Macro help (learning to weld)
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:00 pmI'm trying to learn to TIG weld bicycle frames, because I'm a bit over brazing. So I've been welding up test pieces and cutting them up to see what they look like on the inside. I don't actually have a macro lens per se, but I have the 24-70L and 70-200/2.8 IS as well as a 500D and macro tubes to go on them (and teleconverters). The 70-200 gives more magnification as well as IS but it's a struggle to focus even at f/13.
Can anyone suggest better ways to get shots that show the detail of the weld, especially in the confined spaces like below - I'd like to get the curve of the weld more visible if i can:
(second shot just to show that some bits are working-ish)
I find that using flash or direct lighting just gives me lots of highlights and more dynamic range than the camera can handle. I fear I may need a softbox - does that sounds right? Also, my tripod wobbles a lot, so I'm using mirror lockup and hoping that the focus I get when touching the lens is valid when the shot is taken (without me touching the camera). Should I look at welding up a frame to do this? It would be relatively easy (and cheap) to make a light tent with camera bracket to do this with, but it would be bulky and I'd only use it occasionally. So I'd rather hear suggestions like, I dunno, bolting the ball head to something solid instead of using the tripod, and making a softbox/diffuser for the sunlight. Would those help or is there a better way?
Photoset including shot of the camera setup: http://moz.net.nz/photo/2008/01/22-welderplay/index.php
thanks
Moz
Can anyone suggest better ways to get shots that show the detail of the weld, especially in the confined spaces like below - I'd like to get the curve of the weld more visible if i can:
(second shot just to show that some bits are working-ish)
I find that using flash or direct lighting just gives me lots of highlights and more dynamic range than the camera can handle. I fear I may need a softbox - does that sounds right? Also, my tripod wobbles a lot, so I'm using mirror lockup and hoping that the focus I get when touching the lens is valid when the shot is taken (without me touching the camera). Should I look at welding up a frame to do this? It would be relatively easy (and cheap) to make a light tent with camera bracket to do this with, but it would be bulky and I'd only use it occasionally. So I'd rather hear suggestions like, I dunno, bolting the ball head to something solid instead of using the tripod, and making a softbox/diffuser for the sunlight. Would those help or is there a better way?
Photoset including shot of the camera setup: http://moz.net.nz/photo/2008/01/22-welderplay/index.php
thanks
Moz
