Housefly macro (2:1 magnification)

[kamran]

Greetings,

This was taken with 2X Teleplus PRO attached to the Micro Nikkor 105mm 2.8D and the SB800 (diffuser attched). It was VERY difficult to get the compound eyes in focus as the wire on which the fly was resting was swinging. I'm always open to comments!

[sheepie]

The eyes appear to be sharp as a tack, but to me the image is let down a little by the rest of the fly - it takes a while to realise just how sharp the eyes are, and you're then drawn to look at just them. Seems to me you'd be better just showing that bit of the image from the start.

I understand the whole DOF thing, so don't think I'm suggesting there's a problem there - what I would suggest though is a crop much closer to showing just the eyes - I think that would be magic Presuming this is the whole frame as taken, you have plenty of scope to go in closer with a crop and still have a high quality output at reasonable size.

[MHD]

I disagree.... at such high mags shallow DOF is part and parcel of the image... the sharp (and boy they are SHARP) eyes give a real focal point...

Brilliant shot, and totally gross

[sheepie]

I disagree.... at such high mags shallow DOF is part and parcel of the image... the sharp (and boy they are SHARP) eyes give a real focal point...

Brilliant shot, and totally gross

I'm not saying they aren't - just suggesting that the image would perhaps be stronger with more 'focus' on the eyes

[NJ]

WOW!

thats insane! the eyes are so damn sharp!

[christiand]

WOW! ,

Me too says that's insane! the eyes are so damn sharp!

A while ago I came accross this link (somebody may have posted it here)

http://www.heliconfilter.com/pages/focus_overview.html

Have a look - this software has potential.

HTH,
CD

[Manta]

Kamran - great shot. Everything that everyone else had said.

Macro DOF will always be a very subjective area so it wil always come doen to what you want the image to portray. We all have our own views and it will also change, depending on the subject matter.

Christian - I remember seeing the original post on the Helicon Filter software (was it Sirhc55 or MattK perhaps?).

At the time, way before I got into macro, I thought it was pretty cool. I still things it's amazing but have my concerns about having to take multiple shots, each at differnet points of focus, of a subject that's likely at any second to get up and leg it and the slightest provocation, eg a fly. Sure the photog might get lucky and the thing might sit there for week but I just thought this was something to consider. Obviously, static stuff would give no such hassle.

[marcotrov]

Great sharpness in the eyes but I would like to see the sharpness extended, and I knw that's difficult but some subjects benefit from an absolutely narrow DOF i don't feel this one suits that. Manta's right though very subjective area macro
cheers
marco

[PALL]

wow great macro,huge magnification.i like the shalow DOF as is cuz its mostly a part of macro photography and it looks good other wise raising aperture will make shot look too flat.shalow DOF gives a 3d feel.very good.i never had tried this with my macro since it only goes 1"1".which TELE-C you uses?.are you in lahore? ,

cya,
Allah Hafiz.

[Matt. K]

One trick to increase the DOF is to pull the camera back a little. As you move back then DOF increases. You then regain your magnification by cropping in Photoshop. Providing you don't overcrop then this is a recognised method for getting the DOF you require without losing any visible image quality. (There is no other way).

Now I'm gonna bunker down because I suspect there might be a bit of flak coming my way.

[sirhc55]

One trick to increase the DOF is to pull the camera back a little. As you move back then DOF increases. You then regain your magnification by cropping in Photoshop. Providing you don't overcrop then this is a recognised method for getting the DOF you require without losing any visible image quality. (There is no other way).

Now I'm gonna bunker down because I suspect there might be a bit of flak coming my way.

There is another way if the fly stays still. Progressive 0.5 to 1mm focussing then combine images in PS and work the magic

[kamran]

I forgot to mention earlier that I am using a Kenko 2x Tele-converter (grabbed it for US$70). Pretty ordinary tele converter if you ask me. Robs away quite a lot of sharpness and light. But it's a pretty cheap way of achieving 2:1 maginification.

One thing to note is the aperture as the tele converter doesn't show the correct aperture when connected to some Nikkor lenses. For instance, f/20 in this shot might be something like f/29.

Next time, I will try to shoot without the tele converter i.e. shorter focal length of 105mm and therefore, more DOF. I hope the fly's still there!

[ozimax]

A case of serious red eye here Outstanding eyes. Great.

[Matt. K]

Chris
That is another way but it is devilishly tricky as there will be slight changes in perspective. The correct way is to mount the fly on a rack that changes the position of the fly as the focal length is changed on the lens. The whole setup has to be calibrated for precision. The exposure is built up on one frame and the fly is lit with a moving slit of light. Get to it!