A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Earlier this year I bought a used Canon TV Lens, 15-150mm – f2.8 from the local Co-Op. I had read the TV lens were exceptionally sharp and contained high grade glass, fluorite in most cases. So I took a chance, shelled out $30 with the intention of reverse mounting it. Spring came and it was off to the fields, the TV lens project on hold.

Lately I’ve been ramping up for the fall/winter field macro slow down by working on my stacking rig. I ordered step-down rings for the lens, built a plexiglass support and removed the focus motor (shot). We had heavy rains on Friday and Saturday so there was plenty of time to hook everything up and do some initial tests. Results are encouraging and I think I am going to be able to squeeze 8:1 with a working distance of ~ 23mm out of the setup. As time permits I’ll start doing some simple stacks and posting results. Below is a picture of the rig and uncropped shots of the magnification using a metric (mm) scale. Magnifications range from 4.5:1 to 18:1.

The Rig – Setup for Horizontal Shooting. NRC Stand and AeroTech Linear Slide on Left for vertical stacking (with shorter setups) and Brinkmann micro manipulator in the center for positioning subject on x,y,z, and forward pitch.


150mm – f5.6 - 8mm across frame ~ 4.5:1 – Working Distance 56mm – Vingetting and distortion on the edge. CA on the lettering in the center. Good example of how zooms are compromised when fully extended, albeit I’m pushing it.


100mm – f5.6 - 7mm across frame ~5:1 – Working Distance 34.5mm – Vingetting and distortion clean up. A poor man’s MP-E?


50mm – f4.0 – 6mm across frame ~ 6:1 – Working Distance 26.5mm – Looking good.


25mm – f2.8 – 4mm across frame ~ 9:1 – Working Distance 21.5mm – loss of contrast and slight distortion in the center, lens shows it’s weakness wide open or diffraction, probably the latter.


15mm – f2.8 – 3mm across frame ~ 12:1 – Working Distance 19mm, loss of contrast and strong distortion in the center


15mm – f2.8 w full bellows draw – 2mm across frame – 18:1 – Working Distance 18mm loss of contrast and strong distortion throughout the frame.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I agree with your assessment.

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

Considerable time and effort on your part, but very informative - thank you for sharing.

Singing Swan

You must certainly be dedicated to your photography.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

I think the correct word is committed. As in, I should be.... ;-)

Singing Swan

Nah....dedicated. It must have taken a lot of time and effort to do this set-up. I thought I was dedicated because I try to do SOME sort of photography every day. This goes way beyond, but I don't think you need to be committed just yet...maybe just watched closely!! :)

Oh, and thanks for the examples. It made an impression on my brain to see the differences with my own eyes.

tinusbum Loc: east texas

dedicated,committed,either way its way more than i will ever try.i cant wait to see some bug shots.show me a springtail when it gets cool.i shoot them a lot but the globular springtails i like to shoot are so tiny