Macro > 1X Dirty Fly
Jan 27, 2019 13:31:21 #
fetzler
Loc: North West PA
I have been doing some insect photography at magnigications > 1X. I have learned a few lessons that are probably known to some but my observations may be useful to others.
The equipment that I used for the posted photo is a D7200 with Nikon 85mm macro lens. A Raynox MSN 202 was used to get greater that 1:1. Magnification is about 4X. Note that Nikon f numbes are effective f numbers. Plus lenses do not further affect the f number. Used f 11 here. Too small an f number will result in diffraction blurring.
Getting sharp photos was a challenge. The camera is mounted on a Manfrotto tripod that I purchased for a medium format camera and is quite sturdy. I first tried using Helicon Remote and the lens focus motor. This works great a 1:1 but I think the focus steps are a bit too big for high magnification. For the photo I used a Wemacro focus rail that allows for steps a small 1 micron. On the Zerene Stacker web site there is a table with to assist in setting the step size properly. This is a stack of about 150 photos.
https://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker/docs/tables/macromicrodof
Motion of the camera and the subject is important. I used option d4 on the Nikon to raise the mirror 3 seconds before exposure. The exposure was further delayed 4 seconds after the rail movement. My table is rather light weight and is located on a carpeted floor on the second floor so building motion and carpet movement due to walking are of concern( I sit motionless during the sequence). I purchased a 0.5 inch thick steel plate on e-bay (8 x8 in) to reduce any high frequency vibrations. The plate is heavy. I also used flash to minimize exposure time. In this regard, Tony Northrup noted that second floor vibrations slightly blurred 50MP images (not macro).
Helicon software was used to stack photos.
The equipment that I used for the posted photo is a D7200 with Nikon 85mm macro lens. A Raynox MSN 202 was used to get greater that 1:1. Magnification is about 4X. Note that Nikon f numbes are effective f numbers. Plus lenses do not further affect the f number. Used f 11 here. Too small an f number will result in diffraction blurring.
Getting sharp photos was a challenge. The camera is mounted on a Manfrotto tripod that I purchased for a medium format camera and is quite sturdy. I first tried using Helicon Remote and the lens focus motor. This works great a 1:1 but I think the focus steps are a bit too big for high magnification. For the photo I used a Wemacro focus rail that allows for steps a small 1 micron. On the Zerene Stacker web site there is a table with to assist in setting the step size properly. This is a stack of about 150 photos.
https://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker/docs/tables/macromicrodof
Motion of the camera and the subject is important. I used option d4 on the Nikon to raise the mirror 3 seconds before exposure. The exposure was further delayed 4 seconds after the rail movement. My table is rather light weight and is located on a carpeted floor on the second floor so building motion and carpet movement due to walking are of concern( I sit motionless during the sequence). I purchased a 0.5 inch thick steel plate on e-bay (8 x8 in) to reduce any high frequency vibrations. The plate is heavy. I also used flash to minimize exposure time. In this regard, Tony Northrup noted that second floor vibrations slightly blurred 50MP images (not macro).
Helicon software was used to stack photos.
Jan 27, 2019 17:08:24 #
This is a good stack and it holds up well on double-sized download.
Jan 28, 2019 11:13:02 #
Very nicely done and of course highly detailed.
I am always amazed at all of the little bits of stuff and lint that attract to insects. They remind me of the character 'Pig Pen' in the Peanuts cartoons.
I also use a Wemacro programmable digital focus rail so I agree with your assessment of its quality.
I am always amazed at all of the little bits of stuff and lint that attract to insects. They remind me of the character 'Pig Pen' in the Peanuts cartoons.
I also use a Wemacro programmable digital focus rail so I agree with your assessment of its quality.
Jan 28, 2019 15:21:48 #
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