Two more Springtime images today from the bottom of our garden.
Which is taken with a Mirror Lens? The first one is fairly obviously taken with one.
It shows the typical – and in this case rather intrusive – ring-shaped Bokeh that people either love or hate. And the closer the out-of-focus highlights are to the point of focus the more prominent they are. Bokeh from highlights in the distance are softer as seen in the final image in my last post – click here to go to that post
Compare that image with the second one.
A much softer image, although the very shallow depth of field evident suggests it too was taken with a long lens. You may be surprised to know that this was also shot with my Mirror Lens. No real highlights in this one, so no glaring Bokeh.
So, it is possible to shoot with a Mirror Lens and largely avoid the unsightly Bokeh. It’s all down to choice of subject and careful review of the lighting.
If you are interested in reading more about Mirror Lenses then do view the footnote in my first post about Mirror Lenses – click here to visit that post.
I really like the output of the mirror lens Andy. They give the images a different look and feel to them.
Thanks Len. The Mirror Lens is a unique lens. It just requires rather careful use
I don’t mind the soft rings in the background, as long as they don’t dominate the subject. Here are two excellent examples.
Thanks Ken. I think you have summed it very well. The in-focus bluebell in the first shot is very sharp (not always easy with a manual focus lens of this length) and that precise sharpness I think still manages to hold the attention despite the rater demanding out-of-focus pink variety. Well, that’s my thinking on it.
THe second image is very nice, but I cannot say I like the ring-shaped bokeh in the first… I find it distracts from the in-focus flowers.
Thanks John. I deliberately chose an image that would be contentious. You either like it or loathe it! And both opinions are entirely valid.
Fascinating – that bokeh on the highlights is very distinctive, and definitely something that could be effective if managed carefully. Thanks for the very illustrative images!
Thanks for your comment. ‘Managed carefully’ are the key words, for sure. A tricky lens to use but for its long reach its a bargain financially
Both terrific images Andy and I do like bokeh so the first one is my favorite.
Thanks Edith. its 2:1 in favour of those who ‘like’ the first one rather than ‘dislike’ it so far! I knew it would divide opinion, a Mirror Lens is a challenging piece of glass.
I really like both these images Andy although I’m still not really sure about the rings.
Thanks Adrian. And a very understandable reaction – as you will have seen from the other comments.
Interesting – I’ve never used a mirror lens, but have heard about the way it works. I kinda like the results in the first picture. Both are done well.
Thanks very much Phillip
particularly love the daisies and I’d never even heard of a mirror lens !! I can be such a peasant !
You’re in good company Helen. A lot of folk are unaware of Mirror lenses and their capabilities.