Winged Power Photography

A Little Macro Photography Using Extension Tubes

When people talk about macro photography, usually, they are referring to closeup photography, where the reproduction ratio isn't quite up to 1:1. To the higher levels of magnification where you are approaching 1:1 reproduction, you typically need a "macro" designated lens, which can focus up close. Examples of such would be the various 105mm macro lenses, which allows for extremely high quality macro photography.

However, such lenses will typically set you back at least $400, or more. For the enthusiast, such costs are prohibitive.

Enter, the extension tube. Basically, this is just a tube with lens mounts on it, matching those of your manufacturer's. The effect is that it moves your lens a certain number of millimeters away from the sensor. This changes the relationship between the sensor and the subject. Ie, given the same lens, you are able to significantly focus closer than the lens was originally designed for.

The cost for extension tubes? They start at $50 and go up to around $200 for a set of three.
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Tis The Season To Be... Photographing!

Okay, that is most likely one of the worst title lines I've written. However, the holiday seasons really are more than just a time to be stuck at a mall, fighting with relatives, or wondering for the N'th time, why EVERYONE ELSE is so annoying. It's also that special time of year to reflect and take in the smaller things.

In this case, it's a great time, to grab your camera slap on the macro or extension tubes, and take a closer look at things.

It's time for a little creative holiday close-up/macro photography!
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Fast Glass For Challenging Shooting!

In the Nikon Lens Posting, long focal lengths were the way to go. In this posting, as I understand there are many a photographer who work the wedding circuit, fast glass is preferred, especially when you work in churches lit by candle light, and flashes are restricted. The USM Canon EF 50mm at f/1.2 is a fast and high grade lens of the Canon L caliber. Low light situations become much less problematic, and portraiture with amazingly out of focus backgrounds, will be a breeze. If the photographer you have in mind, doesn't already own one of these gems, I'm sure it will be much appreciated during their next indoor/evening photo-session! ( Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras ).

If a long zoom is still the way you'd like to shop for your Canon photographer, then I can whole heartedly recommend the 70-200mm USM, f/2.8 telezoom, great for portraiture, closeup shots, sports, and wildlife. The lens is fast, silent, and accurate. Assuming your photographer doesn't already own one, it will surely bring a smile to their face, when they get one from you. ( Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras )
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That Longed For Lens

Perhaps, your friend already has an extra body, or perhaps a second body isn't what's on that Christmas wishlist! Perhaps... it's one of those prized lenses! The favorite all around tele zoom lens is the 70-200mm f/2.8, an all around performer and great for sports, people, and wildlife photography. This lens is heavier than some consumer grade lenses, but the durability, clarity, and reach are all excellent. ( Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras )

But, what if the lens they want is one they can just keep on their camera and shoot subjects, but near and far? Wide and long? Well, that's where the 18-200mm VR lens comes into play! This lens is widely desired and popular for folks who don't want to carry around a large assortment of lenses or heft a heavy lens. This lens gives you a nice wide angle view at 18mm and good closeup at the 200mm end. The lens is equipped with Vibration Reduction(VR), so you will get steady shots! ( Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens ).
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What To Buy For the Shutterbug This Christmas? ( Gift Shopping For The Nikon Shutterbug )

Got a loved one or friend who's shooting with a Nikon camera? Well, if there's one thing that my friends and family have figured out... I'm hard to shop for. Most folks who are really into a particular activity, will usually have it in mind, what they want.

For the Nikon shooter, there is, of course, a choice list of things, which one might want... this is, of course, only a suggestion and the actual person you are shopping for, may already have the item(s) and/or have other things they want. Never hurts to ask!

asin: B000EQ5HLM binding: Electronics amazon price: $1,298.70 USD

The AF-S VR 105 f/2.8G IF-ED brings the benefits of vibration reduction (VR) to the domain of Macro photography. It offers high-resolution, high-optical performance for both digital and 35mm film format SLR cameras. This lens incorporates Nikon's second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent stability of a shutter speed that is 4 stops faster when compared with a conventional lens (as determined by Nikon performance test). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure quiet autofocusing with quick and convenient switching between autofocus and manual operation. Optical performance is enhanced by an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element that minimizes chromatic aberration, and Nano Crystal Coat which drastically reduces flare, enabling finely defined, clear images.