5D Mk IV – EF 50mm L with 20mm and 36mm Ext Tubes – 640W Strobe – 1/125, f16, ISO 100, Eval Meter

So I have a 100mm lens that is designed specifically for macrophotography. I recently purchased a set of extension tubes that allows me to decrease the distance even more between the front of the lens and the object being photographed. Today, on a whim, I put the 36mm extension tube on the camera, then attached my 50mm prime lens. I went outside – briefly, because it was raining – and attempted to photograph some blooming flowers. This was difficult because the rain was causing the flowers to droop upside down. I had to hold the flower up with one hand while focusing with the other hand. The pictures didn’t really turn out, but what I found out was a game changer. There was almost no distance between the subject and the lens.

I then thought to do this inside, under more controlled conditions. I grabbed some pistachios and set them up on a black sheet. I put two extension tubes on the 5D and attached the 50mm. I then attached the camera to a macro slider to aid in focusing. I used a single Einstein light to provide top-down illumination. The distance between the pistachios and lens was less than an inch.

The picture isn’t anything special. This was more about testing capabilities. Needless to say, I am very impressed! This is going to open up many possibilities. Come on warm weather!!

One more note – because of the very close distance, and even using an aperture of f/16, I had to do this as a focus stack. I took 19 pictures, but probably could have done more, there are still some soft areas.