Swirly bokeh

ECSEKE said:

Hi there, I am a D5300 NIKON user and looking for a lens that can render this effect (swirly bokeh). I understand how bokeh is created in general, but would like recommendations as to what lens can render this feature most. I would like the subject to be clear, sharp and crisp. If a few lenses in a price range (low to high) could be recommended that would be great thank you. I love the surreal look of it.

I also have one more question. I have got my eye on the Nikon 105mm lens for later. Is it comparable to the results of the Canon 100mm lens? I like the results of the Canon just a bit more. Is there any other lens that would render the same result on my Nikon D5300? Thank you for your help.

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Maybe you could post a link to some examples? I know what swirly bokeh means to me, but it might be different to you.

ECSEKE said:

Hi there, I am a D5300 NIKON user and looking for a lens that can render this effect (swirly bokeh). I understand how bokeh is created in general, but would like recommendations as to what lens can render this feature most. I would like the subject to be clear, sharp and crisp. If a few lenses in a price range (low to high) could be recommended that would be great thank you. I love the surreal look of it.

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...'cause this lens seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

ECSEKE said:

I also have one more question. I have got my eye on the Nikon 105mm lens for later. Is it comparable to the results of the Canon 100mm lens? I like the results of the Canon just a bit more. Is there any other lens that would render the same result on my Nikon D5300? Thank you for your help.

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You mean the Nikon 105 / 2 vs the Canon 100 / 2? They look comparable.

I found this picture here on dpreview and the photographer FLHOTELIN says he used the Nikon 50mm 1.8 g lens on his camera the D3....would this be the best lens to achieve this effect on my D5300? I love this effect. Thank you again for any recommendations.

Hello, yes those two lenses. Thank you

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/39982686

...I don't know if the bokeh will be the same on a DX body, but it might be worth trying ! ...and the lens is dirt cheap too !

;-)

J-P.

Photo Galleries at http://www.pbase.com/scherrer
Spherical Panoramas at http://www.360cities.net/profile/jps

Try a Helios 40-2 85mm f1.5

It is magic and has more character than all the Canon L glass in the world.

Great Bustard said:

...'cause this lens seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

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At £480, that's a lens for suckers. Same effect can be had with much, much cheaper lenses (think $5). Though, since OP has a crop camera, most lenses will be somewhat wasted here.

I agree with Dave Luttmann's response - Helios 40. Most swirl for the buck.

...on a crop camera. Swirl effect is pronounced mostly in the photo's periphery - which is cropped in APS-C cameras.

As for lenses - most famous one is Helios 40-2 85/1.5. But it is a copy - copy of Biotar 75/1.5, which is MUCH more rare and expensive.

There are several other lenses, that have less pronounced, yet noticeable swirl effect. Cheapest one is Helios 44-2 (but not the newer 44M). For Nikon mount look for Helios 81H 50/2.0 (but not the "AUTOMAT" version - it isn't adaptable to any of current cameras, even mirrorless).

But even if You have the swirly lens - You still have to look for certain conditions to see the effect: aperture wide-open, proper background, proper distances between camera, subject and the background.

ECSEKE said:

but would like recommendations as to what lens can render this feature most.

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A Petzval Lens.

But beware, I will Ignore You when You Post a Photo from this Petzval Lens...

ECSEKE said:

I have got my eye on the Nikon 105mm lens for later.

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Which one, the VR macro?

The 85VR has a bit of the swirl, check the portrait-like samples in the review at Lenstip.

ECSEKE said:

Hi there, I am a D5300 NIKON user and looking for a lens that can render this effect (swirly bokeh). I understand how bokeh is created in general, but would like recommendations as to what lens can render this feature most. I would like the subject to be clear, sharp and crisp. If a few lenses in a price range (low to high) could be recommended that would be great thank you. I love the surreal look of it.

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I have and use the Lomography 2.2/85mm Petzval lens for a couple of months now

Despite the furious claims of the 'experts' about inferior IQ, exorbitant price, outdated design etc, I love it, even if it's an aquired taste and needs getting used to.

It can be used to get the swirly background you refer to


Nikon DF Lomography Petzval 2.2/85mm at 2.8

Original at http://www.pbase.com/paul_k/image/156848401


Nikon DF Lomography Petzval 2.2/85mm at 2.8

Original at http://www.pbase.com/paul_k/image/156848891

although IMO the more interesting characteristic of the Petzvall lens is the (if focussed properly) contrast between the incredible limited to a pretty small circle, sharpness in the center with the sharp decline outside it.

For portraiture it can give a ultra thin DoF combine with unique boked which is hard to achieve even with lenses as the 1.4/85mm, 2.8/85mm PC or Lensbaby Composer/Edge (Had all of those lenses for that specific aim, and never could get quite the same effect)


Nikon DF Lomography Petzval 2.2/85mm at 2.8

Original at http://www.pbase.com/paul_k/image/156109862/large


Nikon DF Lomography Petzval 2.2/85mm at 2.8

Original at http://www.pbase.com/paul_k/image/156857553/large

Note that other lenses fit for use on a (D)SLR offer the same swirlie background feature as well, like the aforementioned nore modern design Helios lens

http://www.nikoncafe.com/xenf/index.php?threads/mc-helios-40-2-85mm-f1-5.281360/#post-3626123

and other Russian made lenses, and at sometimes more moderate prices (although where I live due to VAT, import taxes and transport costs that in the end unfortunately is not the case)

HTH

--
all in a day's work
http://www.pbase.com/paul_k/

Thank you for your photos. They are beautiful. I have been looking into the Petzval actually, but I have a question. How is the resolution when you open the photo on a large screen? Is it printable material? Meaning is the subject sharp enough too to have the photo enlarged onto a to lets say a a 2 by 3 foot canvas? Thank you for your help.

Paul P K said:

ECSEKE said:

Hi there, I am a D5300 NIKON user and looking for a lens that can render this effect (swirly bokeh). I understand how bokeh is created in general, but would like recommendations as to what lens can render this feature most. I would like the subject to be clear, sharp and crisp. If a few lenses in a price range (low to high) could be recommended that would be great thank you. I love the surreal look of it.

Click to expand...

I have and use the Lomography 2.2/85mm Petzval lens for a couple of months now

Despite the furious claims of the 'experts' about inferior IQ, exorbitant price, outdated design etc, I love it, even if it's an aquired taste and needs getting used to.

It can be used to get the swirly background you refer to


Nikon DF Lomography Petzval 2.2/85mm at 2.8

Original at http://www.pbase.com/paul_k/image/156848401

Click to expand...

Great looking pictures! Very 'old school'

Thanks for sharing.

GaryG

Paul P K said:

Nikon DF Lomography Petzval 2.2/85mm at 2.8

Click to expand...