Using Bokehrama (aka the Brenizer method) to invent new lenses

[DrJon]

I must admit this passed me by, however it does seem a handy (if time consuming) way to come up with a new ultra-fast lens without buying one, hence I'm posting it here (a search didn't get any hits).

The basic theory is nicely explained here: http://www.daifukusensei.com/blog/?page_id=52

However my first thought was: "What does this get me that my 85/1.2 doesn't?" (My second thought substituted a tilt-shift lens in the same sentence.)

I then found this calculator: http://brettmaxwellphoto.com/Brenize...tion/index.htm

At this point it becomes clear... Let's say I used my 100mm f2.8 non-L macro lens on my 5D mk II (at f2.8) and shot 4x3 images with about 25% overlap, the final image, allowing for some cropping, would be the same as if I'd used a 40mm f1.1 lens (all calculations with a bit of guesstimating), at no extra cost other than shooting/stitching time. If I used the 85/1.2 at f2 I'd get a 32mm f0.75 lens. At f1.2 it would be a 32mm f0.45 lens. Stitching 2x2 I'd get a 53mm f0.75 lens that's much sharper than the Canon 50mm f1. So basically the more images you take the shorter the focal length. Using the 300mm f2.8 I could make a 100mm f0.9 lens quite easily (shooting 4x4 images).

Has anyone tried this? I will when I get a sec...

(Edit) P.S. here's a video from the man himself... http://www.ryanbrenizer.com/2011/05/...-instructions/
One of the key things in the video is how fast and simply he shoots, no tripods etc.

[S_J_P]

Re: Using Bokehrama (aka the Brenizer method) to invent new lenses

It's an interesting technique I've read about before, but it wasn't called Bokehrama back then, I've never tried it though!

The video is very interesting, the speed at which his shoots is impressive, and the "spiral" technique to get the moving objects done and dusted at the start of the sequence in a great idea.

I love the bride and groom photo on his webpage, the shallow depth of field on a wide image is something which is pleasing to the eye and disconcerting at the same time!