Macro Curiosity satisfied; a datum to be considered.

**goatsNdonkey** · 06-18-2016, 06:31 AM

pathdoc, I think one of the most interesting ways of using an ultra-wide angle lens in close-up (if not macro) photography is by exploiting its ability to combine near and far. For example, if you place the object you want to show close-up near the periphery of the image the lens is offering (at any edge if it's a fisheye, perhaps near a corner if it provides a rectangular image), then everything farther away in the surroundings curves, swoops, or seems to revolve around it. The selected image becomes the center of a universe. The geometry of the surrounding objects can of course offer their own drama and/or give an entirely new perspective on the subject selected for the close-up.

As you found, using a 17mm for more standard macro work, with extension, just as one might do with a normal length lens, the lack of working room could become a serious hindrance. You might actually have more working room using that lens reversed --- have you tried that?

pathdoc · 06-19-2016, 02:12 PM - **2 Likes**

Not a possibility with my current gear - the only reversing ring I have is 49mm and I don't have enough step up filters to take it to the 67mm this one would demand. I'm not bothered - I've seen what the DA15 can do reversed, and even if I have to hold the aperture lever open to get some more light in, the results can be impressive. You're nobody until you've shot an aperture ringless DA lens on a Spotmatic.

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06-18-2016, 06:31 AM	#16
goatsNdonkey Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Fulton County, Illinois Posts: 3,730	pathdoc, I think one of the most interesting ways of using an ultra-wide angle lens in close-up (if not macro) photography is by exploiting its ability to combine near and far. For example, if you place the object you want to show close-up near the periphery of the image the lens is offering (at any edge if it's a fisheye, perhaps near a corner if it provides a rectangular image), then everything farther away in the surroundings curves, swoops, or seems to revolve around it. The selected image becomes the center of a universe. The geometry of the surrounding objects can of course offer their own drama and/or give an entirely new perspective on the subject selected for the close-up. As you found, using a 17mm for more standard macro work, with extension, just as one might do with a normal length lens, the lack of working room could become a serious hindrance. You might actually have more working room using that lens reversed --- have you tried that?

06-19-2016, 02:12 PM - 2 Likes	#17
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381 Original Poster	Not a possibility with my current gear - the only reversing ring I have is 49mm and I don't have enough step up filters to take it to the 67mm this one would demand. I'm not bothered - I've seen what the DA15 can do reversed, and even if I have to hold the aperture lever open to get some more light in, the results can be impressive. You're nobody until you've shot an aperture ringless DA lens on a Spotmatic.