I have a Canon EOS 300D with a Sigma 105mm DG Macro lens, which allows me to take photos up to about 1:1. This is good for most of the macro work I do, but for some very small subjects I need higher magnification (up to a magnification ratio of about 10x if possible). Would bellows or extension tudes get me up to this sort of magnification with my Sigma lens? I'm not sure about the equations needed to calculate the extension needed, so would appreciate some help. If this approach doesn't work, does anyone know of another option (e.g. a different lens with bellows)? Thanks in advance for your help.
Des Callaghan wrote:
Would bellows or extension tudes get me up to this sort of magnification with my Sigma lens?
Bellows might...to get that much magnification with that lens, you would need an extreme (impractical) amount of extension. A shorter focal length lens will gain more magnification with less extension, though you will be relatively closer to your subject. Seeing as how you will be extremely close anyway, I'm not sure how much of a detriment that would be.
Another option I'd suggest you consider is reversing a lens. I've had good results using some of my manual SLR's lenses held up backwards to my 10D's lens mount. Depending on your camera system and equipment, you can get devices to more securely mount a lens backwards. Using lenses this way, the shorter the focal length of the lens, the more magnification you can get.
I don't know the math for magnification values off the top of my head, but it can be quite extreme. The yellow center of this flower was no more than 1 or 2 millimeters in width:
Trust me... if you need 10x, you will need some serious stability. Probably something like a table mount macro focusing rail and some serious stability.
Also, shooting with a 105 at 1:1 and saying you need 10:1 is a little premature. The different between 1:1 and 10:1 is HUGE. You would be better starting with a MPE65mm macro and then judge if you need more.
Here are some examples of anywhere from 1x to 5x so you understand exactly what you are asking for with 10x:
I'm a fairly experienced macro shooter and I think that the DOF at 10x would almost be un-hand-holdable for the best of us. If you are shooting from a tripod with macro rails, you might venture beyond 5x without any problems.
perrush wrote:
waauuw clayton, very nice pictures, with a large DOF ! Taken with the MPE65 ?? at with aperture and with which flash ?
not all of them were with the 65... some were with the 100mm macro with/without 500D and or extension... the 100mm shots were probably stopped down to f/28 or f/32... the 65mm shots were probably at f/16, but you have to understand the relationship between extension and difraction for that to be meaningful... for example, f/16 at 5:1 magnification when achieved through extension is really an effective aperture of f/96
KapHn8d™ wrote:
not all of them were with the 65... some were with the 100mm macro with/without 500D and or extension... the 100mm shots were probably stopped down to f/28 or f/32... the 65mm shots were probably at f/16, but you have to understand the relationship between extension and difraction for that to be meaningful... for example, f/16 at 5:1 magnification when achieved through extension is really an effective aperture of f/96
all were shot with a single 550-EX diffused and triggered offshoe.
OMG.......My first night here and I think you answered my long un-answered question on a million other forums...........GREAT SHOTS KAP!......I have a 105 mm Sig @ 2.8 what can I do to get those shots (and which ones were used with your 100mm?) .....I left a detailed question on this matter just moments ago about my dilemma before stumbling across your awesome shots!
I made some try at 10x with a bellow and 24 mm inverted but it's very diificult to have some good results. the usable DOF is between 1/100 and 2/100 mm, I think(and try to calculate).
here is a picture of the setup :
okay....my question is....how on earth do you get that close to a fly, or other insects? do you use dead specimens? I can't possibly image a fly staying still with you getting that close, let alone long enough to compose a shot... what are the secrets of macro shooting....any one able to recomend a good online tutorial, or book?
r_o_b_s_o_n wrote:
okay....my question is....how on earth do you get that close to a fly, or other insects? do you use dead specimens? I can't possibly image a fly staying still with you getting that close, let alone long enough to compose a shot... what are the secrets of macro shooting....any one able to recomend a good online tutorial, or book?
three words:
practice, practice, practice
and I don't shoot dead or "altered" specimens (ie. cooled)
seriously... just develop your technique and practice... that's it
and I don't shoot dead or "altered" specimens (ie. cooled)
seriously... just develop your technique and practice... that's it
I understand that practicing is vital to refining technique, but honestly....how do you get the flies, to stay in one spot to even begin composing a shot... ...and how quickly do you have to act to get the shot.....what working distances are you using for your insect shots.....the great head on shot of the fly for example...I can't think of any way to do it other than, either using dead insects, or glueing them down !! haha...
but honestly....how do you get the flies, to stay in one spot to even begin composing a shot... ...and how quickly do you have to act to get the shot.....what working distances are you using for your insect shots.....the great head on shot of the fly for example...I can't think of any way to do it other than, either using dead insects, or glueing them down !! haha...
It is the same in macro photography as in wildlife photography in the field. You need to understand the subjects behavior and how to approach... then you refine your "stalking"
Like clayton : observation and practice.
ie :The ant head is made while it is licking some substance on peony flower button. And there are very steady during this time.
Comparing to shots I took with MP-E 65mm, I would think this one is close to 20x, but then, I did not really measure it. It was done with a Tominon 17mm f4 macro lens on about 10 inches of extension tubes and bellows.
Here are some more with both MP-E 65mm, and odd lenses on bellows and extension tubes. Some of these shots are a few years old and you may have seen them elsewhere.
...and how quickly do you have to act to get the shot.....what working distances are you using for your insect shots.....the great head on shot of the fly for example...I can't think of any way to do it other than, either using dead insects, or glueing them down !! haha...