On Apr 3, 2023, at 3:48 PM, Zane Healy <healyzh@...> wrote:

Based on Scott Ditzel’s comment in another thread, I suspect that both of us need to invest in a ring flash, and that would likely give better results than a focusing rail. ?I’m definitely curious about using a ring flash with my “new” 105mm f/2.8G VR Macro.

I’m not sure what modern books might give the information, but books like the old “Nikon F Nikkormat Handbook of Photography”, give a lot of info and tables for tubes, and other devices for Macro. ?I believe this includes info on the DOF. ?With the transition to digital, I’ve not really seen that sort of info published anywhere, or perhaps I’m not looking in the right locations.

Zane

On Apr 3, 2023, at 11:27 AM, Jon <kd5sfa@...> wrote:

Thanks Zane.

In researching more and after my recent experience with the macro tubes, I believe I need to invest in a focusing rail as my next step. I’m just amazed at the super shallow depth of field with the 50mm at f/16 with the 36mm tube.?

Jon

On Mon, Apr 3, 2023 at 13:13 Zane Healy <healyzh@...> wrote:

I have way more tripods than any sane person should.? There are reasons for what I have.? When I was first getting serious with a D300, I picked up the Gitzo G2220 cheap, as it was a display unit (I was looking at Manfrotto tripods when my wife pointed it out).? It made a world of difference.? Everything else has been purchased used, for a fraction of their value, except the Bogen which was given to me.

Gitzo G2220 — This one can’t handle a heavy camera/lens, as the legs start to spread, but it’s great for Macro work.? This was my first real tripod (as opposed to using a vintage travel tripod from my Mom’s Yashica 44LM). The legs can be put at basically any angle.

Gitzo G340 — This is now my “general use” tripod, it’s a pain to pack, but I really love this tripod, it can handle just about anything I shoot with.

Gitzo G410 — For 11x14 Camera

Gitzo G1155T — For my Leica M10P

A little Bogen tripod for my Rolleiflex.

Majestic — No clue on the model, the guy I deal with the most at my favorite local camera store, happened to see me walking out of a competitors store with it, and commented that it could be used to hold up a small car.? I’m not convinced he was joking. It has a Majestic head on it, with a plate for Large Format cameras.? It can easily handle my 11x14 camera.? I’ve taken it out in the field with my 8x10, and that requires a baby stroller to move it and the camera.? The 11x14 can be moved easily in a wagon with the Gitzo G410. ?

If I’m using Tubes, I’m going to be using a focusing rail.

Another option I have, is to use my Nikon D800 on a 4x5 monorail camera, with G-Claron lenses.? This is the option I’m likely to go for extreme Macro’s.? This is actually why I’ve kept the Majestic tripod.? It’s a good base for this type of photography.

Zane

On Apr 1, 2023, at 4:12 PM, Jon <kd5sfa@...> wrote:

I have a set of Kenko extension tubes I have sort of dabbled with.

Today I pulled them out to see what sort of impact they have with my Sigma 50mm f/1.4.? The 36mm extension makes a huge difference and I see the absolute need for a tripod due to the shallow depth of field and close distance to the subject.?

While my current tripod allows for the legs to be splayed out, it still may not be able to get down close enough to the subject.? I am thinking I may need an arm on a ball head with a second ball head for the camera to accommodate what I am trying to accomplish. Would replacing the current pan/tilt head with a ball head with an extension arm that has a ball head for the camera be a viable option?

My current tripod is a Slik 300 DX, while not a high dollar tripod it is much sturdier than many of the sub $100 tripods out there. What have others worked with?

Granted someday I’ll need to sink a chunk into one of the better tripods and ball heads.

Jon