Using a proper sunshade for best UV results using a Coastal Optical Systems / Jenoptik f4 / 105mm

Today about shooting with an UV lens (Coastal Optical Systems / Jenoptik UV-Micro-Apo f4 / 105mm) and considering how delicate those beasts can be to handle; here about using the right sunshade. Sounds rather boring actually, as we all rely on modern multicoated lenses and on my excursions I hardly ever see a photographer using his sunshade. But well, UV photography is a rather tricky subject anyway, and all aspects need consideration...

[click on image to see a larger one]





These are first normal visible light images, second reflected UV images and as one clearly sees here, using a sunshade (right side) can be rather critical, as the left image proves, showing very low contrast. In my case here, I used an 80mm deep shade for maximum effect, but w/o causing vignetting.

Stay tuned, more will follow on that fascinating subject...

More info on this very interesting field may be found on my site http://www.pbase.com/kds315/uv_photos