Spring is springing in Atlanta

[Luvwine]

So I tried out a macro lens I bought not too long ago (Voigtlander 110/2.5). Was drizzling hence the droplets:

 

[AlanLichty]

I love that first shot - excellent work with the depth of details in that image. I have tried to get shots like the last one with the water droplets but never got one that worked as well as this one does.

Nice to know someone is experiencing spring - we should be but I am watching snowflakes float by out my window instead.

 

[Joe Colozzo]

well done, you handled the very narrow depth of field on a macro shot very well.

 

[JimFox]

Really cool work here Stephen. #3 is my favorite, I really just like all of those drops of water on that blade of grass or stem. It looks like that could be a very good lens for you?

 

[Ben Egbert]

Very nice work here. Great macro work.

 

[Luvwine]

Thanks all very much. Yes, the lens in question is a very fine optic—no discernible CA and sharp as a tack from wide open. These were all focus stacks ranging from F2.5-F5.6 and 8 to maybe 20 images stacked. Depth of field is really tiny at macro distances as you approach 1:1 magnification, but I like using larger apertures to get better bokeh (and avoid diffraction).

 

[Alan Milnes]

Lovely images. Especially like the first image. Bokeh is outstanding.

 

[Johnny Chien]

Love the 1st one, do you use any external lights for your subject, like a ring light?

 

[Luvwine]

Love the 1st one, do you use any external lights for your subject, like a ring light?

No. I don’t even own a flash unit! I understand many serious macro shooters use ring flashes or multiple strobe setups, but so far, I just use natural light. I like shooting flowers on overcast days for even light and mostly work off a tripod—especially if I am going to focus stack. If a sunny day, I will go out late in the afternoon or early in the morning—I dislike intense sun. I guess one could carry a modifier to help too. Some folks will carry a spray bottle to get water droplets tho I have never done that. Feels like cheating I guess or perhaps I am just lazy. The biggest problem is if it is a windy day. Then I will not bother trying to photograph flowers tho I have seen where some folks attaching a clip to keep the subject still. Any movement is frustrating as even slight changes in position seem huge at higher magnifications.

 

[Leslie Hunter]

I like these.