Yeah. I can't see straight anymore - from all the tulip images, made with various lenses, distances and settings. Now i can't even tell, what is magic and what is not. So, was it all in my head ? Well, yes and no. Today images (not shown here), are made at the window (as usual), but the sun is not shining. So, the character of light, including the missing blue sky replaced by a diffuse gray one, creating somewhat different light conditions.

I can't tell the difference... today.

Either way - The TTArtisan 100/2.8 2x Macro lens goes back. I have sealed the package after i took a couple shots (and not being able to tell any difference on the Tulips made with other lenses). What I do know is, that i have plenty enough lens selections to get close to a subject. I think that is good enough. Doesn't require the TTArtisan lens for that.

Yet, I did love its special rendering style, undoubtedly - but this romance has come to an end.

Pentax 6x7 Takumar 105 mm ƒ2.4
(7x7 sensor fullframe)

I tested the Tulips scene (main Diary photo) also with the Pentax 6x7 Takumar today. With the 150 MP 7x7 cm sensor Vertex method. It reveals that the Takumar, has that special bokeh giving off a heightened plasticity in the bokeh (character of the background blur), in which there is more texture in the outlines. Other lenses tend to show a background blur that is more uniform without features.

I am a sucker fort that older analog bokeh style. It has the True mediumformat style from the era of film, lenses and large negatives (6x6, 6x7)

I now realize, that doing the Vertex method, retains that special character after all. Why was I so seduced from the TTArtisan 100 Macro lens ? Because of its rendering style. But the main pupose was primarily a macro lens for sharp scanned negatives. In which the TTartisan 100 Macro failed.

As I said; the romance ended quickly.

More images

Here are some other tests with the Canon EF 135/2 L lens, and TTArtisan 100/2.8 2x Macro lens.