Thread: ***DSLR Thread***

Originally Posted by BleedingPurple

Very interesting. Are these tubes a cheaper alternative to a very expensive lens or is the application totally different?

I guess they essentially allow you to turn a regular lens into a macro lens. Even so, macro lenses won't get you much closer in terms of minimum focusing distance, or much bigger in terms of magnification ratios.

For instance, the AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D has a minimum focusing distance of 8.75 inches. I can get within 1" of my subjects with all these tubes behind my 50mm f/1.4 lens. And (according to the tables supplied with the tubes) the image will have greater magnification ratio with the tubes (1.5:1 with all the tubes on). Most macro lenses get 1:1 ratios.

There are advantages to longer focusing distances for 1:1 magnification. Photographing poisonous things? Yeah, I'd want at least a foot between that spider and me! But you can get the increased minimum focusing distance with tubes, as well! Just put them on a longer focal-length lens!

Originally Posted by kingofdodgers

****, i cant compete with that!

Yea, I think I quit...

Ok ok I'll give it a shot.

Originally Posted by FlyBoeingJets

For instance, the AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D has a minimum focusing distance of 8.75 inches. I can get within 1" of my subjects with all these tubes behind my 50mm f/1.4 lens. And (according to the tables supplied with the tubes) the image will have greater magnification ratio with the tubes (1.5:1 with all the tubes on). Most macro lenses get 1:1 ratios.

There are advantages to longer focusing distances for 1:1 magnification. Photographing poisonous things? Yeah, I'd want at least a foot between that spider and me!

I think both have advantages and disadvantages. I have the 60mm Micro. That 8.75" number is from the film plane. The minimum distance from the front of the lens is like 2.75" with a 1:1 ratio on a 35mm size sensor. On a DSLR it would be 1.5:1. The good thing about it is that it is sharp, compact and versitile. You are right about working distance being important though It is not easy to get so close sometimes, and it is even harder to light the subject properly when you are right on top of it. So generally I don't use the 60 for macro work. I also have the 105mm micro and use that for my close up work becase it gives me the same enlargement ratio but at a working distance of 9" or so. Problem is that it is kind of a big lens, especially the newer VR version that I have. Very sharp lens but big and heavy. I think I use it most often for copying photos on a copy stand when I don't have the time to scan them.

Holy crap! When will this thread be available in paperback? Nice surprise here on LGK.

Great work guys.

Now what's the theme?

BTW FBJ, I also meant to say nice job on the pics. Very nice.

Originally Posted by DeaderFan

I think both have advantages and disadvantages. I have the 60mm Micro. That 8.75" number is from the film plane. The minimum distance from the front of the lens is like 2.75" with a 1:1 ratio on a 35mm size sensor. On a DSLR it would be 1.5:1. The good thing about it is that it is sharp, compact and versitile. You are right about working distance being important though It is not easy to get so close sometimes, and it is even harder to light the subject properly when you are right on top of it. So generally I don't use the 60 for macro work. I also have the 105mm micro and use that for my close up work becase it gives me the same enlargement ratio but at a working distance of 9" or so. Problem is that it is kind of a big lens, especially the newer VR version that I have. Very sharp lens but big and heavy. I think I use it most often for copying photos on a copy stand when I don't have the time to scan them.

Okay. There's some good info that's new to me! I didn't know that minimum focusing distance were measured from the sensor, though to think about it now it really only makes all the sense in the world. Thanks DeaderFan!

So what is my 1.5:1 ratio from the table that was included with my tubes on my DX sensor? Is it 2.25:1? Couldn't be! Or could it?

Originally Posted by DeaderFan

BTW FBJ, I also meant to say nice job on the pics. Very nice.

Thanks! They leave a little to be desired in DOF and camera shake, but that's to be expected with a person's first macro captures.

Originally Posted by PuckMonkey

Holy crap! When will this thread be available in paperback? Nice surprise here on LGK.

Great work guys.

Now what's the theme?

YAY! PuckMonkey's here!

BTW, paperback version available here: http://www.letsgokings.com/bbs/printthread.php?t=46181

NO THEME UNTIL FRIDAY!!!

What is amazing is, is that this thread has been around for quite a while and people still dont venture out of Home Ice or RH. I this thread.

Can't wait 'till friday for the theme.