For all my fellow gear-heads out there:

[Markw]

I thought you might enjoy this. This man's humble nature and exquisite images taken on such primitive equipment make me extremely envious and inspired. I hope you will feel the same!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqRn3at0H60

<iframe width="1280" height="750" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wqRn3at0H60?hd=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Mark

 

[Markw]

Well, for the life of me, I can't figure out how to get the video to embed. So, the link may just have to do. Please, please watch it. It's inspiring.

Mark

 

[Overread]

Reversed lens setups can get some fantastic results for very little price - macro really is very approachable if you set your mind to building a good setup - and it doesn't even have to cost a fortune.

I think I've even got that guys flickr somewhere in my contacts list (the horse flies are very familiar in their look in those shots)

 

[Markw]

It almost makes me feel dumb for spending so much money on my Sigma 180/3.5, but then I remember all of the photos I've taken with it, and it all gets better again . I envy his DOF, though. I wish it was that simple to get.

Mark

 

[Overread]

Flip a 35mm infront of that 180mm and you'd have a 5:1 macro lens - though 2/3:1 is certainly a very big jump in magnification. Heck a 1.4TC and Raynox DCR 250 will get you well into those magnifications as well.

Depth of field wise I envy his steady hands in getting those focus stacks. I still, however, remain greatly impressed with Dalentech
No Cropping Zone
who, whilst not alone in shooting single framed macros; he is one of the fewer I know who does not make any use of focus stacking itself - so his work is always a great view to know that what you are always seeing is single frames. Single exposures with the depth of field always just right to maximise its use.

 

[carldelain]

I shoot with the same sort of set up
Canon Rebel XS with a lens reversed on the end of extension tubes or a bellow.
And a home made flash diffuser.

Unfortunately, the jumping spiders here aren't quite as beautiful as there :thumbdown:

 

[Markw]

I think 5:1 magnification is quite a bit too much for me to handhold . So, with that logic, I was thinking about trying to find a reversing ring for my 50mm. I think 3.6:1 is much more manageable given the right light and conditions (though I still doubt my ability to hold it). Your link's got beautiful images indeed as well!

Mark