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Let's put the honeymoon and wannabe thinking on ice for a moment.
It is all very wobbly with focus stacking handheld - but once you get a lot closer - thing are a bit more "wobbly". As light decreases the close to go, the ISO sensitivity goes up, and the stabilization becomes less effective, with some occasional micro blur creeping in. So, now you see how much amateurish I am in terms of real Macro *LOL*
The "problems" exist for both the 60 mm and new 90 mm macro lenses. So, if you like to make really close, tiny things in images - in your home - I think tripod is a good idea, after all. Even the bright kitchen sink was suddenly not that bright anymore, as i approached the really small details.
A macro lens usually looses 2 stops light (factor 4 less light), when you go as close to 1:1 Macro. Which explains why the ISO rises (or the shutter time gets longer). Stabilization in the very close range - becomes less effective - which is pretty normal. It reminds me a little bit of a telescope - every little shake becomes stronger.
So, the kitchen sink images on the previous page, was easy. But going really close, free hand, together with focus stacking... becomes more wobbly. It still works, but if you want high quality - you have to work more disciplined and thorough (far more careful).
Of course, you can use flash... I have not tested this yet, together with focus stacking.
Let's have FUN !
Because Macro and closeups are really fun. Especially with all these highly nifty options like focus stacking, flash or no flash. Focus bracketing, etc... It all opens a myriad of experimentation - and there is no "right " or "wrong" during that phase. Play. Have fun. Explore.
Is the OM System ED 90/3.5 IS PRO Macro overkill ?
As of now, for me - definitely. Because my skills are abysmal, I realize. At the same time - this doesn't keep me from experimenting further. Especially outside, later when springtime arrives in Stockholm, and small critters start to come out. Apparently it is best to go out early mornings, when the insects are still slower.
I'll keep that in mind.
I am a bit nervous, I must confess. I realize that I plunged myself into an area, which I barely know much about in practice, and my images are limited to rather boring, trivial things. And yet, this does not hold me from trying and experimenting more with it.
Easy to forget: Closeups
The other nice thing with macro is - that it doesn't always need to be super macro. Beautiful close-ups, already opens a world with many windows. And for that, you truly do not need a 180mm equivalent super macro lens.
Very often - a high quality achromatic lens in front of a 50 mm normal lens, does the trick (and gives good quality for closeups). But try to avoid the cheap glass "closeup" lenses offered via amazon. They are made with one simple glass element, like an enlarging lens - but gives terrible quality.
The Final bill
*tralalalaaa*
It quite expensive, to say the least. Not only did i buy the STF-8 macro flash, but also the new 90mm macro lens, special Mini Tripod, Two Arca Swiss Tripod ball heads, lots of various L-grips... So yeah, many rivers turn into something a lot bigger - which wasn't really planned at first. It all started, when i bought the macro flash...
*boing*
However, I use my tax money in April, to pay the new 90mm lens off (16500 SEK / 1500 €) - and there will be only 50 € left to pay following month. That's it. All gone. The same goes for the (5500 SEK / 500 €) Olympus Macro flash - which also will be paid off next month.
Therefore: No new debts.
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