Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV/VIS/IR APO macro (more)
Following up on Wednesday’s entry, below are some examples taken with the Canon EOS 5D-IR (715nm internal filtration) and the Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro. Nikon D70-IR examples follow also. I shot for 30 minutes or so today with the 5D-IR and perhaps 20 minutes with the D70-IR, all I could afford.
The stunning sharpness of the Coastal 60/4 in infrared with no hot spots is a refreshing treat. Its performance in color is superb as well. I’m sure I’ll find something to nitpick eventually, and soon I’ll compare it to the Zeiss 50/2 Makro-Planar, which can be quite a good performer in infrared. I’m also planning on adding high-resolution examples to the diglloyd Guide to Digital Infrared Photography.
If you’re interested in the Coastal 60/4, please contact me—I’m interested in hearing about your intended uses for it. The lens is expensive in absolute terms, but compared to buying a used 105/4.5 UV-Nikkor, it seems to be on par with what one can expect for this level of performance. For infrared photography it’s terrific, and for ultraviolet photography it’s the only game in town unless you can find a used and rare 105/4.5 UV-Nikkors.
Bikes
(Canon EOS 5D + Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro)
Hidden house
(Canon EOS 5D + Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro)
No hot spots observed in any images so far, including the challenging one below.
Sunset
(Canon EOS 5D + Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro)
Drivetrain
(Canon EOS 5D + Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro)
Pixel quality of the Nikon D70-IR is excellent, and can be fully exploited by the Coastal 60/4.
Frost
(Nikon D70-IR + Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro)
Frog, faucet and bricks
(Nikon D70-IR + Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro)
Tools
(Nikon D70-IR + Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro)
Late season persimmon
(Nikon D70-IR + Coastal Optics 60/4 APO macro)