The Like of the Draw

[Michael Erlewine]

Certainly, the common Aster is an incredible subject for close-up photography. I make this post to show something as to how three different lenses each have a different draw or take on images. And they are very predictable. I am not shooting the same subject in the same pose because I never do that with different lenses. Each has its own qualities and each suggests that I shoot differently.

So, here are the Zeiss 55mm APO, the CRT-Nikkor, and the El Nikkor 105mm APO lenses. I offer two images for each, so look underneath the image for the image name.

Of course, I like them all, but for Asters, I prefer the El Nikkor 105mm APO, which continues to be a terrific lens for anything with various levels of detail. Which lens do you prefer? All taken with the Nikon D810 and Zerene Stacker.

[John Geerts]

I find the CRT-Nikkor most pleasing in these shots.

[Andrea B.]

El Nikkor APO because of the great masses of detail.
But all 3 lenses have produced excellent results.

[Michael Erlewine]

El Nikkor APO because of the great masses of detail.

The El Nikkor APO 105mm, not to be confused with any of the non-APO El Nikkors, is not a fast lens (at f/5.6), but it gives an almost 3D effect as used here, wide-open, and stacked. It sits on a PB-4 Nikon Bellows with a 12mm extension on the end of the bellows to allow a camera like the D810 to attach. Then, the front standard is fixed with the lens, while the back standard with the camera moves.

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

I personally prefer a more subjective, painterly approach currently....







to try and make the essence of a flowervisible, as I see it....

[Erik Lund]

Very nice images Michael, Impossible to pick one or compare them as it completely depends on what you want feeling or emotion you want to convey.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

A flower can be approached in countless ways when we try to make a photographic record of it. I am pleased to see the various manners this can be done and the different moods induced from these. 

[David H. Hartman]

Of course, I like them all, but for Asters, I prefer the El Nikkor 105mm APO, which continues to be a terrific lens for anything with various levels of detail. Which lens do you prefer? All taken with the Nikon D810 and Zerene Stacker.

I prefer by a wide margin the third and last image. The third image reminds me of a painting in that the main subject is fully in focus. The human eye and brain do focus stacking. It's just that way. The painter normally doesn't see as a single photographic image when painting objects close at hand.

I really like the third photograph!

Dave