moss, leaves and some earth for his comfort. I fed him daily, and watched the hunting I provided for him as I was doing my best to catch the shots need it for this little project.
So here is my best result so far: A set of 5 shots, focus-stacked in Photoshop for a total sharpness of the entire spider.
This is my first project made with a normal house spider "Tegenaria domestica" who was in my captivity for a week, in a nice big glass jar, with moss, leaves and some earth for his comfort. I fed him daily, and watched the hunting I provided for him as I was doing my best to catch the shots need it for this little project.
So here is my best result so far: A set of 5 shots, focus-stacked in Photoshop for a total sharpness of the entire spider.
Oct 11, 2015 17:02:10 #
Reverse-mounting a lens is a time-tested method for macro-photography. You will find that reversing a PRIME lens will result in better images than a reversed zoom lens. Read more here:
FAQ: Differences between Reverse-Mounted and Stacked-Lenses for Macro-Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-90623-1.html
FAQ: Differences between Reverse-Mounted and Stacked-Lenses for Macro-Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-90623-1.html
Oct 11, 2015 17:10:31 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Thanx for the tip Nikonian72. I read about and became aware about the better result with prime lenses. It's a matter of time before getting one. Just too many lenses I want to buy and so little cash :)Reverse-mounting a lens is a time-tested method for macro-photography. You will find that reversing a PRIME lens will result in better images than a reversed zoom lens. Read more here:
FAQ: Differences between Reverse-Mounted and Stacked-Lenses for Macro-Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-90623-1.html
FAQ: Differences between Reverse-Mounted and Stacked-Lenses for Macro-Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-90623-1.html
Oct 11, 2015 17:12:23 #
Your image looks quite good on enlargement. Well done!
In the U.S., this spider is not commonly known as a "house spider". Better ID pending.
In the U.S., this spider is not commonly known as a "house spider". Better ID pending.
Oct 11, 2015 17:15:31 #
Thanx again Nikonian.
I was pretty amazed myself with the result.
I think this is proper species: Tegenaria domestica
I was pretty amazed myself with the result.
I think this is proper species: Tegenaria domestica
Oct 11, 2015 17:19:21 #
Oct 11, 2015 17:20:54 #
catalint wrote:
Straight manual 28-mm to 35-mm manual lenses work best for reverse-mounting. There are hundreds of these "older" design lenses available for reasonable prices.I read about and became aware about the better result with prime lenses. It's a matter of time before getting one. Just too many lenses I want to buy and so little cash :)
There is also a device for closing the lens' diaphragm (aperture) just before you take the photo, so you can focus wide-open, then instantly close-down for image capture. The Nikon BR-6 is pictured below.
Michael Shahan uses bellows with reversed lens, in the field. The second image is one of his field set-ups.
Nikon BR-6 + standard cable release
Michael Shanan's reversed-lens macro set-up & soft box illumination
Oct 11, 2015 17:23:46 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
I've just finished reading the link you provided me, and that BR-6 caught my attention. Now, I am using a little tape to lock the ring all the way wide open. Great article there. thanx again.There is also a device for closing the lens' diaphragm (aperture) just before you take the photo, so you can focus wide-open, then instantly close-down for image capture. The Nikon BR-6 is pictured below.
Oct 11, 2015 17:27:03 #
EnglishBrenda wrote:
Thank you, Brenda. This was a project that took me a while to get the hang of it. It's not that easy as I discovered. Learned a lot from this and was happy about the result myself. Too bad the winter is coming and I am suffering for candidates insects for further macro projects.I think you have done really well, a successful project.
Oct 11, 2015 17:28:58 #
catalint wrote:
Ah, yes! We call this a female Barn Funnel weaver: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tegenaria_domesticaI think this is proper species: Tegenaria domestica
Oct 11, 2015 17:35:26 #
Whether you use a reversed-lens or a proper macro lens, ILLUMINATION is key for best DoF (f/16) at a decent shutter duration (1/200-sec). Focus-stacking is usually best at f/5.6, so less critical on lighting. Never-the-less, consider obtaining a good speedlight. Look here (pages 4 through 6) for dozens of different combinations: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-4.html
And here for speedlight comparisons:
FAQ: Which Speedlight for Macro-Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-208134-1.html
And here for speedlight comparisons:
FAQ: Which Speedlight for Macro-Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-208134-1.html
Oct 11, 2015 17:50:51 #
Indeed light is essential on these projects.
I did experiment a lot with different lights and angles. But for this one , I was actually lucky enough with the bright sunny day, and a little more light from my fishing headlamp.
My problem is that I am doing photography like fishing. A big hobby where I invest a lot of money, but never earn anything besides satisfaction :D . But from the links you provided, I should get a speedlight anyway.
Thanx for all the good link. They are really handy. Learned a couple of thing already.
I did experiment a lot with different lights and angles. But for this one , I was actually lucky enough with the bright sunny day, and a little more light from my fishing headlamp.
My problem is that I am doing photography like fishing. A big hobby where I invest a lot of money, but never earn anything besides satisfaction :D . But from the links you provided, I should get a speedlight anyway.
Thanx for all the good link. They are really handy. Learned a couple of thing already.
Oct 11, 2015 17:55:57 #
catalint wrote:
We have more!Thanx for all the good link.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers Concerning Macro-Photography
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-36372-1.html
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (Several subjects)
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html
Oct 12, 2015 10:14:18 #
Oct 12, 2015 13:41:31 #
tinusbum wrote:
Thx Tinusbum - Indeed is a lot harder. For me it was (still is) my only choice and the cheapest way to have a look at the macro stuff. Think I paid like $3 for my ring. you did really good. To me, reversed-lens is way harder than a macro lens.
At first I thought it was just reverse the lens, shoot and bang, you have a macro. Until I tried it. I saw amazing good close-ups on the net with reverse lenses, but did not know that it involve post-processing. Got a fair deal of frustration in the the beginning, but I sat down and googled, and read more and more about it, until I understood what people are doing. And that's how i discovered focus-stacking. Once I understood that, it became much easier. The result gave me much pleasure and confidence that I can produce decent macro photos. I will invest in a good macro lens in the end, to simplify the process, but this experience is also good to have, and gives me the opportunity to do some macro while I have the chance.
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