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Re: [OM] Which Macro lens to own?

Subject: Re: [OM] Which Macro lens to own?
From: AG Schnozz <agschnozz@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2002 13:16:15 -0800 (PST)
I've been following this thread with interest since I've done
macro with non-macro gear for years.  And made money at it.  I
even have a magazine cover shot taken with a closeup diopter
(IS-1 closeup kit) mounted on a 100/2.8.

What I've used is not necessarily what I'd recommend to others. 
Just because I've been able to use standard lenses and MANUAL
extension doesn't make it the most desirable setup going.  I've
used what was affordable and available--not what is ideal.

I acquired a 50/3.5 (silvernosed, of course) last year and
absolutely love the sharpness and flexibility of the lens.  To
go from infinity down to 1:2 by just twisting the focus ring
makes life quite a bit easier.  Unfortunately, for artistic
interpretation, the 50mm focal length isn't that good of a
choice.  The backgrounds don't blur out like they do with a
longer focal length and the working distance is a bit close. 
For copystand work, studio photography and record shots of
flowers, the 50/3.5 is outstanding.

I like using the 24/2.8 with 7-14mm of extension.  Contrast is a
bit flatter, but the perspective of wide-angles in closeup work
is a healthy break from the norm.  Working distance?  Try just
pointing your camera upward and setting the object to be
photographed right on the lens or skylight filter.  If you want
to get inside flowers, this is an ideal setup.  21-28mm will do
it.

The 100/2.8 with extension tubes has been my bread and butter
setup for many, many years.  Absolutely love this combination. 
I've been tempted to get the 90/2.  Joel let me try his and
almost didn't get it back.  Could be the reason why he didn't
let me mount it on my camera.  Working distance, bokeh, and
sharpness are all good with the 100/2.8.  This is not a
flat-fielded setup so it works better for outdoor photography
than studio work.

200/4 with extension tubes.  This setup absolutely rocks for me.
 If wind conditions allow, this is my setup of choice.  I find
that F8 gives good enough DOF to cover focus errors without
slowing down the exposure too much.

I wouldn't recommend trying to use an older 50/1.4 with
extension tubes.  The lens lacks some sharpness close up and at
1:2 the field of focus varies by almost 7mm from center to edge.

If money were no object...

AG-Schnozz

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