Continuing on with my studio practice, I decided to try my hand again at macro photography.
The camera rig!
Equipment:
Pentax K-5 Digital SLR Camera Body
Pentax D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR lens
Kenko Pz-Af 1.5x Teleplus SHQ tele-converter
Custom Brackets flash bracket with a Sigma EF-530 DG Super flash, the Sigma acted as the trigger for the other flash units.
2x Yongnuo YN460-II flash on Flashpoint light stands
Slik Pro 700DX AMT-Alloy Tripod Legs with a Smith Victor BH2 Metal Alloy Ball Head
Here is a quick video of the setup in action (sorry for the *pop* *pop* sound, it seems that the 25fps videos have an issue when directly uploaded to YouTube):
My artistic goal for the session was to create top-down images of texture and detail. Things we see everyday, but when viewed up-close they are very different than how we usually perceive them. Intricate networks of connection and amazing textures abound…
Here was my first subject, stale matcha (finely-milled Japanese green tea) showing up on the LCD screen:
Using live-view is very, VERY useful in macro photography. I can zoom in 2x, 4x, or more to ever so gently gain proper focus on the subject. With such limited depth of field and such tiny movements necessary, don’t bother trying to use auto-focus.
My first shot of the day, this was actually hand-held with only the two slave flashes providing significant light:
This is the gold area of a “Goldtoe” sock:
Allergy medication (I like the vibrant textured nature of the pill upon close inspection in macro mode):
A sock with the center section shown at 100% magnification:
What recycled napkins really look like:
A belt buckle that looks amazing up close:
There are just too many photos to show in one post without blowing up my site’s index page download time! Anyways, moving forward, I want to eventually get some extension tubes to increase magnification and drop the teleconverter from the equation.
Overall, I’m happy with the results, but again… I could benefit from more diffuse light as some of the highlights are blown. I think I’ll be doing more macro photography in the future.
The Nikon Z5ii was announced recently. I haven't actually used this new camera myself, so keep that in mind. This is going to be mostly me looking at the specs and comparing it to the original Nikon Z5, which I've been using for a few years now. Check out the full video on YouTube: The original Nikon Z5 camera. Overall, the original Z5 isn't a bad camera. I've gotten it to a point where it works how I want it to and it's reliable for what I do. My main use case is often anime and comic conventions, going there and taking photos of people in cosplay. I usually use the 40mm f/2 lens on the Z5, and it works well for that. First-person view using the Nikon Z5 at an anime convention. Nikon Z5ii vs Z5: The Spec Sheet Comparison Nikon has a handy comparison section on their Z5ii page, so let's break down some key differences based on that and my experience with the original. Nikon's website comparing the Z5ii and the original Z5 specifications. First up, the ...
In this overview, I'm taking a look at the 7Artisans 50mm f/1.8 lens for the Nikon Z system. Is it worth considering over the official Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8s lens? I also compare it with the Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens at 50mm. Check out the full video on YouTube : 7Artisans sent me this lens to try out based on my collaboration terms . They had no say in the content produced and were not allowed to preview it. Build Quality & Handling 7Artisans and Nikon lens side-by-side. The 7Artisans 50mm f/1.8 is similar in size to Nikon's 50mm f/1.8s, although it's slightly taller and a bit thinner. Both lenses feature a manual/auto focus switch, but I found that the one on the 7Artisans lens requires less travel and is easier to push, which isn't ideal. You might accidentally switch modes while handling the lens. Something I found myself doing a couple of times on my photowalk. The AF/MF switch and aperture adjustment ring. The manual focus ring on the 7Artisans lens...
I was curious how the two native Canon EF-M 56mm f/1.4 lenses compared. Is one better in image quality or features than the other? At least right now there is a significant price difference between the two. Check out the embedded video to see how it goes! Sigma and Viltrox 56mm lenses Check out the YouTube video here : Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Canon EF-M: B&H: https://bhpho.to/3bNQUjk Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cC8pUb ebay: http://ebay.us/5Q3NxW Used on KEH: https://shrsl.com/2b947 Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 AF lens for Canon EF-M: Amazon: https://amzn.to/39sl5Pa B&H: https://bhpho.to/3nXMoF0 ebay: http://ebay.us/b4IRWE As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases! Here are the notes I wrote up while compiling data and deciding what I should mention in the video. Physical properties of the lens: The Sigma lens is shorter but thicker than the Viltrox. Weight is 280g for the Sigma and 290g for the Viltrox. Sigma: 66.5mm x 59.5m...
