Your thoughts on the M6ii + 28mm f3.5 macro?

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

Great lens for handheld macro, and normal photography. Be quick though, the refurb cameras are gone when they're gone.

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The M6ii is an excellent Macro camera.  The biggest difference between this combo and what you’re using now is that the 28mm on the M6ii will fill the frame with an object 18mm wide (4x the magnification than you’re getting now).  At these very high macro ratios, the working distance is quite short though, so you need to have an appropriate way of lighting your subjects.

Happy shopping!

R2

R2D2 wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The M6ii is an excellent Macro camera. The biggest difference between this combo and what you’re using now is that the 28mm on the M6ii will fill the frame with an object 18mm wide (4x the magnification than you’re getting now). At these very high macro ratios, the working distance is quite short though, so you need to have an appropriate way of lighting your subjects.

And then the built-in light helps a lot. 😉

MyM6II wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The M6ii is an excellent Macro camera. The biggest difference between this combo and what you’re using now is that the 28mm on the M6ii will fill the frame with an object 18mm wide (4x the magnification than you’re getting now). At these very high macro ratios, the working distance is quite short though, so you need to have an appropriate way of lighting your subjects.

And then the built-in light helps a lot. 😉

I just figured the OP already had some kind of lighting setup that highlighted the jewelry nicely (rather than straight-on flat lighting).  That would be my own preference.

R2

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

Sittatunga wrote:

jim mij wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

The 60mm is an EF-S lens, so it will give a maximum 10Mpx cropped image with the RP. I can't see the point in adapting it if you have both cameras when you get 32Mpx from the M6 II.

It would make a nice portrait lens too on crop; the 28mm is a nice standard lens, with a focal length about the same as the diagonal of the M6 II sensor. The built-in lighting of the 28mm (and the EF-S 35mm macro) is quite versatile; the choice of left side, right side or both sides lit at two intensities. That's not quite what you can achieve with tabletop lighting and a bit of working room, but good for something you can put in a jeans pocket.

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

With this diffuser you can use either the pop-up flash, or a more powerful hotshoe mounted flash.

Note: With the 28 Macro, the diffuser slides nicely right onto the miniscule lens hood. Shown here sandwiched onto a Raynox Close Up Lens.

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

R2D2 wrote:

Sittatunga wrote:

jim mij wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

The 60mm is an EF-S lens, so it will give a maximum 10Mpx cropped image with the RP. I can't see the point in adapting it if you have both cameras when you get 32Mpx from the M6 II.

It would make a nice portrait lens too on crop; the 28mm is a nice standard lens, with a focal length about the same as the diagonal of the M6 II sensor. The built-in lighting of the 28mm (and the EF-S 35mm macro) is quite versatile; the choice of left side, right side or both sides lit at two intensities. That's not quite what you can achieve with tabletop lighting and a bit of working room, but good for something you can put in a jeans pocket.

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

With this diffuser you can use either the pop-up flash, or a more powerful hotshoe mounted flash.

Note: With the 28 Macro, the diffuser slides nicely right onto the miniscule lens hood. Shown here sandwiched onto a Raynox Close Up Lens.

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

Nice setup R2.
Would you mind sharing what kind of translucent plastic is that ?
It is a DIY or you bought it ?

R2D2 wrote:

Sittatunga wrote:

jim mij wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

The 60mm is an EF-S lens, so it will give a maximum 10Mpx cropped image with the RP. I can't see the point in adapting it if you have both cameras when you get 32Mpx from the M6 II.

It would make a nice portrait lens too on crop; the 28mm is a nice standard lens, with a focal length about the same as the diagonal of the M6 II sensor. The built-in lighting of the 28mm (and the EF-S 35mm macro) is quite versatile; the choice of left side, right side or both sides lit at two intensities. That's not quite what you can achieve with tabletop lighting and a bit of working room, but good for something you can put in a jeans pocket.

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

With this diffuser you can use either the pop-up flash, or a more powerful hotshoe mounted flash.

Note: With the 28 Macro, the diffuser slides nicely right onto the miniscule lens hood. Shown here sandwiched onto a Raynox Close Up Lens.

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

Great solution R2, thanks!!

Photato wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Sittatunga wrote:

jim mij wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

The 60mm is an EF-S lens, so it will give a maximum 10Mpx cropped image with the RP. I can't see the point in adapting it if you have both cameras when you get 32Mpx from the M6 II.

It would make a nice portrait lens too on crop; the 28mm is a nice standard lens, with a focal length about the same as the diagonal of the M6 II sensor. The built-in lighting of the 28mm (and the EF-S 35mm macro) is quite versatile; the choice of left side, right side or both sides lit at two intensities. That's not quite what you can achieve with tabletop lighting and a bit of working room, but good for something you can put in a jeans pocket.

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

Nice setup R2.

It's so nice that you can just stuff the diffuser in a back pocket or a bag. Slip it on as needed.

Would you mind sharing what kind of translucent plastic is that ?
It is a DIY or you bought it ?

Looong story here.

First, you need a nice fairly stiff plastic that when held up to the light you can see your fingers through, but not see your fingerprints. Getting the right amount of diffusion is the tricky part (plus you want a nice white plastic that doesn't impart any tint).

I comb the box stores constantly, looking for something with just the right properties. The security staff must think I'm crazy holding all manner of stuff up in the air whenever I find a likely prospect, be it a storage box or a toilet brush holder!

The original plastic sheeting I found was the perfect material. It was the cover of a threee-ring binder that I found at a Staples store years ago (it's since been discontinued). I bought a couple of them at the time, but should have bought a bunch more! Now I'm peering through everything from milk jugs to office supplies looking for the ideal plastic. I think you'll have to do the same!

BTW I found a pic of the diffuser mounted on my 28 Macro...

Crude but effective. I cut the hole just a bit smaller, so that the fit is snug and the diffuser stays put. The plastics I've found are non-marring.

Just an FYI for folks. Diffusion increases with size and (nearer) distance, plus you want to further eliminate hot spots as much as possible (sometimes I add a smaller central layer, or space two sheets a bit apart). Flash power becomes a factor though, as diffusion increases.

Creating a mini softbox out of Foamcore increases light transmission, and can attach right to your flash's head (I use velcro).  It's not as portable as a simple sheet though.

R2

R2D2 wrote:

Photato wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Sittatunga wrote:

jim mij wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

The 60mm is an EF-S lens, so it will give a maximum 10Mpx cropped image with the RP. I can't see the point in adapting it if you have both cameras when you get 32Mpx from the M6 II.

It would make a nice portrait lens too on crop; the 28mm is a nice standard lens, with a focal length about the same as the diagonal of the M6 II sensor. The built-in lighting of the 28mm (and the EF-S 35mm macro) is quite versatile; the choice of left side, right side or both sides lit at two intensities. That's not quite what you can achieve with tabletop lighting and a bit of working room, but good for something you can put in a jeans pocket.

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

Nice setup R2.

It's so nice that you can just stuff the diffuser in a back pocket or a bag. Slip it on as needed.

Would you mind sharing what kind of translucent plastic is that ?
It is a DIY or you bought it ?

Looong story here.

First, you need a nice fairly stiff plastic that when held up to the light you can see your fingers through, but not see your fingerprints. Getting the right amount of diffusion is the tricky part (plus you want a nice white plastic that doesn't impart any tint).

I comb the box stores constantly, looking for something with just the right properties. The security staff must think I'm crazy holding all manner of stuff up in the air whenever I find a likely prospect, be it a storage box or a toilet brush holder!

The original plastic sheeting I found was the perfect material. It was the cover of a threee-ring binder that I found at a Staples store years ago (it's since been discontinued). I bought a couple of them at the time, but should have bought a bunch more! Now I'm peering through everything from milk jugs to office supplies looking for the ideal plastic. I think you'll have to do the same!

BTW I found a pic of the diffuser mounted on my 28 Macro...

Crude but effective. I cut the hole just a bit smaller, so that the fit is snug and the diffuser stays put. The plastics I've found are non-marring.

Just an FYI for folks. Diffusion increases with size and (nearer) distance, plus you want to further eliminate hot spots as much as possible (sometimes I add a smaller central layer, or space two sheets a bit apart). Flash power becomes a factor though, as diffusion increases.

Creating a mini softbox out of Foamcore increases light transmission, and can attach right to your flash's head (I use velcro). It's not as portable as a simple sheet though.

R2

Broken junk flat screen TVs have a big piece the size of the screen in them that was used to diffuse the light from the LEDs.

R2D2 wrote:

Photato wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Sittatunga wrote:

jim mij wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

The 60mm is an EF-S lens, so it will give a maximum 10Mpx cropped image with the RP. I can't see the point in adapting it if you have both cameras when you get 32Mpx from the M6 II.

It would make a nice portrait lens too on crop; the 28mm is a nice standard lens, with a focal length about the same as the diagonal of the M6 II sensor. The built-in lighting of the 28mm (and the EF-S 35mm macro) is quite versatile; the choice of left side, right side or both sides lit at two intensities. That's not quite what you can achieve with tabletop lighting and a bit of working room, but good for something you can put in a jeans pocket.

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

Nice setup R2.

It's so nice that you can just stuff the diffuser in a back pocket or a bag. Slip it on as needed.

Would you mind sharing what kind of translucent plastic is that ?
It is a DIY or you bought it ?

Looong story here.

First, you need a nice fairly stiff plastic that when held up to the light you can see your fingers through, but not see your fingerprints. Getting the right amount of diffusion is the tricky part (plus you want a nice white plastic that doesn't impart any tint).

I comb the box stores constantly, looking for something with just the right properties. The security staff must think I'm crazy holding all manner of stuff up in the air whenever I find a likely prospect, be it a storage box or a toilet brush holder!

The original plastic sheeting I found was the perfect material. It was the cover of a threee-ring binder that I found at a Staples store years ago (it's since been discontinued). I bought a couple of them at the time, but should have bought a bunch more! Now I'm peering through everything from milk jugs to office supplies looking for the ideal plastic. I think you'll have to do the same!

BTW I found a pic of the diffuser mounted on my 28 Macro...

Crude but effective. I cut the hole just a bit smaller, so that the fit is snug and the diffuser stays put. The plastics I've found are non-marring.

Just an FYI for folks. Diffusion increases with size and (nearer) distance, plus you want to further eliminate hot spots as much as possible (sometimes I add a smaller central layer, or space two sheets a bit apart). Flash power becomes a factor though, as diffusion increases.

Creating a mini softbox out of Foamcore increases light transmission, and can attach right to your flash's head (I use velcro). It's not as portable as a simple sheet though.

R2

R2, you should take this to SharkTank 😂

Foskito wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Sittatunga wrote:

jim mij wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

The 60mm is an EF-S lens, so it will give a maximum 10Mpx cropped image with the RP. I can't see the point in adapting it if you have both cameras when you get 32Mpx from the M6 II.

It would make a nice portrait lens too on crop; the 28mm is a nice standard lens, with a focal length about the same as the diagonal of the M6 II sensor. The built-in lighting of the 28mm (and the EF-S 35mm macro) is quite versatile; the choice of left side, right side or both sides lit at two intensities. That's not quite what you can achieve with tabletop lighting and a bit of working room, but good for something you can put in a jeans pocket.

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

With this diffuser you can use either the pop-up flash, or a more powerful hotshoe mounted flash.

Note: With the 28 Macro, the diffuser slides nicely right onto the miniscule lens hood. Shown here sandwiched onto a Raynox Close Up Lens.

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

Great solution R2, thanks!!

I have a diffuser cut out for the 5-diopter Raynox DCR-150 (pictured), and one for the 8-diopter DCR-250. I like the DCR-250 because it is quite powerful and basically acts as a doubler (on whatever lens it's mounted to). Mounting is super-quick and easy, as it just clips onto filter threads from 52mm to 67mm (or a wider range via step-up/down rings).

IQ is very good (it has 3 elements). You do get a little softening though (about the same IQ as two 4-diopter Canon 250D's stacked). An added bonus is that with close-up lenses you don't lose any light (like you do with other methods ie tubes, dedicated macro lenses etc.).

R2

R2D2 wrote:

Photato wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Sittatunga wrote:

jim mij wrote:

Foskito wrote:

Hello guys,

I have an RP with the kit 24-105mm and the 35mm f1.8 IS. I mainly use it to take hundreds of product shots of my wife's online jewelry store. The close focus capabilities of the 35mm allow me to produce great IQ images.

I have been tempted by the M system for years, (never pulled the trigger though) but now that the refurbs are at an incredibly low price I am super interested in getting an M6ii and the 28mm f3.5 macro, I guess the extra 6mp might be handy?

Thanks in advance!

The m6ii provides great detail for macro, although i use the ef-s 60mm (with an adaptor) rather than the native m28 lens. I have samples in this and the macro forum if you want to browse

The 60mm might also work on your RP (with an adaptor)?

When i asked in this forum about the 28 folks advised me to stay with the 60, but our needs might differ

regards

Jim

The 60mm is an EF-S lens, so it will give a maximum 10Mpx cropped image with the RP. I can't see the point in adapting it if you have both cameras when you get 32Mpx from the M6 II.

It would make a nice portrait lens too on crop; the 28mm is a nice standard lens, with a focal length about the same as the diagonal of the M6 II sensor. The built-in lighting of the 28mm (and the EF-S 35mm macro) is quite versatile; the choice of left side, right side or both sides lit at two intensities. That's not quite what you can achieve with tabletop lighting and a bit of working room, but good for something you can put in a jeans pocket.

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

Nice setup R2.

It's so nice that you can just stuff the diffuser in a back pocket or a bag. Slip it on as needed.

Would you mind sharing what kind of translucent plastic is that ?
It is a DIY or you bought it ?

Looong story here.

First, you need a nice fairly stiff plastic that when held up to the light you can see your fingers through, but not see your fingerprints. Getting the right amount of diffusion is the tricky part (plus you want a nice white plastic that doesn't impart any tint).

I comb the box stores constantly, looking for something with just the right properties. The security staff must think I'm crazy holding all manner of stuff up in the air whenever I find a likely prospect, be it a storage box or a toilet brush holder!

The original plastic sheeting I found was the perfect material. It was the cover of a threee-ring binder that I found at a Staples store years ago (it's since been discontinued). I bought a couple of them at the time, but should have bought a bunch more! Now I'm peering through everything from milk jugs to office supplies looking for the ideal plastic. I think you'll have to do the same!

BTW I found a pic of the diffuser mounted on my 28 Macro...

Crude but effective. I cut the hole just a bit smaller, so that the fit is snug and the diffuser stays put. The plastics I've found are non-marring.

Just an FYI for folks. Diffusion increases with size and (nearer) distance, plus you want to further eliminate hot spots as much as possible (sometimes I add a smaller central layer, or space two sheets a bit apart). Flash power becomes a factor though, as diffusion increases.

Creating a mini softbox out of Foamcore increases light transmission, and can attach right to your flash's head (I use velcro). It's not as portable as a simple sheet though.

R2

Good to know, I underestimated the part of finding the material with the right properties, not only in diffusion quality but also weight and rigidity.
I found this one that sells for $12 and can be folded into a small bag, similar to car's windshield shade. I probably go this route.
Thanks for sharing.

Sittatunga wrote:

Foskito wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

+1 Sometimes I’ll toss the M6ii + 28 Macro in my bike bag for shots of opportunity along the way. My strong preference for (lightweight) lighting on-the-go is a piece of translucent plastic with a hole cut in it and stuck on the end of the lens like this…

Note: With the 28 Macro, the diffuser slides nicely right onto the miniscule lens hood. Shown here sandwiched onto a Raynox Close Up Lens.

This setup provides a really nice diffuse light, and stops action/shake with the flash.

You can’t use the Focus Bracketing Mode with flash though. However you can shoot 14 fps with an external flash and “cut slices” right through your subject using the “Lean Technique” for stacking later (note: you need to “tape over” the hotshoe’s communication contacts in order to achieve 14 fps with the flash).

R2

ps. Info here provided for others (I know you know this stuff already ).

Great solution R2, thanks!!

Looks really good, but I'd radius that internal corner. The stress concentrations from rectangular windows were what caused the first jet airliners to break up in mid-air. The sharp corners of the hatches did something similar to a lot of the Liberty Ships too.

HeHe, now you're talking like a true engineer!

I think if I hit something hard enough to tear this 1mm poly sheet though, I'd for sure snap the lens in half first!

Having a nice radiused corner would make it look a little sleeker though!  (esp good when I take it to Shark Tank!)

R2

m100 wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Photato wrote:

Would you mind sharing what kind of translucent plastic is that ?
It is a DIY or you bought it ?

Looong story here.

First, you need a nice fairly stiff plastic that when held up to the light you can see your fingers through, but not see your fingerprints. Getting the right amount of diffusion is the tricky part (plus you want a nice white plastic that doesn't impart any tint).

I comb the box stores constantly, looking for something with just the right properties. The security staff must think I'm crazy holding all manner of stuff up in the air whenever I find a likely prospect, be it a storage box or a toilet brush holder!

The original plastic sheeting I found was the perfect material. It was the cover of a threee-ring binder that I found at a Staples store years ago (it's since been discontinued). I bought a couple of them at the time, but should have bought a bunch more! Now I'm peering through everything from milk jugs to office supplies looking for the ideal plastic. I think you'll have to do the same!

BTW I found a pic of the diffuser mounted on my 28 Macro...

Crude but effective. I cut the hole just a bit smaller, so that the fit is snug and the diffuser stays put. The plastics I've found are non-marring.

Just an FYI for folks. Diffusion increases with size and (nearer) distance, plus you want to further eliminate hot spots as much as possible (sometimes I add a smaller central layer, or space two sheets a bit apart). Flash power becomes a factor though, as diffusion increases.

Creating a mini softbox out of Foamcore increases light transmission, and can attach right to your flash's head (I use velcro). It's not as portable as a simple sheet though.

R2

Broken junk flat screen TVs have a big piece the size of the screen in them that was used to diffuse the light from the LEDs.

Whoa, good tip. Now I just have to wait for my 4K LG OLED to die!

R2

Photato wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Looong story here.

First, you need a nice fairly stiff plastic that when held up to the light you can see your fingers through, but not see your fingerprints. Getting the right amount of diffusion is the tricky part (plus you want a nice white plastic that doesn't impart any tint).

I comb the box stores constantly, looking for something with just the right properties. The security staff must think I'm crazy holding all manner of stuff up in the air whenever I find a likely prospect, be it a storage box or a toilet brush holder!

The original plastic sheeting I found was the perfect material. It was the cover of a threee-ring binder that I found at a Staples store years ago (it's since been discontinued). I bought a couple of them at the time, but should have bought a bunch more! Now I'm peering through everything from milk jugs to office supplies looking for the ideal plastic. I think you'll have to do the same!

BTW I found a pic of the diffuser mounted on my 28 Macro...

Crude but effective. I cut the hole just a bit smaller, so that the fit is snug and the diffuser stays put. The plastics I've found are non-marring.

Just an FYI for folks. Diffusion increases with size and (nearer) distance, plus you want to further eliminate hot spots as much as possible (sometimes I add a smaller central layer, or space two sheets a bit apart). Flash power becomes a factor though, as diffusion increases.

Creating a mini softbox out of Foamcore increases light transmission, and can attach right to your flash's head (I use velcro). It's not as portable as a simple sheet though.

R2

Good to know, I underestimated the part of finding the material with the right properties, not only in diffusion quality but also weight and rigidity.
I found this one that sells for $12 and can be folded into a small bag, similar to car's windshield shade. I probably go this route.
Thanks for sharing.

Yes.  Exactly the same principle!

I have a couple of different Rogue FlashBenders too.  Nice that you can shape them.  You do have to be careful not to bounce any light back onto the surface of the (lens') objective though, in order to maintain as much contrast and color as possible.

R2

R2D2 wrote:

m100 wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

Photato wrote:

Would you mind sharing what kind of translucent plastic is that ?
It is a DIY or you bought it ?

Looong story here.

First, you need a nice fairly stiff plastic that when held up to the light you can see your fingers through, but not see your fingerprints. Getting the right amount of diffusion is the tricky part (plus you want a nice white plastic that doesn't impart any tint).

I comb the box stores constantly, looking for something with just the right properties. The security staff must think I'm crazy holding all manner of stuff up in the air whenever I find a likely prospect, be it a storage box or a toilet brush holder!

The original plastic sheeting I found was the perfect material. It was the cover of a threee-ring binder that I found at a Staples store years ago (it's since been discontinued). I bought a couple of them at the time, but should have bought a bunch more! Now I'm peering through everything from milk jugs to office supplies looking for the ideal plastic. I think you'll have to do the same!

BTW I found a pic of the diffuser mounted on my 28 Macro...

Crude but effective. I cut the hole just a bit smaller, so that the fit is snug and the diffuser stays put. The plastics I've found are non-marring.

Just an FYI for folks. Diffusion increases with size and (nearer) distance, plus you want to further eliminate hot spots as much as possible (sometimes I add a smaller central layer, or space two sheets a bit apart). Flash power becomes a factor though, as diffusion increases.

Creating a mini softbox out of Foamcore increases light transmission, and can attach right to your flash's head (I use velcro). It's not as portable as a simple sheet though.

R2

Broken junk flat screen TVs have a big piece the size of the screen in them that was used to diffuse the light from the LEDs.

Whoa, good tip. Now I just have to wait for my 4K LG OLED to die!

R2

Junk TVs get dumped on the roads all around me.