NEW Advanced Assignment # 2: Macro without Macro

This is the NEW Advanced Assignment #2:

The topic is Macro Without Macro and the idea is to enter the wonderful world of macro shots ... without a macro lens. Strictly speaking - direct use of any 1:1 or 1:2 macro lenses is not the intention of this assignment and therefore not allowed. I suggest using one of your "non-macro" lenses and employ one of the techniques listed below. Also realize macro is really 1:1 and higher, and 1:2 is really more "close focus" than macro, so for this assignment we're really looking 1:1 and higher magnifications.

There is quite a number of them to choose from:
* close-up lenses,
* macro rings (aka extension tubes),
* macro bellows,
* reversing mount (i.e. one lens mounted on the body in reversed position),
* reversing ring (i.e. reversed lens mounted on the other lens).

While I realise that there are some members that do not have necessary equipment, I think that it is not very budget-stressing to get a reversed ring, or reversed mount, or a set of some close-up lenses and start "macro adventure" without spending too much. (besides, macro lenses are not real macro - what is 1:1 if you can get e.g. 4:1?)

Remember, this is an advanced assignment so we're expecting technically and compositionally good photographs and the AE's, mods and admins will put the bar pretty high for a pass. Any flaw will let you go back and try again.

Last request: pls. describe the set-up you used (camera, lens(es), rings, tripod + assembly, etc. etc.) so we can all see and learn from the endless possibilities that exist in this field.

General Assignment Rules The general rules for the assignments are as follows : - clean slate, all “old” assignments will be locked (over time as the new ones are created) - no mining, shots must be specifically taken for the assignment (we trust you ) - only one assignment at the time. Once started you can only take the next assignment after having passed. - one dimension crop and minor straightening allowed (to allow different aspect ratios, but don’t crop in both directions) - max 2 pics per post/try - you can do the assignments in any order, and repeated as many times as you want - at least one moderators or admin will comment on every post and determine fail/pass. This might include general C&C as well. - all members of Dyxum can also leave comments on the shots posted - id of members that passed will be kept in a "pass post" - specifically good pictures or good examples of assignment passes will be kept in a new "assignment gallery" - instructions for specific assignments will generally stay as is (and we'll have to write new ones for new assignments). - shots posted for the assignments are eligible for selection in the weekly exhibitions

Edited by pegelli - 15 February 2010 at 07:33

Good example, great sharpness on the eye. I assume the limited dof and the coin not exactly parallel to the sensor was specifically chosen to do that. I think it worked well. Maybe I would have only blurred the sharp "N" at the left in PP which is now mildly distracting, but won't hold that against a pass. Good luck with the next one.

Okay, my submission using a close up filter. No cropping, but marginally desaturated, and hue changed slightly (? +5) to strengthen the image. Some small scratches cloned out. Resized in PS to 800. CD with water drops added for interest: Can you see my hand?



Edited by Berean - 14 February 2010 at 20:34

bms44974 wrote: @Berean: Ian, Can you provide a bit more information about the lens and diopter rating for the closeup filter? Thanks... Brian

Sorry, Brian: I wasn't thinking. Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DL lens (about 12 years old) from my Minolta days, that came with a free Sigma close up filter (72mm diameter) but no other information available. Allowed me to focus closer to the water droplets, from approximately 1 metre to roughly 30cm.

KM 7D with Sony G 70-300mm and Raynox DCR-150 at 100mm. F19.



T

@ brettania -- The hook is about 11mm long

Ok! here´s my first try at an advanced assignment, it may not be enough but if it´s one thing, it´s beyond 1:1.

Here´s a detail shot of my Thors Hammer.

a700 reversed Konica Hexagon AR 28 mm f 3,5 handheld 1/60 sec with Sigma 530 flash bounced in roof



and 1:1 with Sony 30 mm 2,8 for comparsion.



Regards Christer

Edited by ChrBra - 15 February 2010 at 23:36