Is this color fringing on a macro photo of a coin chromatic aberration or a surface-lighting effect?
Asked 11/11/2013
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I photographed a dime at macro magnification using a Nikon D5100 and a reversed-lens setup, lit by a table lamp from the side. At ISO 100, the camera should show very little chroma noise. In the image, the burnished metal surface shows unusual colored fringing or shimmer. Is this likely chromatic aberration from the optics, or is it more likely caused by the coin’s textured reflective surface and low-angle lighting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The linked image to me looks like what one would see when putting a coin under a microscope and illuminating from a low angle from the side.
So, no chromatic aberration in my humble opinion.
Originally by user20069. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user20069
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
It’s more likely a surface-lighting effect than chromatic aberration.
At very high magnification, a coin’s reflective, irregular metal surface can show strong tonal and color variations when lit from a low angle. That kind of side lighting emphasizes tiny scratches, relief, and texture, producing an appearance similar to what you’d see under a microscope.
Chromatic aberration usually shows up as consistent color fringing along high-contrast edges caused by the lens. What you’re describing on a burnished metallic surface is more consistent with the way the light is interacting with the coin’s fine texture than with lens CA. ISO 100 on the D5100 also makes image noise a less likely explanation.
So based on the setup and appearance, this is most likely the coin surface and illumination, not optical chromatic aberration.
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