Let me start off saying I don't do a lot of macro, I don't go out to get macro shots, but every once in a while while out I see an opportunity and am called to it. I don't use a "real" macro lens, but I do always have a stack of extension tubes. My usual carry lenses are vintage manual focus lenses at 28, 37, and 58mm.
This orb weaver spider was on the side of a mock-school bus illuminated by a street light. I decided to have a go at close macro with the 28mm with a 13mm extension tube to see how it turned out. I was initially pleased with the result, which was made from two or three focus-stacked frames, but I feel like it could have been better executed. The spider was a big girl, 1.5-2" long, and with that lens I was almost touching her.
From those of you with more macro experience, what do you think I could have done to improve the image? I probably could have gotten more detail with a longer lens, but also how could I have made better use of the 28? How's the orientation of the spider?
Great post! I'm following this one.
Coincidentally, I too had a random opportunity to macro an Orb Weaver ... right before a dragonfly swooped in and gobbled her up.
I was using a 35mm prime, and just as you report was practically touching the web. Maybe my 70-200mm would have made it easier.
Try reversing the 28mm lens...........either directly to your camera body or to the 58mm lens.
I hadn't considered reversing. What differences should I expect compared against using tubes?
If you just reverse the lens, not much. Back in the day I would find/buy vintage lenses so I could manually set the aperture(most modern lenses don't allow you to do that) to what I needed to achieve the results I wanted. Reversing a lens like your 28mm onto your 58mm will increase your magnification greatly. If I remember correctly something like an 18 diopter which is more than 4x magnification.
thanks for the tip! for $2 in cost of adapter, it's worth trying out the 28-on-58. both lenses conveniently have a 52mm filter thread
Good to see I'm not the only one going that way. ;) I have some M42 28mm and 50mm with macro tubes. A few times I almost touched the subject too. I sometimes use a 85mm but it's a bit darker and the quality is far from what I expect.
I would love to see what macro experts have to say. I really hope the answer is different than "get a good [expensive] macro lens". :)
About the image: I think most interesting macros come from different perspective. They are often more of a portrait of the animal: looking in the eyes.
since this spider was pointed down the vertical panel behind, at about my eye level, I can only imagine how funny I'd look trying to get that perspective looking into her eyes lol
I appreciate the feedback! I may take Terry's advice above and try a reversal ring to see if that method works better for me.
You got to do what you got to do. ;)
Source: thechive
haha, I would only to to those lengths if someone was taking a video, so people will say "now THAT guy is dedicated to his craft."