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Self Iris Photos with the Pentax WG-2

The Pentax WG-2 has a special macro configuration that allows some unique images. In addition to the lens being capable of a 1cm macro mode, the camera comes with 6 while LED lights that surround the front element of the lens. This allows these extreme close ups to have sufficient light.

Here is a picture of the camera’s lens and macro lights:

The white circles surrounding the lens glass are the LED lights. This function can be turned on or off at will.

Getting a photo of your own eye isn’t the easiest thing to do. Especially with large cameras that are more capable of doing that from a technical standpoint. DSLRs are heavy and macro lenses on DSLRs are not always the best at auto-focus.

With the WG-2, it’s pretty simple. Get the lens as close to your eye as possible and take a picture. There is some trial and error involved, but keepers are easily possible. Results are very impressive considering the equipment being used.

Here are a few examples:

The best photo of the set. Sharp and nice contrast. You can see the LED lights reflecting off of the eye itself.


The angles are important. If you angle the camera the wrong way, you get multiple reflection from the eye and the front glass of the camera. (Edit: I take that back, this photo was taken with my glasses on…)


The closest photo I managed. I could probably get closer with more care and more quantity of pictures.

Overall, I’m impressed with this 1cm macro mode on the camera. For the price, it’s a great option for people looking to get started with simple macro photography. Just keep in mind that the camera mush be extremely close to the subject. That will limit your possibilities a bit.