Macro DSLR Cinematography

[RedSpectrumPictures]

I purchased a really cheap macro filter from ebay, and made a short macro video to test it out and to show my youtube subscribers.
I would love to hear what the forum members think about it, and also I know some parts within the video I have pulled the focus quite poorly, that was just becuase of it being magnified +8.

 

[David W. Jones]

Very soft with lots of CA. I'd say you got what you paid for.

 

[RedSpectrumPictures]

Hey thanks for the reply. I agree I got what I paid for, I paid £4 for it. I think the macro footage was quite good compared to what my camera can do without the filter. Obviosly the footage loses a lot of quality when using it.

Also I have searched google for a definition before asking you, however what do you mean by CA? probably something I know, just cant think what it stands for

thanks

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Chromatic Aberration; when the different wavelengths of colored light are not bent correctly or at the same degree. It causes one or more parts of the color spectrum to be slightly offset creating a very noticeable color outline, especially in high contrast areas.

 

[Greg Smith]

CA = chromatic aberration, or in other words, color fringes around the edges of objects, especially toward the outer edges of the frame. It is one of the "aberrations" or errors that all lens makers must try to overcome when designing a complex lens. Single-element lenses like your close-up diopter are especially prone to this problem. Add-on close-up lenses are fun and occasionally valuable when used in moderation, but if you're going to make a steady diet of close-up photography, you'll soon want to do it with a proper macro lens that doesn't soften and distort the image as much. Your pictures were pretty good if your plan is to use the occasional ultra close up edited into another piece as an accent, I think. For science or nature documentary type work, they probably wouldn't pass muster. Still, the CU lenses are a nice tool to have in your box, and I always carry a set in my camera case to be ready when the need arises.

- Greg

 

[Michael Carter]

I much prefer extension tubes. No added glass. I even have an AF one that works decently (and transmits metering info).

The " wow factor" of macro comes from a good selection of subject, good framing, and (I feel) sharpness, at least a sharp point of interest. And showing someone a new way of looking at something. Stopping down can give you some added DOF, ext. tubes preserve sharpness.

If you get into macro, look into a macro rails setup. Not really expensive and makes focusing and framing much easier.

I tend to use macro for doing textures and effects, so I often shoot through a cheap plastic magnifying glass - talk about some CA! But I find it pretty for those sorts of things.