An enjoyable read, Andrew, as always. Funnily enough, I’ve just developed a set of negs where I was having a play with a set of bellows I’ve had for years but never got round to using until now. I was thinking of putting up a little post of my brief endeavours with it soon, assuming the images are worth looking at (still need to edit the scans). Thanks for sharing.
Very good introduction to this type of photography, which can yield amazing results, like the ones you show here. I have tried the methods you describe and have taken some photos that I genuinely like, mostly with a bellows (I have an old Russian bellows that works well). I think I might even post one of those or make new ones; thanks for inspiring me to renew this interest!
Fantastic walkthrough of the macro toolkit. The point about reversing a standard lens is underappreciated because most people don't realise how good the optical correction is when lenses are flipped. Extension tubes provide a more elegant solution, but the reversed lens approach can actually yield sharper center detail at higher magnifications since the rear element was designed to face outward. One thing that might be worth exploring is the sweet spot between tube length and focal legnth for specific subjects.
Great summary of macro options. I have extension tubes and macro lens but need to use them more. Macro is easy to forget about at times of the year when there are few flowers about.
Lots of fun, as always.
Thanks Jon.
An enjoyable read, Andrew, as always. Funnily enough, I’ve just developed a set of negs where I was having a play with a set of bellows I’ve had for years but never got round to using until now. I was thinking of putting up a little post of my brief endeavours with it soon, assuming the images are worth looking at (still need to edit the scans). Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Ralph, I hope you get some good results.
Thank you🙂
Very good introduction to this type of photography, which can yield amazing results, like the ones you show here. I have tried the methods you describe and have taken some photos that I genuinely like, mostly with a bellows (I have an old Russian bellows that works well). I think I might even post one of those or make new ones; thanks for inspiring me to renew this interest!
Thanks Vincent.
A great reminder how fun and otherworldly macro photography can be.
Thanks.
Thank you for this. I used to take a lot of macro shots; and this is a great reminder to get back into them on rainy days, etc..
Thanks.
Fantastic walkthrough of the macro toolkit. The point about reversing a standard lens is underappreciated because most people don't realise how good the optical correction is when lenses are flipped. Extension tubes provide a more elegant solution, but the reversed lens approach can actually yield sharper center detail at higher magnifications since the rear element was designed to face outward. One thing that might be worth exploring is the sweet spot between tube length and focal legnth for specific subjects.
Although I have a macro lens, I haven't used it for ages. I really should try some close ups over Christmas.
I believe the term ultra macro is also known as photomicrography. Some of the images I have seen on the internet are stunning.
Yes Keith, photomicrography is the correct term.
Terrific post, Andrew! I love the zebra! It has seen al lot of love and play by the looks of it! Great idea for the darker, rainy months!
Thank you Søren.
Fun! Enjoyed this one! ty!
Great summary of macro options. I have extension tubes and macro lens but need to use them more. Macro is easy to forget about at times of the year when there are few flowers about.