In the most recent episode of Robert Evans’ The Pixel Show, he challenges you to think a little bit differently about the Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. It’s a wide angle lens that’s typically used for things like landscapes, astroscapes, architecture, and even portraits – but have you ever thought about using it for close-up/macro type shots? Evans tries it out and explores how this wide angle lens can provide more context and depth for your close-up shots.
Think different about your wide-angle lens. Sony Artisan Robert Evans explores how the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM can provide more context and depth for your close-up shots.
“Did you ever think about using this lens for something close up? I think most people would probably want to use a macro, a 24-70mm or maybe a 35mm. But a 24mm lens wide open is a really pleasing effect.”
His first opportunity to use the 24mm f/1.4 GM in this way came when he was at a wedding and forgot his macro lens. He needed to get the close-up ring shot, so he had to get creative with his gear. He had his second photographer hold the ring on a makeup brush and held it over the different colors of the makeup. Using the 24mm f/1.4 GM, which has a minimum-focusing distance of 9.45 inches he manually focused to create a unique shot that worked out really well.
Photo by Robert Evans. Sony α7R III. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/2000-sec., f/1.4, ISO 400
“The reason that the shot was unique was because if I were to have done that shot, even if I compose it and everything the same way, with a macro lens, you wouldn't have seen everything. You wouldn't have seen all the different round circles of the makeup colors from the makeup artist. You wouldn't have seen that because the macro lens focuses so closely that you're really just seeing the detail in the ring. Here you see the detail in the ring as well as what's in the background.”
In the video, Evans also live records his camera screen as he photographs Japanese maple trees and others up close using the 24mm f/1.4 GM, giving a great firsthand look at the lens do this kind of work.
Photo by Robert Evans. Sony α7R III. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/1250-sec., f/1.4, ISO 400
Evans also describes how to use a common macro-photography technique of moving the camera back and forth instead of changing focus with the lens. “When you're shooting close most people tend to focus [with the lens], which of course that's what you're supposed to do – but you can also move the camera. Sometimes when I'm shooting a macro lens, that's how I'll do it to get the focus. I just move the camera in and out then I can dial my focus in exactly like where I want it.”
Photo by Robert Evans. Sony α7R III. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/500-sec., f/1.4, ISO 400
Photo by Robert Evans. Sony α9. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/40-sec., f/5.6, ISO 50
