Single-Shot Live-Subject Macros - The Nikon D800E
Not sure why I am sharing this: It is not because these are
acceptable results, but rather to discuss the challenges that the
new D800E offers when it comes to manual focus. I was at an
event for a few days, but not one I imagined I would be using macro
lenses, so I only brought one, the Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5 APO-
Lanthar, just as an afterthought. I also brought the Nikon 800E,
although I was there to shoot with the Nikon D4 and the Nikkor 24-
70mm and the 70-200mm. Anyway...
In the early morning one day I had time for some macro shots using
the D800E and the CV-125, so I took some single shot photos. It
was just a little windy, so stacking on a rail would have been
fruitless.
The results were anything but encouraging, not because there is
anything wrong with the D800E that I can see, but because of my
own lack of technique. There was not quite enough light for very
high apertures, so the DOF was shallow and it shows. It was hard
to get enough of the subject in focus to feel comfortable.
While most of the problems I ran into would be solved if I stacked
focus (on a static subject), since I could create my own facsimile of
DOF, taking one-off shots proved to me how critical the focus is
with this new camera. It was frustrating to say the least. And, it is
hard to see in the tiny LCD whether you really have the focus or
not.
I should have brought the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR lens. That
would have helped. Trying to focus moving subjects with the CV-
125 in only medium light was painful. However, I can say this:
The camera is great and even from these relatively unfocussed
shots I can see that if I do my homework, that very high-quality
shots are possible in the future. But this camera will separate the
men from the boys (so to speak), and there is a real learning curve
here for single-shot focus on live subjects. Ouch!
After this experience, I am not so quick to recommend this camera
for everyone. It is going to be very painful for those without the