Head and Shoulders

[brian_walton]

I want to shoot head and shoulders in a confined space with a 150mm f/4

Sonnar. Do I use extension tubes, bellows or proxars for the best results. If

I went for a Macro-Planar would I gain much in quality over the 150mm Sonnar.

 

with thanks

 

Brian

[brucecahn]

I used the 150 for head and portraits for years without any closeup attachment. If you need it the smallest extension tube will do it. Remenber exposure compensation for closeups using ext. tubes. I believe that the 120 IS a little sharper, but not enough for many people to notice. If you have a 150 already use that. Getting in very close for a portrait may lead to distortion with the 120 unless you find just the right angle for the camera.

[marek_fogiel]

The Makro Planar is best used as a half body lens, head and shoulders crop is borderline for distorsion, just use the Sonnar with a 1cm extension ring - it should be sufficient to get you close, but will keep you away from distorting.

[q.g._de_bakker]

Brian,<br><br>The 150 mm has a minimum field of view of 40 cm/15.7", which already is a bit tight for head-and-shoulders. So, as Bruce said, nothing needed but the lens alone.<br><br>The 150 mm Sonnar is a great lens, and you would not gain anything in quality by switching to the (also very good) 120 mm Makro-Planar.

[nikos peri]

I stumbled against the minimum focus distance on the Sonnar 150mm for head and shoulders. I like to crop closely, and I'm talking small people (kids), so I just couldn't get in close enough without the 16mm extension ring. That seems to work for me, although careful about perspectives when you're that close in.<p>

<img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/4163942-lg.jpg">150mm Sonnar and 16mm Ext</a>

[brian_walton]

Great answers you guys. Many thanks.

 

A small extension it is.

 

Brian

[paul_neuthaler]

Head & Shoulders -- wife & son-in-law<div></div>