new macro lense, time for some photos

sphelps · #1 07-24-2009, 07:19 PM

Yeah they aren't bad for starting with that lens, but you'll want to use a tripod for these kind of intense macros. You'll want to decrease your aperture to at least 5.6 or until your DOF covers the majority of the frame. If you're too lazy to use a tripod (like me) try using the shade and resting it against the glass. This will allow for a slower speed. You're also a little under exposed which resulted from shooting in shutter speed priority which maxed out your aperture, try aperture priority instead.

If you're still having trouble with DOF you can try a focus stacking technique which involves stacking multiple pictures at different focus points together. I gave it a try a little while ago and had good results, these were made from 7 separate images:

You just have to be a little careful because the stacking does seem to create some over exposed areas. These could be fixed with a little layer blending in photoshop.

imisky · #2 07-24-2009, 09:42 PM

those are nice pictures,

I'll give those ideas a try, i will give Av mode a try as i heard from a few others that Av is the mode to use for macros

When you say stacking photos, do you mean using HDR? -2, 0, +2 or using custom white balance to try and capture all the colors.

sphelps · #3 07-24-2009, 10:30 PM

Focus stacking is different from HDR. You take multiple pictures at different focus points not exposures. You can then combine the pictures using a program like Helicon Focus to produce an unlimited DOF.

imisky · #4 07-26-2009, 01:18 AM

ill give the photo stacking a try later always willing to learn something new

meanwhile i took a few more pictures, imo they are decent but theres always room for improvement.

subman · #5 07-26-2009, 03:19 AM

I think they look amazing!

lastlight · #6 07-26-2009, 03:29 AM

I had planned to get the 105 VR for my nikon but now you really have me wondering! Though I want to shoot portaits too...the VR is nice.

imisky · #7 07-26-2009, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

I had planned to get the 105 VR for my nikon but now you really have me wondering! Though I want to shoot portaits too...the VR is nice.

lenses with stabilizing is always a welcome in photography, it would make it much easier for you to take photos of your tank or portraits much quicker without the use of a tripod. I think if the 105mm working distance works for you go with it as most macro lenses on the market are all good lenses considering alot of zoom lenses made are crap imo.

the sigma 150mm macro works great but definitely needs a tripod for 1:1 as any shake creates a blurry image and you cant really use it for portraits but its definitely one of the best marcos for the price range ive tested. that includes the canon 60mm and 100mm macros.