Search found 285 matches

by Bob^3
Wed Dec 29, 2010 7:23 pm
Forum: Technical and Studio Photography -- Macro and Close-up
Topic: Nikon 10x microscope objective comparison
Replies: 24
Views: 11203

Hi Nikola, From the exif data in your images, it appears you are using a Canon 5D, so full frame 12.8MP? If so and you are measuring the 180mm extension from sensor to mounting shoulder as Rik mentioned, then I would be surprised that either the m plan (CF version?) or BD plan would perform as well ...
by Bob^3
Mon Dec 27, 2010 4:58 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Helicon Remote v2 beta supports stepper motors and StackShot
Replies: 2
Views: 2447

I see that Trinamic posts full specs on their motors. The motors themselves appear to be pretty standard--Trinamic just attaches their controller by what appear to be removable screws. If you could get just the controller (no idea if this is possible or advantageous), it would be pretty easy to fin...
by Bob^3
Mon Dec 27, 2010 4:20 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Considering a 10x objective for snowflakes, ideas?
Replies: 46
Views: 13023

If I were doing snowflakes (they are on my "someday" list), I wouldn't try to use just one lens for everything, as snowflakes vary quite a bit in size. I use a finite lens regime, and am pretty sure that two of my lenses--the 4x Nikon CF N apo and 10x CF N--would together capture most snowflakes wo...
by Bob^3
Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:35 am
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Pixel LV-W1 remote ?
Replies: 10
Views: 4755

Different thing altogether, the Pixel is wireless, not cabled. Different, yes. But I would say with the overlapping functions of providing a remote (separated from the camera) Live View display. It may be some time before they produce a wireless unit capable of broadcasting HD Live View video. Howe...
by Bob^3
Sun Dec 26, 2010 9:12 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Pixel LV-W1 remote ?
Replies: 10
Views: 4755

Now that one's more like it, 9 inch HD display with HDMI input for high-resolution and rechargeable Li-ion battery. And it's made by one of the better Chinese companies. But at $600, I'll stick with my semi-portable HDMI 13 inch LCD television for now. :)
by Bob^3
Sun Dec 26, 2010 7:30 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Helicon Remote v2 beta supports stepper motors and StackShot
Replies: 2
Views: 2447

Helicon Remote v2 beta supports stepper motors and StackShot

http://www.heliconsoft.com/steppers.html Released two days ago on 24 Dec. They currently list support for two units---the USB version of StackShot controller and a particular brand of integral stepper motor with built-in controller that has an RS-232 interface. For me, USB or RS-232 isn’t a bad choi...
by Bob^3
Sun Dec 26, 2010 3:08 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Considering a 10x objective for snowflakes, ideas?
Replies: 46
Views: 13023

Can you mention those that you have tested, or were they mentioned in some thread that I missed? Sure, but keep in mind that these were tested on a full frame D700, and the tests were done very quickly to look only at vignetting not image quality. So I can’t completely eliminate the following lense...
by Bob^3
Fri Dec 24, 2010 11:14 am
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: JML 21mm has certainly increased in value..
Replies: 3
Views: 1695

Yes, yes of course---all part of my maniacal master plan to become filthy rich when the price goes over $100,000!!! That's when I will sell my 7 copies. Any buyers? :D Now back to reality. At that seller's inflated price someone could purchase an Olympus 20mm f/2 macro lens, which by all accounts is...
by Bob^3
Thu Dec 23, 2010 3:42 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Considering a 10x objective for snowflakes, ideas?
Replies: 46
Views: 13023

Hi Oskar, I'll offer another warm winter welcome! :D - I like bellows because of easily adjustable of magnification and focus. But I'm quite tempted by the idea of an infinity objective at the end of a vanilla zoom, so that I could change magnification simply by zooming. I wonder whether this works ...
by Bob^3
Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:33 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Pixel LV-W1 remote ?
Replies: 10
Views: 4755

Apparently, it plugs into the USB port: http://www.redferret.net/?p=18860 My two concerns would be the relatively low vertical resolution screen (960x240) which would make it difficult to set precise focus (especially if it can't be zoomed to higher magnifications) and whether it uses camera-specifi...
by Bob^3
Mon Dec 13, 2010 11:15 am
Forum: Technical and Studio Photography -- Macro and Close-up
Topic: Testing a variable extension tube
Replies: 4
Views: 3162

I wish I could have saved the helicoid in mine, but one of the internal screws had come loose and someone must have continued to rotate the lens which severely damage the spiral channel in the aluminum barrel.

Those old MF lenses were built sooo much better than anything today!
by Bob^3
Sun Dec 12, 2010 5:53 pm
Forum: Technical and Studio Photography -- Macro and Close-up
Topic: Testing a variable extension tube
Replies: 4
Views: 3162

Joaquim. beautiful image and great idea using the Micro-Nikkor 105mm AI f/4 barrel, focus helicoid and diaphragm for use with other lenses! I hope you saved the original lens capsule from the 105/4. Is it in two parts or still intact after you removed the aperture blades? The optics in the 104mm/4 A...
by Bob^3
Fri Dec 10, 2010 2:50 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: JML Substitute?
Replies: 17
Views: 6847

Re your request, "time" is the operative word. Understood. That's where I'm at too. But I'll try to do some quick tests for approximate effective f-number, focal length (your measurements above may be enough to calculate this---Rik?) and image quality (with Live View). I can confirm your findings t...
by Bob^3
Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:31 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: JML Substitute?
Replies: 17
Views: 6847

The Surplus Shed lens you're describing sounds like the one Rik described here?: http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11546 I have also purchased two of these, but haven't had time to test them yet. The f-number of the 23x lens can be estimated by comparing the lens to the JML f/3.5...
by Bob^3
Thu Dec 09, 2010 9:34 am
Forum: Macro and Micro Technique and Technical Discussions
Topic: MACRO LENS BUYING HELP FOR GEMSTONE PHOTOGRAPHY
Replies: 25
Views: 10391

theimage1,

That is exactly what I was searching for to help zaveri.vismay. I'm not a gem photographer, so was having a hard time finding good info. Thanks for the help!