My biggest complaint with using the 50mm f-3.5 Macro for flowers is the
difficulty of blurring the background with the 3.5 aperture. Some of my best
floral stuff was done with a f-1.8 or f-1.4 with a 2x extender. Using the
extender the minimum focusing distance stays about the same but the
magnification doubles. The larger maximum aperture lets you do more with the
depth of field control. I have all three of the macro lenses Tom mentions
and also really like the 90mm f-2. I guess it's time to do some comparative
testing of the same subject with the three macros and the normal 50mm +
2X.... just as soon as I get around to it. Could also put a 2X on the 55mm
f-1.2.....but where will it all end. A Sima Soft Focus lens also does some
nice things for flower pictures. /jnm
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Tom Scales
> Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2001 6:40 PM
> To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [OM] Macro Questions
>
>
> Mike,
>
> If you check out my flowers page:
>
> http://www.scales.tzo.com/35mm/flowers/Index.htm
>
> Every single one of them is taken with the 90/2 hand-held. I think you'll
> find that you want to use a nice open aperture, f/2 - f/4 to get a nice
> smooth out of focus background. I don't do tripods, for the most
> part, so I
> like a handheld shot.
>
> I do own all three lenses and wish I could give you a decent
> comparison, but
> I use the 90 the most. The fact that it also is a wonderful portrait lens
> is a nice bonus and compliments the 50's in your kit beautifully.
>
> I'd rank them:
>
> 1) 90/2
> 2) 50/3.5
> 3) 50/2
>
> The 50/3.5 is number 2, rather than 3, mostly because is has such a great
> 'bang for the buck'. $150 is easy, $125 is possible. You won't
> touch a 90/2
> for under $500. The 50/2 seems to be a compromise to me, although I own
> one. A little more and you have the 90, a lot less and you have
> the 50/3.5.
>
> So, now to the recommendations. If you're willing to spend
> $500+, then the
> 90/2 is the only answer. It expands your kit nicely. If you want
> to do macro
> on a budget with outstanding results, get the 50/3.5.
>
> Another option to consider is the 50/3.5 and a decent ringflash. I own the
> Sunpak and like it; it is OM-TTL compatible. The T10 is also a
> nice option.
>
> Hope this helps a bit.
>
> Tom
>
> > Over my photographic life, I've really enjoyed taking the occassional
> closeup
> > picture of flowers.
> <snip>
>
> > Mike W.
>
>
>
> < This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
> < For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
> < Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
>
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|