As with other photos taken using the 50 mm lens, this was taken at almost the minimum focusing distance. Even so, it was not possible to fill the entire frame with just the DVD. Therefore, I decided to put in more elements to the composition: the reflection and the notebook.
Due to the low light level, a slow shutter speed is needed, and this means handholding is not possible. Since I did not have a tripod with me, the camera must be put on the same table as the DVD -- meaning the only stable surface that is level with the DVD. This introduced space constraint. Suddenly, I could see why a 50 mm Macro lens is useful after all! To minimize camera blur due to handshake, I used 2-sec MLU (mirror lockup).
There is a slight yellowish tint. This is due to the fluorescent light. I tried wireless off-the-camera flash, but the result were not good -- (i) too much direct reflection, (ii) had ugly hotspots, (iii) were washed out, (iv) or all of the above.
Now, before anyone ask why f/5.6? Why not f/11 or f/16 for maximum DOF (depth of field)? Well, I didn't think it was necessary -- it was not meant to be a professional product shot; I was afraid I might get the background in; and I was scared that slower shutter speed might introduce more camera shake -- the table was in use by other people.
Originally, the DVD was meant to be flat, so the aperture did not matter so much. I changed the composition after finding I could not frame it entirely. This is why you see the DVD is only slightly tilted. A tilt lens will be very useful here... :-)
btw, did you wonder why the barrel distortion show up on one side only?
The answer is simple: the right side is cropped more than the left side.
| Lens | Minolta AF 50 mm f/1.4 |
| Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Shutter speed | 1/6 |
| Area after cropping | 53.5% |