New Series: Lenses for Close-Up and the DSLR: Volume Two

[Michael Erlewine]

http://traffic.libsyn.com/spiritgrooves/DSLR_Close-Up_Volume_Two.pdf

I am working on a series of small books that show what various close-up (ones I use) lenses do at each of the main apertures. This may not be useful to anyone, in which case ignore it. But for those trying to decide where to put their money in lenses, it could be a help. This first booklet includes lenses I have talked about often. Following soon are a whole bunch of enlarger-style barrel lenses, some that are remarkable and cost relatively very little.

[P.S. Make sure your browser can open the PDF. You may have to install a reader. Google Chrome has changed some things in this regard.]

http://traffic.libsyn.com/spiritgrooves/DSLR_Close-Up_Volume_Two.pdf

http://spiritgrooves.libsyn.com/new-series-close-up-lenses-for-the-dslr-volume-two

El Nikkor 63mm f/2.8
Schneider APO Digitar Componon-S f/4
Schneider APO-Rodagon 90mm f/4
Schneider 120mm Digitar-N f/4.5
Schneider 120mm Digitar-M Macro  f/5.6
Carl Zeiss 74mm S-Planar Macro f/8 to f/64

[Frank Fremerey]

http://traffic.libsyn.com/spiritgrooves/DSLR_Close-Up_Volume_Two.pdf

I am working on a series of small books that show what various close-up (ones I use) lenses do at each of the main apertures. This may not be useful to anyone, in which case ignore it. But for those trying to decide where to put their money in lenses, it could be a help. This first booklet includes lenses I have talked about often. Following soon are a whole bunch of enlarger-style barrel lenses, some that are remarkable and cost relatively very little.

[P.S. Make sure your browser can open the PDF. You may have to install a reader. Google Chrome has changed some things in this regard.]

http://traffic.libsyn.com/spiritgrooves/DSLR_Close-Up_Volume_Two.pdf

http://spiritgrooves.libsyn.com/new-series-close-up-lenses-for-the-dslr-volume-two

El Nikkor 63mm f/2.8
Schneider APO Digitar Componon-S f/4
Schneider APO-Rodagon 90mm f/4
Schneider 120mm Digitar-N f/4.5
Schneider 120mm Digitar-M Macro  f/5.6
Carl Zeiss 74mm S-Planar Macro f/8 to f/64

It seems you are quite happy with the Schneider offerings. I am sure there are some similarly great lenses in the Rodenstock portfolio.

The Apo Digitars you have tried are not the newest incarnations of the lens, which was conceived in 2012 with an image circle of 15 cm at f=11 and infinity

The one I bought is imprinted: "APO-DIGITAR 5.6/120 N-48° ASPHERIC MC"

Thank you for your effort!

[Michael Erlewine]

I am amazed at how sharp these Copal-style lenses are compared to, say, the regular run of Nikons, etc. Even more useful for the DSLR user are the barrel-shaped enlarger lenses. These are incredible lenses, such as the Schneider APO 80mm Digitar Componon-S f/4. It is almost as good as the El Nikkor APO 105mm, which IMO is the single best lens (or most-used) I own. There is, as you know, a whole world of these lenses out there, many going for peanuts. I wish there were a master catalog of all the different formats of each type.

Then again, in my next booklet I look at the 3 Otus lenses and the 135mm, and those are just incredible performers. Some say the Otii are too "clinical" of lack any saving-grace distortion, but my view is that they are empty canvases, waiting for us to pour in the style we are, if we have any in the moment. Don't blame it on the lens for being pristine.

Here is one with the Otus 55mm.

[the solitaire]

Something weird going on around that leaf

[Frank Fremerey]

Something weird going on around that leaf

there is  a lot of microcontrast in the blossom in some.
too much for my taste.

[pluton]

Here is one with the Otus 55mm.

One of the finer, or if you prefer, more 'finessed' lighting jobs I've seen recently.  Evidence that any so-called "3D effect" comes primarily from the lighting.

[Michael Erlewine]

One of the finer, or if you prefer, more 'finessed' lighting jobs I've seen recently.  Evidence that any so-called "3D effect" comes primarily from the lighting.

No finessed lighting. Just a window with light coming through. These images are not about light and color, but about perceived sharpness and what happens at different apertures. It may not be helpful, but these images are large enough to see something. Of course, the originals show much more, etc.

[pluton]

No finessed lighting. Just a window with light coming through. These images are not about light and color, but about perceived sharpness and what happens at different apertures. It may not be helpful, but these images are large enough to see something. Of course, the originals show much more, etc.

Well then...As a viewer,  precisely where you placed the plant in relation to the window and camera angle was the act of 'finessing'.
Maybe better to call it 'good judgement' or in the current usage, 'a good call."
EDIT:  On second thought, forget all the fancy talk...let me just call it Good Lighting.

[Frank Fremerey]

I am amazed at how sharp these Copal-style lenses are compared to, say, the regular run of Nikons, etc. Even more useful for the DSLR user are the barrel-shaped enlarger lenses. These are incredible lenses, such as the Schneider APO 80mm Digitar Componon-S f/4. It is almost as good as the El Nikkor APO 105mm, which IMO is the single best lens (or most-used) I own. There is, as you know, a whole world of these lenses out there, many going for peanuts. I wish there were a master catalog of all the different formats of each type.

For me the idea to use LF optics on my DSLRs came reading a wonderful article on the P65 Digiback by Phase One on Luminous Landscapes years ago. The detail rendering with this 6µm pixel back
was amazing, mind blowing!

[Kamosor]

The ultra-high resolution Schneider Apo Digitars with medium format cameras are used in Polish museums but ... APO EL Nikkor is just the best and my last lens

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Michael, please, it is "Lenses for Close Up", not close-up lenses, that would be diopters...