WTF...??? (Why To Flock)
Jan 11, 2021 17:31:10 #
I mentioned how important it is to maintain a 'dead black' interior of all macro lenses and gear such as extension tube, helicoids, bellows and the 'camera side' of all adapters and fittings for internal glare is detrimental to image quality as is the topic of diffraction created by the aperture and the 'effective aperture' created as magnification increases.
The top image is my Mitakon Creator 85mm 1X-5X Super Macro lens extended to 5X magnification (f/5.6). By placing a light at the face of the lens and looking through it from the camera end you can see the internal glare of the surfaces of the lens. IF WE CAN SEE IT....THE CAMERA SENSOR CAN SEE IT. This glare creates a softer image and it also creates haze, both of which highly distract from the goal of razor sharp images beit a single shot or when focus stacking.
The bottom image is my Laowa 60mm f2.8 1X - 2X Super Macro lens extended to 2X magnification (f/2.8). With the same light placed up against the face of the lens and looking through the camera end we can see that there is no internal glare within this lens which is why it produces the razor sharp images we strive for.
Now...this is not limited to just the lens which frankly we can do nothing about however it also applies to the inside surface of our extension tubes and every device connected to the camera. We truly do not want a shiny surfaced adapter connected to the camera as well.
Here's my advice: Connect your lens to all of the accessories that you intend on connecting to the camera. Open the lens to its widest aperture. Take a flashlight or another light source and place it up against the subject end of the lens. Turn out the light in the room and look through the camera connection end. Ideally we should see a perfect dot of light with no glare areas.
If there is any noticeable glare your accessories may need to be flocked in some fashion. The good way to do this is to use a self-adhesive backed black velvet flocking material (Amazon). Granted, it will be a test of your will to put it inside an extension tube for it will want to stick in every conceivable manner than where and how you want it to. Also, adhere it to the backside surfaces of your adapters which at least is quite easy to do.
In the end....you'll be happy that you did.
The top image is my Mitakon Creator 85mm 1X-5X Super Macro lens extended to 5X magnification (f/5.6). By placing a light at the face of the lens and looking through it from the camera end you can see the internal glare of the surfaces of the lens. IF WE CAN SEE IT....THE CAMERA SENSOR CAN SEE IT. This glare creates a softer image and it also creates haze, both of which highly distract from the goal of razor sharp images beit a single shot or when focus stacking.
The bottom image is my Laowa 60mm f2.8 1X - 2X Super Macro lens extended to 2X magnification (f/2.8). With the same light placed up against the face of the lens and looking through the camera end we can see that there is no internal glare within this lens which is why it produces the razor sharp images we strive for.
Now...this is not limited to just the lens which frankly we can do nothing about however it also applies to the inside surface of our extension tubes and every device connected to the camera. We truly do not want a shiny surfaced adapter connected to the camera as well.
Here's my advice: Connect your lens to all of the accessories that you intend on connecting to the camera. Open the lens to its widest aperture. Take a flashlight or another light source and place it up against the subject end of the lens. Turn out the light in the room and look through the camera connection end. Ideally we should see a perfect dot of light with no glare areas.
If there is any noticeable glare your accessories may need to be flocked in some fashion. The good way to do this is to use a self-adhesive backed black velvet flocking material (Amazon). Granted, it will be a test of your will to put it inside an extension tube for it will want to stick in every conceivable manner than where and how you want it to. Also, adhere it to the backside surfaces of your adapters which at least is quite easy to do.
In the end....you'll be happy that you did.
Jan 12, 2021 09:33:35 #
Interesting. The Mitakon has been plagued with problems, and this feature may be part of the reason: https://petapixel.com/2020/01/23/back-from-the-drawing-board-mitakon-85mm-1x-5x-macro-lens-redesigned/. But I should add that the lens has been improved. Its greater working distance can be a net plus over the Canon mp-e65mm.
Jan 12, 2021 10:23:31 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Interesting. The Mitakon has been plagued with problems, and this feature may be part of the reason: https://petapixel.com/2020/01/23/back-from-the-drawing-board-mitakon-85mm-1x-5x-macro-lens-redesigned/. But I should add that the lens has been improved. Its greater working distance can be a net plus over the Canon mp-e65mm.
Mark, The Mitakon Creator 85mm 1X-5X is handy for the price. I was interested in the Laowa 2.5X-5X which is superior optically however starting at 2.5X is not the best choice for a walkaround lens being too magnified. Another drawback is that it has a very close working distance which again for a walkabout lens doesn't always fair well with live subjects.
The Mitakon ver. 2.0 has been improved yet flawed in a different way. I contacted them describing the problem I believe that it has hoping for a ver. 2.1.
The quality of build is very nice and there is no cheap feel to it whatsoever and the weight is very manageable and it is compact for what it is. If one is a 'pixel-peeper' this lens would not be for you although for those that what that extra magnification at times it fits the need.
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