Nauticam SMC in Puerto Galera

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

Hello all,

Just returned from a Photo workshop I was running in the Philippines. I didn’t take the 105mm macro off my D7100 for 9 days. Here are some results with the outrageously strong and sharp Nauticam SMC. Mostly uncropped.

[thetrickster 328]

Mega Alex. Love'em. Thanks for sharing

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jander4454 15]

Beautiful images Alex.

For me they illustrate the challenges of using high magnification optics

• finding suitable subjects - they are tiny and difficult to spot on/within the reef
• getting close enough - without the rig getting caught up on the 'undergrowth'
• working with very limited depth of field
• lighting the subject

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

With the 105mm VR and the SMC, lighting and working distance are not an issue.

[lanchai 0]

Very nice picture. Thanks for sharing.

 

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[TightLines 7]

Terrific set as always.

[stewsmith 14]

Really like these. I guess I better bring some additional cash with me when i collect my lights next week

[Alastair 2]

it definitely looks as though the SMC is sharper than my macro mate and quite a bit stronger.

 

Alex do you find locking focus an issue or do you use the focus lock and slowly edge into position?

 

Nice shots as always!!

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

Thanks. I put the focus on the rear button so that the focus is blocked off on the shutter release and then edge in an out until I can see it is in focus.

[MikeVeitch 0]

"Mostly" uncropped.... Can you show the original, non cropped whatsoever images so that we can have a true idea of any barrel distortion? No need for colour correction, just want to see distortion

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

I can but I can’t upload them to Wetpixel. I can email you if you want Mike

[MikeVeitch 0]

haha, why can't upload to WP?

Sure, send me a couple, low rez please! my connection is shockingly bad...

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

Sorry Mike, I thought you wanted to see hi-res uncropped.

 

OK, photos 1,2,3,4 and 6 are uncropped, straight from the camera. 5 and 7 have lost about 5% in cropping, both from top and left.

[nortoda1 13]

fantastic images Alex!!!

[SwiftFF5 136]

I see on the Nauticam website that this lens won't work with the Saga 67 mm flip adapter, only with their proprietary flip adapter. Does anyone know what the problem is, why it won't work?

[MikeVeitch 0]

ah, ok. Number 2 of the ghost pipefish is a good example then, no barrel distortion that i can see. That's a huge plus for such a strong diopter, I am impressed.

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

Here are a few more, all Nikon D7100 and 105mm VR

 

Uncropped

 

 

Cropped landscape to portrait

 

 

Uncropped - same subject

 

 

No SMC, 1:1 on the 105mmVR

 

 

With SMC

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

And this is full locked at 1:1 on the 105mmVR with the SMC, uncropped., F25, 1/200, ISO320, D7100

 

[Thomas K. 4]

Absolutely superb!

[stewsmith 14]

I see these today on Alex's PC. Very inpressive results.

[diggy 57]

Magnifique Alex, superb images! cant wait to try out my smc. Ay tips and advise would be most appreciated Alex as i have not used this as yet , that too with a 100 mm.

 

Thanks,

 

Diggy

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

With the 7D, I’d turn off the half-shutter press off so you are focusing on the rear button, find a suitable subject, no current or swell, and a place where you can put a sand spike to rest the housing on. Use the rear lever to focus to the magnification you want approx then release. Using the sand spike, gradually ease the housing forwards and backwards until you see the subject in focus and then pull the shutter. Take lots of shots as the DoF is very minimal especially as you increase to 1:1 on the lens. Think about the out of focus areas and how they will appear in the image. Breathe and work within depths that you are very comfortable with. Spend 30 minutes with a subject.

Edited March 29, 2014 by Alex_Tattersall

[diverdon 1]

Great shots Alex. Did you try to get a shot of one of the Electric Clams?

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

Hello,

 

No, I have never managed to get a nice electric clam photo, I wonder if they are more a video subject.

[diggy 57]

With the 7D, I’d turn off the half-shutter press off so you are focusing on the rear button, find a suitable subject, no current or swell, and a place where you can put a sand spike to rest the housing on. Use the rear lever to focus to the magnification you want approx then release. Using the sand spike, gradually ease the housing forwards and backwards until you see the subject in focus and then pull the shutter. Take lots of shots as the DoF is very minimal especially as you increase to 1:1 on the lens. Think about the out of focus areas and how they will appear in the image. Breathe and work within depths that you are very comfortable with. Spend 30 minutes with a subject.

Danke Alex, Much appreciated.

 

Diggy