Lens question

[FireEater]

I have a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S85 4.1 mega pixel with a Carl Zeiss lens. I put a 45mm-52mm adapter on it and place 3 macro lens on that.

They are +1, +2, and +4 Macro lens and I stack them on each other. I can get some good close up shots, but I want some really detailed shots like I see on here and the Marsh board.

HERE is a couple of shots of my star I recently took. Can my setup get closer shots that this? Is it user error or do I need a different setup of lenses?

I would like to get shots of polyp extensions also. I think my main problem is I have no tri pod at the time.

[Reefland]

I don't know about the lens, etc. but can atest to the difference a tri-pod will make. It is really worth the minimal investment.

[zhenya]

Hi Mark,

I think the result you got so far, with the set up you have, it's just about the best you can get. You can also look into the reversing lens option which will give you more magnification but with some significant loss of light. There are ways to accomodate that shortfall but it will require additional investment for additional flashes or the macro flash. I'll try to find a link to the article describing this technique with some additional links to the equipment that is used within the article and post it here. I know I posted this link before in this forum so you may want to run a search.

True macro reproduction is considered as 1:1 reproduction of the subject that fits into the frame. Usually this is done by a specialised lens that is specifically designed to do so. You'll need an SLR type camera or the digital version of such camera(DSLR).


PS> Here's the link to the website of M.Plonsky, check out what this guy had accomplished with very simple equipment. ;)
Plonsky - Macrophotography Article

[FireEater]

Thanks for the advice and the link. I'll look into it. I'm also about to go buy a tri-pod this week.

[zhenya]

Thanks for the advice and the link. I'll look into it. I'm also about to go buy a tri-pod this week.

Mark, make sure not to skimp on the tripod and pick one that will be able to support weight of the much larger gear than what you have right now. Who knows, you may upgrade before you know it to a larger camera and glass that's real heavy. ;)
And, for the love of photography, don;t get the silver colored one. If you out on the field trying to shoot some insects or something, it will spook everything that sees it(read->reflecting sunlight ). Get a black or green one...

[FireEater]

Thanks for tip on the tri pod.

Here is a pic I just took of my green polyp toadstool. I'll post the rest in the pic thread.

I think once I learn all my settings and get the tri pod I should be good to go.