The macro photography thread ( watches only)

i purchased a macro lens a few days ago so decided to give it a try on my D850 camera.Its so different from any type of photography i have ever done so i kept it simple with just 1 light, no props. The lens is the Sigma 105mm os lens and it seems sharp enough.Well here goes for a few shots of my Parmigiani.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8e141545_b.jpgParmigiani macro by Mark Molloy, on Flickr


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ef4c0d8c_b.jpgParmigiani macro rear by Mark Molloy, on Flickr

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Originally Posted by markyboy.1967

i purchased a macro lens a few days ago so decided to give it a try on my D850 camera.Its so different from any time of photography i have ever done so i kept it simple with just 1 light, no props. The lens is the Sigma 105mm os lens and it seems sharp enough.Well here goes for a few shots of my Parmigiani.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8e141545_b.jpgParmigiani macro by Mark Molloy, on Flickr


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ef4c0d8c_b.jpgParmigiani macro rear by Mark Molloy, on Flickr

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Having just purchased the same lens Thursday and receiving it today I too will be learning its capabilities this weekend. :eagerness:

Seems a good lens for the money. Just need more time with it and to maybe do a small micro adjust if required. Next step is taking multiple images to get everything in focus.

Lovely pics which would be even better with a proper lighting set up.

Can you get a really close pic of the movement?

Sent from my LYA-L09 using TZ-UK mobile app

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Originally Posted by Pilkboids

Can you get a really close pic of the movement?

Sent from my LYA-L09 using TZ-UK mobile app

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yep - any DSLR with a good macro lens - either (older MF manual lens) manual or this modern stuff will give you really good close ups, IF you take your time, position the watch correctly and get your exposure settings and lighting correct - plus experimentation - but watches are not an easy subject

I have the same camera and it's outstanding. Except the tips about light so is my advise to shoot in (A)perture mode and with manual focus.
If you shot with high F-stop there are no need for some focus stacking.

Good luck.

Jocke,you have some cracking images. What lenses are you using and what’s your typical lighting?

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Originally Posted by markyboy.1967

Jocke,you have some cracking images. What lenses are you using and what’s your typical lighting?

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At the moment I use a Nikon D850 with a Zeiss 100mm Macro Planar lens, a LED panel with adjustable light and color tempetature, Manfrotto tripod and a home made soft box of white plexiglass.

It looks like this.

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/su2015.jpg

Similar to Jocke - I use my Nikon D850 with a Nikkor 105mm micro f2.8mm, which give 1:1 image at 10.5cm from the focal plane (from the sensor to object distance) - otherwise much the same. I bought a light box off amazon while back... The PITA is reflections - even with a light box there are sometimes difficult to get rid of.

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Originally Posted by MartynJC (UK)

Similar to Jocke - I use my Nikon D850 with a Nikkor 105mm micro f2.8mm, which give 1:1 image at 10.5cm from the focal plane (from the sensor to object distance) - otherwise much the same. I bought a light box off amazon while back... The PITA is reflections - even with a light box there are sometimes difficult to get rid of.

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I have the Nikon 105mm too and it's a great lens and with working auto focus at that time it is needed. I even have a Laowa 60mm macro lens that come really close but it is very tricky to use IMHO.

It's definitely all about the light (and depth of field, as Jocke mentioned). With today's cameras, even without a macro lens you can crop close enough that IQ is still right up there, albeit that a macro lens is certainly more fit for purpose when it comes to watch photography.

This is the default set-up that I use, although I'll often dispense with the on-camera flash and may switch the lights around a bit if I can be bothered. I have no dedicated shooting area and almost no room to manoeuvre and reflections can be a b*stard, but it works well enough most of the time. Oh, and I'll sometimes use a snoot on one of the lights, instead of an umbrella.

https://i1.wp.com/i4.photobucket.com...ing.jpg?zoom=2

I use a portable flash unit inside one of various soft boxes, set it up in the garage then put the light off so im in darkness some of the time then bounce the flash off a ceiling or wall( not literally). Getting hot spots very often though.

If anyone wants to add Macro shots here tgen feel free and i can change the name of the thread to” show your macro shots”. Good to see the set ups as well.

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If anyone wants to add Macro shots here tgen feel free and i can change the name of the thread to” show your macro shots”. Good to see the set ups as well.

Did you mean something like this (5K output). : i-qz6dgF4-X5.jpg <- try this link

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...qz6dgF4-X3.jpg

Photo details

Camera	Nikon NIKON D850
Lens	Unknown (3626640604045522178) 105mm
Focal Length	105.0 mm (105.0 mm in 35mm)
Aperture	f/11
Exposure Time	0.25s (1/4)
ISO	800
Date Taken	2019-10-03 16:04:43
Date Modified	2019-10-03 16:04:43
Compressed Bits Per Pixel	4
Flash	No Flash
Metering	Multi-segment
Exposure Program	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode	Auto
Light Source	Unknown
White Balance	Manual
Contrast	Normal
Saturation	Normal
Sharpness	Hard
Subject Range	Unknown
Sensing Method	One-chip color area
Scene Capture Type	Standard
Gain Control	Low gain up
Circle Of Confusion	0.030 mm
Field Of View	19.5 deg
Hyperfocal Distance	33.36 m
Normalized Light Value	5.9
Software	Photos 4.0
Serial Number	9020829
Name	MJC_2223.jpeg
Size	3413 x 2275

I must admit I had the dslr and all the lenses but it got to be too much of a faff for me, so I only use iPhone now. Of course you cannot achieve as good as a full camera set up, but with most images it’s 70% about the lighting. I took this quick pic this afternoon. If you can find a window with natural light but not direct https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...21ea7ba02b.jpg then the results can be flattering without lots of reflections and pretty much in focus. Not perfect but plenty good for my needs.

I did read somewhere that you can get macro lens adapters for iPhones which might be something I’ll look into [emoji848]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by learningtofly

It's definitely all about the light (and depth of field, as Jocke mentioned). With today's cameras, even without a macro lens you can crop close enough that IQ is still right up there, albeit that a macro lens is certainly more fit for purpose when it comes to watch photography.

This is the default set-up that I use, although I'll often dispense with the on-camera flash and may switch the lights around a bit if I can be bothered. I have no dedicated shooting area and almost no room to manoeuvre and reflections can be a b*stard, but it works well enough most of the time. Oh, and I'll sometimes use a snoot on one of the lights, instead of an umbrella.

https://i1.wp.com/i4.photobucket.com...ing.jpg?zoom=2

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I really look forward to see what you come up with when you put battery in your flashes. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Here you have a few macros.

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/hmc8.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/hmc15.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/hmcv12.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/goto1f.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/goto31.jpg

Good stuff folks and thanks for adding images.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RustyBin5

I must admit I had the dslr and all the lenses but it got to be too much of a faff for me, so I only use iPhone now. Of course you cannot achieve as good as a full camera set up, but with most images it’s 70% about the lighting. I took this quick pic this afternoon. If you can find a window with natural light but not direct then the results can be flattering without lots of reflections and pretty much in focus. Not perfect but plenty good for my needs.

I did read somewhere that you can get macro lens adapters for iPhones which might be something I’ll look into [emoji848]

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I am rapidly coming to that conclusion too. Just waiting for the next iteration of the iPhone to be released this year (I am on the XS edition at present) - may ditch the DSLR and go for something more portable - but this is getting off-topic.

I only use DSLR to watches in studio, I really like all the settings & tweaks I can do in the camera. When I travel I use a Sony Cybershot RX100 IV, to watches in mini studio at Basel for example a Nikon CoolPix S9900.
I only use my iPhone XS for quickshots so not so much.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jocke

I really look forward to see what you come up with when you put battery in your flashes. 藍藍藍藍藍藍

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Don't be cheeky.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...mbkSsXZ-XL.jpg


https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-ZmqBP6F-L.jpg

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https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-q2fqjmh-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-k4rJmMx-L.jpg

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Originally Posted by learningtofly

Don't be cheeky.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...mbkSsXZ-XL.jpg


https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-ZmqBP6F-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-RSGL3bL-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-XwcK9kW-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-q2fqjmh-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-dP726t9-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-Zf4DB2D-L.jpg

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Without any lens...
Using a Note10 [emoji23] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...9e49c2b9e2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5a21592c1b.jpg

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Lens manufacturers try and sell 'macro lenses' to those who assume they are essential for close-up photography … but on the Photomacrography Forum many macro enthusiasts prefer to use enlarging lenses which can be bought for £little. Marque macro lenses are designed for use at both close focus distances and also infinity. Relatively inexpensive and often cheap enlarging lenses are designed specifically for close focus imaging.

These photos were taken with an ancient £50 Canon 450D fitted with even more ancient £20 Rodenstock 50mm enlarging lens

https://live.staticflickr.com/4183/3...0a7768bb_o.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/4097/3...ff357ed6_o.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/4008/3...46414bfa_o.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/4080/3...3237ab98_o.jpg

Anyone new to close-up photography can find a wealth of information and tips about the subject on the Photomacrography Forum https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/ … where one of the most popular close-up accessories is the Raynox 150 supplementary close-up lens. Surprisingly, this 3 element achromat which costs c.£60, can produce results every bit as good as a marque macro lens. And the latest mirrorless and DSLR cameras are not necessary for good close-ups … any cameras can be used … https://www.photomacrography.net/for...31c0404566943e

dunk

Galaxy S9 with a watchmakers loupe over the lens -

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0c7774d3_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b118e9ae_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ef994230_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4303fcf0_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6254b81b_b.jpg

^^^ great images … and shows that a macro lens is not essential for macro photos.

The supplementary c/u lens has improved the camera's macro capability.

Also note that a phone camera's smaller sensor enables greater depth of field compared to e.g. M4/3, APS-C and FF cameras.

dunk

Some stunning photos on this thread, thank you. Anyone got a macro shot of a moonwatch movement?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...3a9b26bd36.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7009d369f4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6c6bdcab44.jpg

Taken ages ago with a (very obviously) cheap macro lens and cheap mobile phone....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...6c23fcbfa8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...98ada903d7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f883a13c8f.jpg

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Is that the Fortis “Arts” or whatever they called them? Lots of different arty faces on some of the pilot pro chronos and stuff?
They were well cool. Never saw them as popular but I loved them!
Good photo!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by notenoughwrists

Is that the Fortis “Arts” or whatever they called them?
Good photo!

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Thanks and almost, it's a 'West in Space' Stratoliner.

A few more...

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-wQ5v5pb-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-HdT8PMc-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-bJKsm6F-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-smvghbp-L.jpg

Some incredible macro shots guys! Here're some of mine taken with a Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro lens

https://i.imgur.com/GCc8cv3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8EGdmok.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yZLZVDb.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Matt8500

Some stunning photos on this thread, thank you. Anyone got a macro shot of a moonwatch movement?

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Here is a few I have.

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/omspma1.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/omspma2.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/omspma3.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/omspma4.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/omspma5.jpg

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/omspma6.jpg

Some cracking images being posted. I cant wait to add a few more at the weekend.

Thank you Jocke, Tony, and everyone else- some incredible pictures!

Impressive how lots of these are showing some good depth of field... must be some serious lighting going on.
My 105mm Micro Nikkor produces razor thin focus depths... [emoji3166]

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Not a macro
Just a close-up with my phone while driving(at the red light :) )https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7c6770f6eb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...7076570bf4.jpg

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Just a few more movement shots, as all of these (the movements, not the photos) are spectacular on one way or another... such an amazing things, these trinkets we wear on our wrists.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-sM4FXB5-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-24k72Rz-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/A-Lange-S...406macro-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-KQWrZpq-L.jpg

Some wonderful photos on display. I love the movement photos- please keep them coming!
This is my meagre offering. Attachment 17482Attachment 17483

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I was bought a cheapie light tent off Amazon for Christmas but not had chance to have a play until now. I'm not a camera buff and don't have a dedicated macro lens, so had a go with my M4/3 Oly 40-150 pro. The tent kit came with a couple of LED strips and a flimsy velcro-on diffuser which was pretty rubbish, so I had to improvise with some A4 folded around the lights. The edges of the reflections on the crystal are pretty harsh, so will have to experiment more.


https://i.imgur.com/ko09unj.jpg?1


https://i.imgur.com/PQ43YiD.jpg?1

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Originally Posted by gcleminson

I was bought a cheapie light tent off Amazon for Christmas but not had chance to have a play until now. I'm not a camera buff and don't have a dedicated macro lens, so had a go with my M4/3 Oly 40-150 pro. The tent kit came with a couple of LED strips and a flimsy velcro-on diffuser which was pretty rubbish, so I had to improvise with some A4 folded around the lights. The edges of the reflections on the crystal are pretty harsh, so will have to experiment more.


https://i.imgur.com/ko09unj.jpg?1


https://i.imgur.com/PQ43YiD.jpg?1

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That's a really good shot, great work.

a couple of shots today with the new 105 macro lens and this time i decided to use the light tent but still only using 1 light source, i will ad another light once i find what i like with the single light.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...3785d3ff_b.jpgMacro 1 ready by Mark Molloy, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2eb142d6_b.jpgMacro 2 ready by Mark Molloy, on Flickr

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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1e29efdd_b.jpgOmega ready by Mark Molloy, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a1c2f515_b.jpgZenith 1 ready by Mark Molloy, on Flickr

Taken with my phone during my 7th call/meeting today(the joys of wfh)....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ba70410fe8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...01981ddd65.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...204e2601a9.jpg

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Messing around with a torch and the Nikon D850 today to create a bit of lume.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...9fd1b255d9.jpg


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