March Side Challenge, Anyone? Macro?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Nikon D3s

03/04/2008 09:45:34 AM · #1

Thanks, I'll submit my results so far, this evening.

I will try a soft-box tonight. So far I've tried the plastic SB-800 covers, and bouncing off a close umbrella.

Finally two SB-800's bounced off of a Bronze colored circular reflector, held close worked best so far.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

03/03/2008 02:42:15 PM · #2

Originally posted by justamistere:

I sent a PM just now to the "Pants" to add me to the list.
I will submit my Macros tonight, that I did on the weekend.

You're added to the list, although it's not a requirement. Anyone can join in at anytime. Welcome to our gang.

johst582

Nikon D80

03/03/2008 12:08:32 PM · #3

Yes, and it is extremely easy to make miniature softboxes out of ordinary white paper :)

Originally posted by justamistere:

I sent a PM just now to the "Pants" to add me to the list.
I will submit my Macros tonight, that I did on the weekend.

I found out that for the tiny, closeup, world, all of the lighting principles still apply just the same.

For example Bounced-light is less harsh.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Nikon D3s

03/03/2008 11:58:23 AM · #4

IreneM

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

03/03/2008 03:26:02 AM · #5

Originally posted by marttila:

Originally posted by kudzu:

Originally posted by marttila:
This is perfect timing! I just purchased a Tamron 90mm 2.8 macro and this sounds like the ideal way to test drive it. Count me in please.

welcome to the club...

irenem is club president...

LOL! irenem's shots certainly influenced me towards getting this lens.

Heh, heh! I always wanted to be president of something ;-)

Have fun with your new lens John.

03/01/2008 01:00:57 PM · #6

Sorry to the peeps that I missed and didn't add to the list. Please bear in mind that all are welcome. The list was only a sort of way to see how many were going to take part. Dive in and add your pics to the picture thread.

LMA128

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

03/01/2008 12:41:07 PM · #7

i didn't get put on the list yet, but i'm in. haha

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

03/01/2008 02:52:35 AM · #8

Here is the thread into which to link all your lovely pictures for the month. Get cracking, everyone.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

02/29/2008 11:07:49 PM · #9

Originally posted by socalsteve:

I got the BR-2A and the BR-3. Just ordered the the coupler, thanks for the tip. Now I also read that the 200mm will damage the contacts and not to put it on without having it adapted by someone like AI Conversions. The lens is the Nikon/Nippon 200 mm f4 Q lens. If that is the case, can I mount the 50mm and reverse the 200mm on it instead? I have a 50mm f/1.8. Thanks for the help!

If your 200mm is a non-ai or ais it will not damage the contacts but it will damage the metering tab on the D200/300. If you are even at all competent mechanically you can remove the aperture ring and with a file or dremel create the indexing notch. I've done quite a few over the years and it is really not a big deal. The harder conversion is what aiconversions calls the B type conversion that would make it mountable on cameras like the D70/80 series that have the little lever in the 8 o�clock position on the mount that tells the camera the minimum aperture. If you never plan to mount it on any camera but the D300/200/3 etc. I�d go the filing/dremel route.

FYI I just bought a D60 as a secondary body. The great thing about the D40/40x/60 is that they have only electrical couplings, so it will just about any Nikkor ever made that doesn�t require mirror lock-up without damage (and metering of course).

As far as reversing the 200mm it is not a good idea for a couple of reasons. One is that it�s a bit heavy and that puts a lot of pressure on the filter threads/reversing ring junction, but most importantly the optical formula for telephotos usually means the best direction for high magnification is the traditional configuration. The best way to achieve high magnifications is through extension and/or supplementary lenses such as a muti-element close up lens (which is what a reversed lens like your 50mm f1.8 would be).

Optical formulas for normal and wide angle lenses designed for general use usually perform better at high magnification reversed and don�t handle large amounts of extension without being reversed as, especially on wide angles as working distance becomes too short and the focus point can actually be inside the lens.

socalsteve

Nikon D300

02/29/2008 02:40:39 PM · #10

Originally posted by hyperfocal:

Originally posted by socalsteve:

Took your advice and picked-up an old 200mm on eBay for a whopping $29 including shipping. So you are saying to put that on the camera, then reverse a lens on the end of it? I have a 50mm f/1.8 and just ordered the Nikon reversing ring - will this do? Or do I reverse the 200mm? Thanks.

Kudzu beat me to the punch, but yes use the 200mm connected normally to your camera (we'll call it the prime lens) and reverse the 50mm on it. Kudzu must have steader hands than me as I'd never get a decent image if I had to hold it there, frame and focus. I'd get what B&H calls a 52mm to 52mm macro coupler. You can also get them a little cheaper off ebay. You didn't mention what reversing ring you got, but I assume it is the BR-2a. That is for reversing a 52mm threaded lens like your 50mm 1.8 directly on the camera. FYI if you bought a used Nikon reversing ring, make sure it is the BR-2A and NOT the BR-2. The BR-2 will damage the electrical contacts on the camera so do not try to attach it.

TeeCeeJay

02/29/2008 01:10:40 PM · #11

Originally posted by boyd2000:

so unless you can link to an outside porfolio you can't participate.

Would A photobucketbucket account work? or does it have to be a DPC account?

If I can't enter, then i'll just have to be inspired by everyone elses macro work.

TC

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

02/29/2008 12:35:11 PM · #12

Originally posted by socalsteve:

Took your advice and picked-up an old 200mm on eBay for a whopping $29 including shipping. So you are saying to put that on the camera, then reverse a lens on the end of it? I have a 50mm f/1.8 and just ordered the Nikon reversing ring - will this do? Or do I reverse the 200mm? Thanks.

Kudzu beat me to the punch, but yes use the 200mm connected normally to your camera (we'll call it the prime lens) and reverse the 50mm on it. Kudzu must have steader hands than me as I'd never get a decent image if I had to hold it there, frame and focus. I'd get what B&H calls a 52mm to 52mm macro coupler. You can also get them a little cheaper off ebay. You didn't mention what reversing ring you got, but I assume it is the BR-2a. That is for reversing a 52mm threaded lens like your 50mm 1.8 directly on the camera. FYI if you bought a used Nikon reversing ring, make sure it is the BR-2A and NOT the BR-2. The BR-2 will damage the electrical contacts on the camera so do not try to attach it.

LMA128

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

02/29/2008 12:10:59 PM · #13

i want to give one of these side challenges a try...count me in too.

slaakso

Olympus E-510

Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital

02/29/2008 12:09:22 PM · #14

I am thrilled to be able to partake in this wonderful macro adventure. My macro is one of my favorite lenses for everyday shooting and is great for portraits since it frames up like a 100mm in film camera terms.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Nikon D3s

02/29/2008 11:27:41 AM · #15

I just got a lens with macro capabilites, now I have to improve my capabilites in using it. I accept the (Side) Challenge, please add me to the list.

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

keibo84

Canon EOS-50D

02/29/2008 11:08:57 AM · #16

Can i play too? is it ok if i do not submit pictures every day? i know the whole purpose is to try to get a picture a day, but I'm not sure i'll be able to

Germaine

Canon EOS-7D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f / 4L IS USM Lens

02/29/2008 11:03:37 AM · #17

I'd like to play, too. My macro lens spends too much time in the drawer. 8)

ShaneBlake

Nikon D7100

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

02/29/2008 10:42:33 AM · #18

Originally posted by socalsteve:

200mm on body, open the 50mm all the way to 1.8 and hold it backwards against the front of the 200mm.

if you get a coupling ring, you don't have to hold it, but holding it works. i've held my 30mm 1.4 against my 90mm before. (order the rings though...)

make sure you have plenty of light...

TonyT

Nikon D3X

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

02/29/2008 05:47:00 AM · #19

I just noticed the thread and am interested in trying it out. I recently got set of extension tubes so look out.

If there is room, sign me up.

SaraR

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

02/29/2008 04:58:52 AM · #20

Any room for one more - although I'm not sure I would manage one every day? I need to get to grips with lighting, and concentrating on that aspect of the macros would be good discipline for me.

Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital

02/29/2008 04:20:57 AM · #21

Added you both to the list above.

slaakso

Olympus E-510

02/29/2008 03:54:42 AM · #22

I love macro so I'd like to join in if it's not too late.

ShutterPug

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/29/2008 03:53:24 AM · #23

I haven't done a side challenge in a while now. Count me in on this one as it'll get me back shooting more.