Black Ant - Macro View
Jul 18, 2019 10:55:54 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
Thanks, Doc. That really means a lot to me. I rea... (show quote)
I enjoyed the explanation of your technique. I can see why your shots turn out as they do. I get the feeling that it was a lot of trial and error. Congratulations for sticking with it. The results tell the story. So amazing to see into the interesting world of insects. Keep up the good work.
-Doc
Jul 18, 2019 11:00:36 #
You are so clever. All these you have shown using this method are so interesting.
Jul 19, 2019 00:47:43 #
Jul 19, 2019 06:05:50 #
Jul 19, 2019 07:19:00 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
This is a black ant that took the Tito's Vodka rid... (show quote)
Terrific macro shot!!! Although the ant does NOT look like he's enjoying himself.
Jul 19, 2019 07:28:20 #
Wonderful shot, and such a creative way of getting it! Wish it were possible without killing the ant.
Jul 19, 2019 07:39:25 #
Jul 19, 2019 08:47:02 #
Jul 19, 2019 09:33:45 #
It was about 1/4-inch in size. I'm not knowledgeable in the world of ants however it is not the super tiny ants we refer to as "sugar ants". This one is what my folks called a "picnic ant" when I was a youngster (wow was that a long time ago!).
Jul 19, 2019 09:49:54 #
Jul 19, 2019 10:20:01 #
Thanks for asking for I truly enjoy sharing my techniques and gear.
I use a $35 Schneider-Kreuznach 50mm f/2.8 enlarger lens. I attach that lens to a $68 Raynox DCR-150 magnifying lens. I mount both of them in reverse and attach them to as set of $24 extension tubes.
Attached are pictures of what I use and how I put it all together.
The first is the enlarger lens. There are an abundance of them on Ebay to choose from. Nikon's El Nikkor enlarger lenses are easy to find and they are excellent in quality for under $40.
Next is the Raynox DCR-150 close up lens which I bought new. They are made to attach to the end of a regular lens to make macro images. They come with an adapter should you wish to do that. I just use the lens.
The extension tubes are just empty cylinders. The length of them when put together is 150mm. I chose the M42 thread size because I can attach many vintage lenses and microscope objectives to my camera with it. In my case I use a Nikon F mount to M42 thread adapter that I bought for $8.
The next photo is how it is all put together. Again, I mount the two lenses together and mount them on the extension tube in a reverse manner.
Diffusing light is paramount in micro/macro photography. I use translucent drink cups (good excuse to get a beer at the bar) and I place colored paper in the end to create pastel backgrounds.
The last picture is how it is all set up on the camera. I use two IKEA LED desk lamps ($12 each) to illuminate the subject. The flat LED light is used as a work light to help my old eyes see what I'm staging.
I teather the camera to a laptop PC and I use Digicam camera control software (it's truly fantastic) and it is FREE! I can't speak more highly of it for anyone that wants to control all of the aspects and functions of the camera by their PC.
I use a $35 Schneider-Kreuznach 50mm f/2.8 enlarger lens. I attach that lens to a $68 Raynox DCR-150 magnifying lens. I mount both of them in reverse and attach them to as set of $24 extension tubes.
Attached are pictures of what I use and how I put it all together.
The first is the enlarger lens. There are an abundance of them on Ebay to choose from. Nikon's El Nikkor enlarger lenses are easy to find and they are excellent in quality for under $40.
Next is the Raynox DCR-150 close up lens which I bought new. They are made to attach to the end of a regular lens to make macro images. They come with an adapter should you wish to do that. I just use the lens.
The extension tubes are just empty cylinders. The length of them when put together is 150mm. I chose the M42 thread size because I can attach many vintage lenses and microscope objectives to my camera with it. In my case I use a Nikon F mount to M42 thread adapter that I bought for $8.
The next photo is how it is all put together. Again, I mount the two lenses together and mount them on the extension tube in a reverse manner.
Diffusing light is paramount in micro/macro photography. I use translucent drink cups (good excuse to get a beer at the bar) and I place colored paper in the end to create pastel backgrounds.
The last picture is how it is all set up on the camera. I use two IKEA LED desk lamps ($12 each) to illuminate the subject. The flat LED light is used as a work light to help my old eyes see what I'm staging.
I teather the camera to a laptop PC and I use Digicam camera control software (it's truly fantastic) and it is FREE! I can't speak more highly of it for anyone that wants to control all of the aspects and functions of the camera by their PC.
Jul 19, 2019 10:42:28 #
Jul 19, 2019 11:10:22 #
Jul 19, 2019 12:11:14 #
Jul 19, 2019 13:29:18 #
Fantastic.
The ping pong ball - maybe I am missing something, but how do you photograph something inside of a ping pong ball? Is the nickel-sized opening large enough to shoot into?
Your posts are really helpful. Thanks again for that.
Mike
The ping pong ball - maybe I am missing something, but how do you photograph something inside of a ping pong ball? Is the nickel-sized opening large enough to shoot into?
Your posts are really helpful. Thanks again for that.
Mike
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