Since the image circle is too small for any of my cameras I don't mind the lack of focussing mount, if need be I can use the adapter from my Xenoplans (23/1.4, 28/2.0, 35/1.9) which share the same system. Those are often in my camera bag, they work well for high magnification macrophotography when reversed and their tiny size means I have no excuse not to bring them. I was wondering whether I could use this 8mm to replace my Zeiss Jena Tevidon 10mm f/2.0, which is a great lens but very heavy for its small size (it is the earlier thick barrelled version).
As you would expect with an 8mm lens, the working distance is very short, and the magnification quite high. Without any extension, I get 6:1.
This is a single image from my Sony A7, the only postprocessing was getting rid of the large amount of dust on my sensor. With a fixed f/2.0 aperture this lens may lend itself most for stacking, which I don't often do, so far.
Is there any consensus on what the best test subject is for testing lenses at these magnifications? I remember reading about pepper corns. The short working distance makes subjects like coins difficult to light.
