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Macro Test - Pro 1 versus G9 This is a personal rather than scientific test. I wanted to see how G9 macro images compared to the pleasing results I'd been getting with my Pro 1. So I slapped a Schaedler Precision Rule against a dark-green velvet background and took three shots on a tripod. There are three sets of photos with Canon 58mm macro lenses: 1) with a 500D, 2) with a 250D, and 3) with both macro lenses stacked. I used the standard 58mm filter adapter for the Pro 1, and the Lensmate 58mm filter adapter for the G9 (beautiful piece of machinery, by the way). I shot the lowest ISO of each camera, f/8, and converted similarly to PSDs. They were photographed on Auto White Balance under daylight-balanced fluorescent bulbs designed for studio shots. And both cameras were set to maximum zoom -- 200mm for the Pro1 and 210mm for the G9. Pro 1 settings: Av mode, ISO50, f/8, RAW file converted to 16-bit PSD file in BreezeBrowser Pro. G9 settings: Av mode, ISO80, f/8, RAW file converted to 16-bit PSD file in Photoshop CS3. Images were Auto-Contrasted in Photoshop and reduced to 800 pixels wide. No further post-processing or sharpening. If the last G9 file is a little darker and more contrasty, it's because there was not the dark fabric at the top that the program factored into the auto-contrast (as it did with the Pro 1 shot). Last thing is that the distance measurements are +/- 1 cm. As I said, this is a rough-and-ready comparison for myself, but I thought I would share it. Minimum focusing distance: 32 cm  G9 - 500D Minimum focusing distance: 26 cm  Minimum focusing distance: 19 cm  G9 - 250D Minimum focusing distance: 16 cm 
Minimum focusing distance: 14 cm  G9 - 500 D + 250D Minimum focusing distance: 11 cm   |
 One thing I've always known with the Pro 1 is that with stacked macro lenses, the focus falls off fast. If you're shooting a bumblebee and he's centered and the plant he's on is out of the depth of field anyway, you wouldn't notice. But if you're shooting paper money, you're going to have immediate problems. (And, yes, I know that Canon only recommends the 500D for the Pro 1, but we're pushing the envelope here before we start thinking about reversed SLR lenses.) Other observations: The Pro 1's tilt-and-swivel viewfinder will often be useful, perhaps indispensable. The G9 has to be slightly closer to the subject but there is still a decent working distance and the magnification is higher. I didn't use macro settings for focus, just normal - I've never noticed much difference when you're using the macros lenses. The G9 held the fabric colour and detail much better than the Pro 1 (it's green velvet). And, finally, I didn't shoot macros with the built-in macro function because you have to be right on top of something - and the concept of focusing at 1cm has no appeal for me or the bee. |
