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Posts Tagged ‘Macro’

Zenit teases upcoming 60mm F2.8 macro, 58mm F1.9 and 35mm F2 lenses

11 Aug

Over the past week, Zenit has announced three new lenses: the Zenitar 60mm F2.8 macro lens, the Selena 58mm F1.9 lens and the Zenitar 35mm F2 lens. All three lenses will feature electronically-controlled apertures and are set to be available later this year.

Krasnogorsky Zavod main building. Credit: ??? ???, used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Zenit doesn’t divulge too many details about the lenses, aside from the most basic specifications. In machine-translated press releases, Zenit says all three lenses will be constructed in the S. A. Zverev (KMZ) factory in Krasnogorsk, Russia, which has a long history of producing cameras and optics.

The Zenitar 60mm F2.8 macro lens will offer a 1:1 magnification ratio and feature a minimum focusing distance of 23cm (9”). Information on the Selena 58mm F1.9 is even more scarce, with no other specifications outside of the focal length and maximum aperture being revealed. Both the Zenitar 60mm F2.8 and Selena 58mm F1.9 will be available in Canon EF and Nikon F mount at release.

As with the previous two lenses, detailed specifications of the Zenitar 35mm F2 aren’t provided, but we do know it will be available for Sony E-mount cameras. Zenit says it plans to release future versions for other mirrorless mounts as well.

All three lenses are set to go on sale in the United States, Germany, Italy and China through Zenit’s online store and authorized retailers. The press releases suggest the lenses will be made available during the International Forum on Photography and Video Filming, which takes place from October 8–10 in Moscow.


Update (August 10, 2020 10:00 AM ET): Added details about the forthcoming Zenitar 35mm F2 lens and confirmed the mount options for the Zenitar 60mm F2.8 macro and Selena 58mm F1.9.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon’s RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is ideal for close-ups and portraits

13 Jul

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The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is a relatively inexpensive telephoto prime lens that’s ideal for both close-up and portrait work. Ostensibly it appears similar in design to the RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM, and together with the RF 35/1.8, should make for a compelling package for wedding photographers wanting to shoot everything from groups to close-up portraits to macro detail shots. The RF 85mm can focus as close as 0.35m (13.8″) and offers a maximum magnification of 0.5x.

Optically, the lens comprises 12 elements in 11 groups, including one UD (ultra low dispersion) element to help reduce chromatic aberrations. On an EOS R or RP, the 85mm F2 offers five stops of image stabilization, but when you attach it to an EOS R5 or R6, with their built-in stabilization systems, Canon claims a benefit of eight stops thanks to the two-way communication between motion and gyro sensors in the camera body and lens. It uses a stepping motor to drive its focus group, so autofocus speeds are unlikely to be as fast as the company’s lenses with Nano USM focus drive systems, and it remains to be seen if focus drive is silent.

The lens is relatively compact, featuring a 67mm filter thread and weighing in at 500g / 1.1lbs. Nine aperture blades aid in producing circular out-of-focus highlights. The lens is not weather-sealed – you’ll need to step up (way up) to the F1.2 version for that.

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM will be available in October for $ 599.

Press release:

THE SECRET IS OUT: CANON OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES THE CANON EOS R5 AND R6, THE COMPANY’S MOST ADVANCED FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERAS EVER

The Company is Also Announcing Four RF Lenses, Two RF Lens Extenders, and a PRO Printer

MELVILLE, N.Y., July 9, 2020 – With anticipation at a fever pitch, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to introduce the company’s next generation of full-frame mirrorless cameras – the EOS R5 and EOS R6. These groundbreaking cameras are the result of many years of collecting and listening to feedback from Canon users and are sure to meet the needs and demands of a variety of creators. The EOS R5 is a camera designed for professional applications featuring a new 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and uncropped 8K video recording up to 29.97 fps. The EOS R6 is geared towards advanced amateurs featuring a 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and 4K video recording up to 59.94 fps. The addition of the EOS R5 and the EOS R6 cameras within the EOS R series lineup further solidifies Canon’s commitment to providing the equipment needed for users to bring their content to the next level.

Canon is also introducing four RF lenses and two RF lens extenders: The Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, Canon RF600mm F11 IS STM, Canon RF800mm F11 IS STM, and RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM lenses. All four new lenses were designed to meet the ever-expanding demands of the skilled creatives who capture amazing imagery using EOS R series cameras, including the new EOS R5 and EOS R6. In addition to the lenses, there are two new RF lens extenders, a 1.4x and a 2x model, allowing for users to take their compatible RF lens focal lengths even farther, and a 13-inch professional printer, the imagePROGRAF PRO-300, to bring photos to life through the power of print.

“For all of the Canon research and development team members who worked tirelessly on the production of these new products, today marks the culmination of a long journey. For those people looking for the next great tools to work with to expand their creative possibilities, the door is now wide open,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “The industry has asked for new products that can push their levels of creativity to new heights, and we are confident that the EOS R5 and EOS R6, alongside the new lenses, lens extenders, and the pro printer, will fulfill those needs and more.”

Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6
Both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras have the ability to capture the action of a variety of fast-moving subjects with impressive accuracy and speed. When using the mechanical shutter, each can shoot up to 12 fps and up to 20 fps when using the completely silent shutter. Both cameras are the first to be outfitted with Canon’s advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II which utilizes up to approximately100 percent coverage of the AF area and EOS iTR AF X incorporating AF tracking algorithms using deep learning technology and enhanced readout speed of the CMOS sensor and processing speed thanks to the DIGIC X image processor. The 1,053 automatically selected AF Zones are made even more potent by the ability to detect the human eye, face or head as well as the eye, face or body of animals such as dogs, cats and even birds. Adding to the feature set is the 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilizer, having coordinated control with Optical Image Stabilizer in IS equipped RF lenses. This provides up to 8 stops of shake correction, a feature that many creators have long asked for from Canon. Both the EOS R5 and R6 cameras come with a new LP-E6NH battery with a higher capacity than the previous model.

As the new flagship model in the EOS R series lineup, the EOS R5 camera has features that pack a punch for a variety of users who create both still and video content. It has a powerful 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and is driven by the speedy DIGIC X image processor, giving wide dynamic range as well as boasting an ISO range of 100-51,200 that is expandable up to 102,400. In a camera full of eye-popping features, one that really stands out is the ability to record uncropped 8K RAW internal video recording up to 29.97 fps and 8K internal video recording up to 29.97 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265). The camera can also record 4K internal video recording up to 119.88 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265). External recording in 4K is also available up to 59.94 fps. When in DCI modes, the 8K and 4K video recording is uncropped and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II is available in all 8K and 4K recording modes. Additional features of the EOS R5 camera include:

  • Dual-card slots: 1x CFexpress and 1x SD UHS-II
  • Built-in 0.5-inch OLED EVF with approximately 5.76 million dots and a 119.88 fps refresh rate
  • 3.2-inch 2.1 million dots vari-angle LCD touch screen
  • 5GHz/2.4GHz Built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth Technology with the ability to utilize the image.canon application, as well as optional WFT-R10A wireless file transmitter with Ethernet support
  • Enhanced operating controls such as rear-dial, multi-controller • The ability to voice tag photos and videos
  • Weather, drip and dust sealing on par with the EOS 5D series

The EOS R6 camera is well-equipped with a host of new features to push the limits of creativity for imaging enthusiasts. The combination of the EOS-1D X Mark III based 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the DIGIC X image processor produces an ISO range of 100-102,400 and is expandable to 204,800. Internal video recording at 4K is capable up to 59.94 fps or 1080p up to 119.88 fps in 10 bit 4:2:2 Canon Log(H.265) or HDR PQ(H.265). The camera also features a built-in 0.5-inch OLED EVF with approximately 3.69 million dots and a 119.88 fps refresh ratevi. Additional features of the EOS R6 camera include:

  • Dual UHS-II SD card slots
  • 3-inch 1.62 million dots vari-angle LCD touch screen
  • 2.4GHz Built-in Wi-Fi®vii and Bluetooth Technologyviii with the ability to utilize the image.canon application
  • Enhanced operating controls such as rear-dial, multi-controller
  • Weather, drip and dust sealing on par with the EOS 6D series

Battery Accessory
The optional BG-R10 battery grip accessory will be available for both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. The BG-R10 accommodates up to two batteries and is compatible with the new LP-E6NH, LP-E6N and LP-E6 batteries. The convenient BG-R10 grip accessory can also improve handling for users while capturing portrait photography.

Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
The Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is a high-performance and versatile super-telephoto zoom lens that will find its way into the bags of many photographers. The compact and lightweight lens features optical image stabilization of up to five stops* of shake correction with three different IS modes, including standard, panning and during exposure only. Two Nano USM motors are at the heart of this lens and provide users with high-speed, smooth and quiet auto focus with a minimum focusing distance of three feet. Additional features of the Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM include:

  • Rotation-Type zoom ring and torque adjustment allows for precision control and feel
  • Customizable control ring that enables photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • 12-pin Communication System
  • Canon L-Series grade dust and weather-resistant construction with a fluorine coating
  • Lens hood with side window allows specialty filters to be adjusted even while Lens Hood is attached
  • Compatible with the new 1.4x and 2x RF lens extenders (from 300 to 500mm focal length)

Canon RF600mm and 800mm F11 IS STM
The Canon RF600mm and RF800mm F11 IS STM lenses are the first fixed focal length super-telephoto RF lenses and are incredibly compact and lightweight. The portability of the new lenses is made even greater due to the ability for the lens barrel to retract and lock in place when the lenses are stowed away and not in use. Diffractive Optics technology helps to reduce the necessary number of lenses and greatly diminish the cost of the lenses, making them affordable for a broader group of photographers. Additional features of the Canon RF600mm and RF800mm F11 IS STM lenses include:

  • Lightweight – the RF600mm weighs approximately 2.05lb and the RF800mm weighs approximately 2.78lb, respectively
  • Compact size, RF600mm measures approximately 7.85inch and RF800mm with measures approximately 11.09inch when retracted, respectively
  • Fixed f/11 aperture
  • Optical image stabilization of five stops* for the RF600mm and four stops* for the RF800mm of Shake Correction
  • Lead screw-type STM enables smooth auto focusing for still-image and video shooting
  • Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • 12-pin Communication System
  • Compatible with the new 1.4x and 2x RF lens extenders

Canon RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM
The third RF85mm lens in the RF lineup, the Canon RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM is compact and lightweight, featuring a bright f/2 aperture helping to capture images that have exceptional bokeh. The lens features a maximum magnification of 0.5x and a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet, providing users with macro-photography capability. Additional features of the Canon RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM include:

  • Optical Image Stabilization with up to five stops* of Shake Correction
  • Hybrid IS compensates for angular and shift camera shake during macro photography
  • Control Ring for Direct Setting Changes.
  • 12-pin Communication System
  • Nine blade Circular Aperture

RF Lens Extenders
Lens extenders have long been a practical and useful tool for a variety of photographers. That story continues with the introduction of the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x. The new lens extenders inherit the same high image quality, precision AF and reliability, such as being drip and dustproof, of EF lens extenders. When used in combination with the newly-released compatible lenses, the capturing range can be dramatically increased, providing consumers with additional use cases for their existing RF lenses.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Completing the lineup of professional printer options from 13 inches through 60 inches, Canon also unveiled today the new 13-inch Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Inkjet Printer along with a new Premium Fine Art Rough paper. Providing an improved workflow and high-quality output within a smaller footprint compared to previous models, this new printer excels at professional printing performance. Combined with the new Premium Fine Art Rough paper that features a textured surface to express the depth of an image, the printer along with the paper and new EOS R5 or EOS R6 camera introduces a new powerhouse professional imaging trio that meets creators’ demands.

Pricing and Availability
The EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available at the end of July for an estimated retail price of $ 3899.00 for the body only and $ 4999.00 for the R5 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens kit**.

The EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available at the end of August for an estimated retail price of $ 2499.00 for the body only, $ 2.899.00 for the R6 and RF 24-105 F4-7.1 IS STM lens kit or $ 3,599.00 for the R6 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens kit**.

The BG-R10 battery grip accessory and WFT-R10A are both scheduled to be available at the end of July for an estimated retail price of $ 349.99 and $ 999.99**, respectively.

The RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is scheduled to be available in September 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 2,699.00. The RF600mm F11 IS STM and RF800mm F11 IS STM lenses are scheduled to be available at the end of July 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 699.99 and $ 899.99, respectively. The RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM lens is scheduled to be available in October 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 599.99 **.

The RF Extender 1.4x and 2x are scheduled to be available at the end of July for an estimated retail price of $ 499.99 and $ 599.99** each.

The imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Printer will be available later in July for a suggested retail price of $ 899.99. Premium Fine Art Rough paper will also be available later in July for a suggested retail price of $ 44.99 for Letter size, $ 109.99 for 13” x 19” inches and $ 169.99, 17” x 22” inches**.

For more information please visit, www.usa.canon.com/virtualproductlaunch

** Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 85 mm
Image stabilization Yes
Lens mount Canon RF
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 12
Groups 11
Special elements / coatings One UD lens
Focus
Minimum focus 0.35 m (13.78)
Maximum magnification 0.5×
Autofocus Yes
Physical
Weight 500 g (1.10 lb)
Diameter 78 mm (3.07)
Length 91 mm (3.56)
Colour Black
Filter thread 67 mm

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hands-on with Canon’s new RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM

10 Jul

Hands-on with Canon’s new RF85mm F2 Macro IS STM

Alongside a trio of telephoto lenses, Canon also announced a new 85mm this week. The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is a compact, affordable alternative to the pro-oriented 85mm F1.2L, which can’t match the light-gathering power of its costly cousin, but adds optical image stabilization and a handy close-focusing ability. Not to mention it’s a whole lot easier to carry around.

Click through this article for a closer look at Canon’s sixth autofocus 85mm lens.

Size and weight

At 500g (1.1 lbs) the 85mm F2 is far from a featherweight, but it’s less than half the weight of the 85mm F1.2. It’s nicely-balanced, too, and doesn’t feel heavy on an EOS R6. The filter thread is a very reasonable 67mm, so no need to hunt around for expensive, larger, less common filters.

Ergonomics

The RF 85mm F2 features a pretty clean, matte black, low-key design, with a broad rubber-clad focus ring in the middle of the barrel (manual focus is focus-by-wire, as we’d expect) and a customizable ‘clicky’ control ring at the front, nearest to the filter ring. The two rings are textured differently to help differentiate them by touch.

There’s a lot of polycarbonate in the body of the lens (our copy is made in Malaysia, for those who care about such things), and overall build quality seems very high. It should be noted, however, that Canon makes no claims about weather-sealing in this lens.

Optical construction

The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is a lot less of a handful than the F1.2L, but it’s still a pretty advanced, complex design. Optical construction comprises 12 elements in 11 groups, including one UD (ultra low-dispersion) element for chromatic aberration control. A nine-bladed aperture ensures that out of focus highlights will be rendered as near-circles when the lens is shot near or wide open. Canon claims ‘beautiful bokeh’ from this lens, which should be a favorite of portrait photographers.

Close focusing

The ‘Macro’ in the full product name of this lens refers to its close focusing abilities, and its maximum reproduction ratio of 0.5X. Technically this isn’t true macro (that would be 1:1 reproduction) but manufacturers (not only Canon) have been playing fast and loose with that word for years, so we’ll forgive it. Especially since this kind of close focusing ability (you can focus down to 1.1 ft, or 35 cm) is so impressive in a lens of this kind. For (near) macro work, you can lock the lens’s autofocus to a range of 0.5m – 0.35m to prevent hunting.

We expect this macro capability will make this lens a handy kit – particularly when paired with the RF 35mm F1.8 – for portrait and wedding photographers who can quickly go close in for detail shots.

Speaking of autofocus, like its shorter focal length RF 35 cousin, the RF 85mm F2 uses a stepping motor to drive its focus group. Given our past experience with Canon’s STM motors, we expect autofocus speeds are unlikely to be as fast as the company’s lenses with Nano USM focus drive systems, and it remains to be seen if focus drive is silent.

Image Stabilization

The RF 85mm F2 features optical image stabilization, rated to five stops of correction (per CIPA, tested on an EOS R). Canon claims that when mounted on an EOS R5 or R6, photographers can expect a combined stabilization effect of up to eight stops with this lens, which will be hugely beneficial for the kind of closeup work that the lens is capable of. Regardless of what body it’s attached to, the 85mm F2’s ‘Hybrid I.S’ system is designed specifically to help with the kinds of rotational and up/down left/right movements that can create problems at very close focusing distances.

We’re unable to test stabilization performance (or autofocus, or image quality) in this pre-production sample, but these are all things that we want to try out when we get an opportunity. In the meantime, let us know what you think of Canon’s latest portrait prime lens in the comments.

The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens is scheduled to be available in October 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 599.99.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics releases Canon RF, Nikon Z mount version of its Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X APO Macro lens

22 Apr

Venus Optics has announced its Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens is now available for Canon RF and Nikon Z camera systems, joining versions for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony FE mounts.

It’s been exactly two years since the lens was originally announced and in that time the Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO has earned numerous accolades and positive reviews for being an impressive-yet-affordable macro lens that punches well above its price point.

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Aside from the additional mount options, the new models remain unchanged from their previously-announced counterparts. They’re constructed of twelve elements in ten groups, feature an F2.8 through F22 aperture range, offer 2x magnification and have 13-blade aperture diaphragms (same as the Sony FE version).

A size comparison from Venus Optics showing the Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO lens (far-right) compared to similar macro lenses from Nikon, Canon and Sony.

The new models come in at the same size as the Sony FE model, weighing 650g (23oz) and measuring in at 72mm (2.8in) in diameter and 155mm (6.1in) long. Below is a gallery of sample images we captured with the original Canon EF version of the Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X APO Macro lens adapted to an EOS R:

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The Canon RF and Nikon Z mount models are also priced the same, retailing for $ 449 on Laowa’s website and authorized retailers. An optional tripod collar is available as an accessory for $ 30.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: How to capture abstract macro photographs using little more than paper and lights

07 Apr

Considering most of the world is well into a few weeks of self-isolation, you’ve probably photographed nearly everything you can in your household, leaving little left to document. Now, it’s time to get really creative and to help make the most of a rough situation is Ben from Adaptalux, who’s shared a 15-minute video showing how you can capture abstract macro photographs using little more than a few lights, a few sheets of paper and a little bit of creative thinking.

Throughout the 15-minute video, Ben walks through a number of different setups and other variations you can experiment with to capture the macro abstract photographs, but the basic tools you’ll need on hand include a camera, a close-up capable lens, a tripod (not necessary, but will very much simplify the process), at least one light source, several sheets of white paper, paper clips (or bobby pins) and a flat surface that’s either transparent or translucent.

While Adaptalux lights are unsurprisingly mentioned in the video, any lights should do and if you have a few gels sitting around, you can get extra creative by mixing up colors.

If you prefer a non-visual explainer, Adaptalux has also published an accompanying blog post on its website that details the process. You can find more tutorials on Adaptalux’s YouTube channel, where it offers up a complete playlist dedicated to ‘Macro Photography Tutorials.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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How to Take Vibrant, Razor-Sharp Macro Photos of Flowers

29 Feb

The post How to Take Vibrant, Razor-Sharp Macro Photos of Flowers appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ramakant Sharda.

razor-sharp-macro-photos-of-flowers

Macro photography is a very interesting subject for photographers. People love to shoot small objects like insects, flowers, waterdrops, etc. With macro photography, a photographer can show the tiniest details about the subject – details that are not possible to see with the naked eye. Today, let’s find out how to amaze viewers by taking colorful and razor-sharp macro photos of flowers.

razor-sharp-macro-photos-of-flowers

What you’ll need to capture razor-sharp macro photos of flowers

Camera body

You’ll be taking photographs, which means you will obviously need a camera body. But which camera body is good for macro photography – a full-frame or a crop-sensor camera?

Different photographers have different answers to this question. Each body has advantages over the other. With a crop-sensor camera, you can get a larger focal length with the same lens so that you don’t have to get very close to the subject. A crop sensor also gives you a deeper depth of field as compared to a full-frame body, which means you can keep more of the subject in focus.

On the other hand, a full-frame body reveals more details because of the larger sensor size. It also performs better in low-light conditions. So, ultimately, all bodies are good for macro photography, whether you have a crop-sensor camera or a full-frame camera, or whether it’s a DSLR or mirrorless.

razor-sharp-macro-photos-of-flowers

Lens

Lens choice is important in macro photography.

A true macro lens gives you 1:1 magnification, which means the size of your subject can be the same as your sensor size. In other words, if you have a full-frame body that has a 36mm x 24mm sensor size, you can fill the entire frame with a subject that is 36mm x 24mm in size. This gives you the opportunity to get really close to the subject and capture all the details.

However, don’t worry if you don’t have a dedicated macro lens. You can use extension tubes or a reverse ring with two lenses. Alternatively, you can use a cheaper option called macro close-up filters.

Flash and diffuser

A flash is a very important piece of equipment in macro photography. It helps you take razor-sharp pictures and capture bright colors. It also helps you avoid blurry images resulting from the shake of the camera.

A flash diffuser is equally as important as the flash. It softens the light and brings out the details and colors. You can use a mini softbox or domes or MagSphere, or you can simply put a diffuser cloth in front of the flash or bounce it with a white card.

You can use the flash on the camera hot-shoe or, if you have wireless flash triggers, you can use the off-camera flash. This will give you better results, but you will need someone to hold it.

How to Take Vibrant, Razor-Sharp Macro Photos of Flowers

Things to remember:

1. Depth of field

The first thing to remember when it comes to getting razor-sharp macro photos of flowers is depth of field (DOF). DOF is very important in macro photography. If you are shooting with a true macro lens with 1:1 magnification and your aperture is f/4, you’ll get only 1-2mm of total DOF. So, chances are, you won’t get everything you want in focus.

The solution is a smaller aperture. With an f/16 aperture, you can easily get 5-6mm total DOF and have everything you want in focus.

However, with such a small aperture, you’ll need lots of light. That’s why a flash is necessary for macro photography.

How to Take Vibrant, Razor-Sharp Macro Photos of Flowers

2. Focusing

Many photographers suggest that manual focus is better for macro photography, but I disagree with them.

I always use autofocus when taking macro pictures.

Why?

Because it’s easy, it’s fast, and you have fewer chances of taking out-of-focus pictures because both hands are free to hold the camera.

Just make sure that your hands and camera don’t move between focus lock and taking the picture.

3. Background

To achieve razor-sharp macro photos of flowers, you should always consider the background. In most cases, the background will be blurred, but, still, it should be clean and have contrasting colors.

4. Look from different angles

When we take photos of flowers, we usually take them from the top or the side. However, sometimes a flower can be very beautiful from the back, too.

When you are searching for a subject to shoot, always look it from different angles so that you can see and click something extraordinary – something that others can’t.

razor-sharp-macro-photos-of-flowers

5. Dead flowers can be great subjects, too

We always try to take photos of fresh flowers, but sometimes dead flowers can be great subjects, as in the following image. When a flower is dead, and all the petals have fallen, it starts preparing seeds.

Sometimes those seeds look very beautiful and can be good subjects to shoot macro.

razor-sharp-macro-photos-of-flowers

6. Shoot in RAW

To achieve razor-sharp macro photos of flowers, always shoot in RAW format because RAW files contain more details. Therefore, when you sharpen the image and enhance the colors in post-processing, you’ll get better results.

When you open a RAW image in post-processing software, it’ll look dull and lack sharpness, colors, and contrast. Don’t lose heart after seeing this. After a little bit of post-processing, it can often be better than a JPG image from the camera.

How to Take Vibrant, Razor-Sharp Macro Photos of Flowers

7. Keep your hands steady

A tripod is not a useful tool in macro photography because you’ll need to click at unusual angles.

If you have a moving subject, like insects, chances are, they’ll go away before you set up your tripod. So, it’s better to take photos with a handheld camera. Keep your elbows inside, which will give you support and lower your chances of camera shake.

8. Practice and be patient

If, after doing everything you have read in this article, you take photos that aren’t coming out sharp, don’t be disheartened. Have patience, and keep practicing. Eventually, you’ll get razor-sharp macro photos of flowers.

razor-sharp-macro-photos-of-flowers

Keep clicking and share your pictures here. If you need help, just ask me. I am always here to assist.

 

You may also like:

  • 5 Quick Tips for Outdoor Macro Photography
  • 7 Different Ways to Approach Macro Photography
  • Just Dew It – Fun with Macro Dewdrop Photography
  • How to take Great Flower Photos without a Macro Lens
  • 5 DIY Macro Photography Hacks for Stunning Macro Photos (on a Budget)
  • Reverse Lens Macro – How to Make Macro Photos with “Backward Thinking”
  • How to do Extreme Close-Up Photography with a Macro Bellows
  • 5 Camera Settings That All Macro Photographers Should Know

 

The post How to Take Vibrant, Razor-Sharp Macro Photos of Flowers appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ramakant Sharda.


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Panasonic updates its L-mount lens roadmap with two new primes, drops the 100mm F2.8 Macro

28 Feb

Panasonic has published (translated) an updated roadmap for its Lumix S L-mount lenses. The updated roadmap adds two new prime lenses and is notably missing the 100mm F2.8 Macro lens compared to the previous lens roadmap, released back in August 2019.

Based on the information shown in the above roadmap graphic, Panasonic will be releasing three prime lenses and three zoom lenses in 2020:

  • 24mm F1.8
  • 50mm F1.8
  • 85mm F1.8
  • Wide-angle zoom lens
  • Standard zoom lens
  • Telephoto zoom lens

No details are given for the focal lengths of the zoom lenses, but based on the infographic, it seems nearly every focal length from around 24mm through 280mm will be covered.

Although no specifics were mentioned in our recent interview with Yosuke Yamane, Director of Panasonic’s Imaging Business Division, he did talk about the importance of working alongside Sigma and Leica to expand and improve the lens options for the L-mount alliance, going so far as to saying the trio is ‘discussing changes to the communication protocol between the cameras and lenses.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron 20mm F2.8 Macro sample gallery

30 Jan

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Tamron’s new trio of compact, 1:2 macro prime lenses includes a 35mm F2.8, a 24mm F2.8, and this lens, a 20mm F2.8 for Sony’s full-frame E-mount cameras. We found that the lack of a super-fast maximum aperture is at least partially made up by the impressive close-focusing distance, and the lens is weather-sealed and affordable to boot. Take a look at what this lens can do on a 61MP Sony a7R IV, and catch a glimpse of some Seattle snow while you’re at it.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Laowa launches new 65mm F2.8 2x Macro APO lens for Fuji X, Canon M and Sony E-mount

25 Jan

Venus Optics has unveiled its latest lens, the Laowa 65mm F2.8 2x Macro APO lens for Fuji X, Canon M and Sony E-mount camera systems. This marks the first macro lens Venus Optics has designed specifically for APS-C mirrorless cameras.

The lens offers a 2:1 magnification ratio and a 100mm full-frame equivalent focal length. It’s constructed of 14 elements in 10 groups, including three extra-low dispersion elements. Venus Optics says the lens was ‘carefully designed to remove both [lateral chromatic aberration and longitudinal chromatic aberration] to an invisible level.’

Below is a collection of sample images provided by Venus Optics:

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It has an aperture range between F2.8 and F22, and features a nine-blade aperture diaphragm. The minimum focusing distance is 17cm (6.7in) and the front filter thread is 52mm. The lens measures in at 100mm (3.94in) long, 57mm (2.24in) in diameter and weighs 335g (11.8oz).

Below is a video review of the lens from photographer Micael Widell:

The Laowa 65mm 2x APO Macro lens is available on Laowa’s website for $ 400. It’s available for Fuji X, Canon M and Sony E-mount camera systems.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron 20mm F2.8 macro for Sony E-mount ships this month for $350

16 Jan

Tamron has announced that its 20mm F2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 macro lens for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras will be on sale at the end of this month. It will sit alongside two other close-focusing Tamron lenses: the 24mm F2.8 and 35mm F2.8.

The 20mm F2.8 offers a minimum focus distance of 11cm (4.3″) and a max magnification of 0.5x. This compact lens is only 6.4cm (2.5″) long and is sealed against moisture and dust.

The 20mm F2.8 Di III OSM M1:2 will be priced at $ 350 when it arrives on January 30th.

Press Release

Tamron Announces the Launch Date of Close-Focusing

20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F050)

January 14, 2020, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F050) prime lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras will be on sale in the USA on January 30, 2020. The lens will sell for approximately $ 349.

Now, all three close-focusing prime lenses including the 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F051) and the 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F053) will be on the market. Enjoy the world of wideangle prime lenses with this convenient and mobile lens, featuring the same 67mm filter diameter as all lenses in Tamron’s line-up for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Main features

  1. Enhanced close-focusing capability expands lens versatility with an MOD of 4.3 inches.
  2. 67mm filter diameter, same as all other Tamron lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
  3. Superb high-resolution performance that matches the latest high-resolution image sensors.
  4. Superior design and consistent 2.5 in overall length facilitate ease-of-use.
  5. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating contribute to a comfortable, user friendly photographic experience.
  6. Compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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