Weird lens guru Mathieu Stern is back at it with a new video that shows images captured with two $20 Carl Zeiss projector lenses he converted into camera lenses.
As with many of Stern’s DIY projector lens projects, both of these lenses — a 120mm F1.9 and a 105mm F1.9 — lack any way to focus and don’t have any adjustable aperture. While the adjustable aperture isn’t quite so easy to address, the video briefly shows how he uses an M65 Helicoid ring adapter to give manual focus abilities to the lens. Although not shown in the video, Stern then uses an M65 to Sony E-mount adapter to use the custom lens to his Sony camera.
The resulting imagery captured with the lenses produces pronounced ‘swirly’ bokeh and gives a very sharp separation between the subject and the background. It’s not going to win any resolution or edge-to-edge sharpness contests, but considering you can pick up similar projector lenses for around $20 or so online and a set of adapters for your camera for roughly $50 or so, it’s a cheap way to get some unique shots.
 |
Stern has a full list of the components he used in the video’s description on YouTube. You can find more of his work on his YouTube channel and website, which also features his always-growing ‘Weird Lens Museum.’
Autel Robotics released its long-awaited EVO II series drone this summer after several delays. With multiple cameras to choose from, and options that include 8K and 6K video, can this drone give DJI a run for its money?
Canon’s EOS R5 is one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market today. But even with its 45MP sensor, 20fps bursts and 8K video, its not without its flaws. Find out all the ups and downs of Canon’s latest mirrorless flagship right here.
Fujifilm’s latest entry-level Instax Mini model offers improved auto exposure over its predecessor and a simple-to-use interface. However, fun features and creative controls are mostly absent.
With dual processors, dual card slots and more, Nikon’s Z7 Mark II is a more capable camera than its predecessor in every way. But of course, we have a few remaining qualms – find out just what we make of the Z7 II right here.
What’s the best camera for under $1500? These midrange cameras should have capable autofocus systems, lots of direct controls and the latest sensors offering great image quality. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing less than $1500 and recommended the best.
What’s the best camera for shooting sports and action? Fast continuous shooting, reliable autofocus and great battery life are just three of the most important factors. In this buying guide we’ve rounded-up several great cameras for shooting sports and action, and recommended the best.
What’s the best camera for less than $1000? The best cameras for under $1000 should have good ergonomics and controls, great image quality and be capture high-quality video. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing under $1000 and recommended the best.
If you want a camera that you can pick up and use without having to page through the manual first, then this guide is for you. We’ve selected seven cameras ranging from compacts to full-frame, all of which are easy to operate.
Long-zoom compacts fill the gap between pocketable cameras and interchangeable lens models with expensive lenses, offering a great combination of lens reach and portability. Read on to learn about our favorite enthusiast long zoom cameras.
