LM DSLR Macro Lens Workshop
The LM DSLR macro lens is a super add-on for lenses ranging from 50 to 90 mm. Due to its small size and lightweight construction it is ideal for outdoor use. A reasonably priced zoom kit lens with a focal length of around 50 mm opens up the macro photography range.
Depending on the focal length of the lens, a magnification ratio of 2.6:1 can be achieved in combination with the LM DSLR macro lens. The LM DSLR macro lens is able to demonstrate its full potential in the photographic studio. The use of external illumination, e.g. an LED ring light or flash, and a sturdy stand with macro slider is ideal. This means that nothing is left to chance and the focus can be set precisely to the desired degree of sharpness. With a magnification ratio of 2.6:1 you are starting to move into the microscopic range. The technology of macro imaging differs from standard photography technology in several fundamental aspects.
To make your entry into the realm of macro photography with the LM DSLR macro lens easier, we have put together a short workshop on macro photography.
Equipment for mobile use:
For our workshop we have used a Canon EOS 350 with a Canon EFS 18-55 mm kit zoom lens, the LM DSLR 80 mm macro lens and a flash bracket with a Metz flash. For mobile use we recommend the LM DSLR 80 mm macro lens instead of the LM DSLR 40 mm macro lens. For optical/physical reasons, the depth of field is larger due to the lower magnification. At the maximum zoom setting of the Canon EFS 18-55 mm lens, the magnification ratio is 1.4:1.
Up to a magnification ratio of 2:1 it is possible to take photographs without using a stand and a macro slider. With increasing total magnification it becomes progressively more difficult to capture a sharp image of the object.
Especially in the case of moving objects, such as insects, a compromise must be made between total magnification and depth of field, as there are often only a few seconds or even fractions of a second in which to focus. To achieve a good picture quality, it is essential to use external illumination such as a TTL flash. This makes it possible to avoid motion blurs and ensures that the image is optimally illuminated. Because the flash is mounted on a rail on the side of the camera, the surface structure is shown to even greater advantage. Unfortunately, it is not possible to use the camera’s built-in flash in most cases, as the object will be cast into shadow by the lens.
With zoom lenses, a wide angle setting will often result in vignetting.
This is entirely normal in combination with the LM DSLR macro lens.
As soon as the zoom is set to medium, the vignetting disappears completely.
When photographing insects, such as bees or flies, every millimetre counts. For this reason, we recommend that you deactivate the digital camera’s auto focus mode and instead adjust the focus manually.
The auto focus mode of many digital SLR cameras is not designed for extreme macro use and is therefore generally overtaxed on such occasions. In the worst case scenario, it can even prevent the image from being taken and the insect flies away before you can capture it. The best thing to do is to experiment with and without auto focus and select the optimal setting according to your needs.
The easiest way of focussing with the LM DSLR macro lens is by changing the operating distance. Carefully move the camera lens unit backward and forward to focus precisely on the desired detail.
With moving objects, it is essential to use a TTL flash, which is mounted to the side of the camera. This makes it possible to avoid motion blurs. If the light comes in at an angle, the object’s surface structure is shown to even greater advantage. LED ring lights or ring flashes are primarily designed for strongly structured and less reflective objects. They generally drown normal objects in the richness of their light and result in flat, poorly contrasting images. The twin flash, which, as the name suggests, consists of two flash heads, is much more suitable. These two flash heads are adjustable and are positioned on a ring in front of the lens or on a flash bracket on the side of the camera. If you already have a ring light, then the twin flash effect can also be simulated by partially masking the ring with black tape, thus increasing the brilliance and contrast of the photos considerably.
Select an aperture between 12 and 16 using the “automatic aperture control” setting. The camera then automatically selects the required shutter speed. A small aperture opening (higher aperture number) significantly increases the depth of field. Working with a TTL flash makes it possible to use the optimal aperture with the shortest possible shutter speed. A short shutter speed reduces blurring and motion artefacts when capturing moving objects (e.g. insects).
Selected aperture of 16 with automatic aperture control setting using a TTL flash.
If you want to extract the last ounce of performance from your macro equipment in the studio, then ideally you should use a macro slider for precision focussing, together with a TTL flash or an LED light.
To further reduce motion blurs, which mainly arise from vibrations when releasing the shutter, we recommend that you use a remote control release. An even more convenient way is to control the camera from the computer via USB, LAN or WLAN. The CANON EOS 350D can be connected to your computer using the cable supplied on purchase.
By using a digital SLR camera with “Live View” mode, you can check your macro images on the camera display, or better still, on an external HDMI-capable TFT screen.
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