Using CZJ 135/3.5 for macro - next steps?

dave_t · Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 214

Winter in Prague means a lot of cloudy skies, so I've decided to try some new stuff in terms of photos, specifically macro.

Right now, I have a set of M42 extension tubes (these: http://camera-shop.co.nz/images/m42-tubes.jpg) which I am using with my CZJ 135/3.5, my shortest M42 lens. While it's cumbersome to set up and focus, I'm pretty pleased with the image quality so far, this is probably my best result so far:

I'm happy with the quality, but I'd like to get even closer. This was using all 3 extension tubes. I'm wondering what the best way to get closer would be, more extension tubes, reverse ring? Any other options?

Thanks for the help...

PaulC · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Posts: 2318

You can mount a lens reversed on the camera body or connect two lenses together as described here http://www.robertsdonovan.com/?p=168 which can give enormous magnifications.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Another little advice I can give, when using extension tubes, or bellows, to use a normal focusing lens for macro, it's best to avoid the tele lenses. This because, unless they are "apo" lenses, they all will show an amount of chromatic aberrations, that are possible to see, for instance, also in this image you have posted. Use a normal lens instead, a 50mm, and do not use a very fast one, because it also is likely to have chromatic aberrations. A slower lens, like a f/2 or f/2.8 50mm, are your best bet. For instance, a very cheap Tessar 2.8/50 is a great candidate for macro use with tubes.

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martinsmith99 · Expire: 2013-11-18

Shorter focal length lens, more tubes/bellows will get more magnification.

dave_t · Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 214

Ok, so I should look into a 50mm, slower lens and maybe get another set of tubes? Since I won't be doing insects (at least not planning to at the moment) moving up really close isn't a huge issue, so I guess that 50mm will be a decent range to work with. Any specific lens recommendations?

Sorry, I just noticed the Tessar 50/2.8 recommendation, any others by chance?

Thanks again!

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

dave_t · Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 214

dave_t · Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 214

Looks like I'm in luck, found a INDUSTAR 61L/Z for sale for about EUR37. Not a 'steal' of a price, but looks like the lens is just what I'm looking for and has been very well received.

martinsmith99 · Expire: 2013-11-18

That's a great lens. I'm not sure how big you want to magnify but that combined with your tubes should be plenty. I've a couple of sets of M42 tubes as they're so cheap.

dave_t · Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 214

Yes, I was quite lucky that it showed up the day that I was looking for a 50mm. Smile

I only have 1 set of M42 tubes right now, but they are dirt cheap everywhere so if I don't get what I'm looking for, I can pick up some more. Unfortunately the more I look into macro photography, the more I find things that would make my life easier, like a focusing rail for instance...

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Focusing rail is by far the best system in my opinion.

Gus Helios · Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 144 Location: Cali

There are two options I use with my 135's.

One is the Raynox clip on macro adaptors. They work well with 135mm length. You are limited to approx 6" of focal length but the results are good.

Vivitar 135 2.8 with Raynox 250 (the 150 would have a little less magnification but more DOF and working distance)

The other option I use is the Macro TC. I have a Vivitar 2x macro TC. Here is a shot with the Tair 11a 135mm and the vivi TC.
this is a tiny bug on a flower

dave_t · Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 214

I picked up the industar yesterday and went out immediately this morning to try it out. The image quality is outstanding, but to say that focusing without a focusing rail is 'a pain in the a**' is an absolute understatement. So ... I went and got a focusing rail. I hate being the type of person that thinks I can't do 'x' without 'y', but I spent more time micro-adjusting the legs on my tripod than I did getting shots, most of the time losing what I was going for. I'll be out again tomorrow morning, hopefully with a clear conscience. I'll have to quit smoking to keep up with this purchasing habit!

dave_t · Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 214

Here's the one that I like the most so far from the Industar. Shot at about f/8 and 30mm (... i think) of extension tubes. I'm still learning how to manoevre in such close quarters.