what do I do wrong? I've just got my first true macro lens EF macro 100 L. This is a very good lens. However, my photo of bugs are out of focus, not crisp and very noisy. I can't blame...

irinaescoffery

I've just got my first true macro lens EF macro 100 L. This is a very good lens. However, my photo of bugs are out of focus, not crisp and very noisy. I can't blame lens for doing a bad job. I realize that it's rather my lack of knowledge. Please, advise how I can improve my photos. Thank you all.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Focus at 1:1 takes practice. Noise like you are seeing in photo 2 is usually caused by high ISO, not enough illumination, gaining up the exposure in post processing or some combination of the three. What camera are you using and what mode, AV, TV, Manual, etc are you shooting in?

irinaescoffery

A-PeeR wrote:

Focus at 1:1 takes practice. Noise like you are seeing in photo 2 is usually caused by high ISO, not enough illumination, gaining up the exposure in post processing or some combination of the three. What camera are you using and what mode, AV, TV, Manual, etc are you shooting in?

I use Canon T3i, and I shot in A+ mode. Sometimes changed to Sport mode to shoot continuously

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

To shoot macro you need to switch to manual mode and specify the settings yourself. With a T3i, very similar to the T2i I used, I would recommend shutter speed 160 or 200 to start with, aperture ~11 (+/- a stop), try ISO 100 (depending on ambient light and localized reflectors like leaves, light colored grasses, etc. or lack thereof you may need to bump to 200).

What flash are you using?

irinaescoffery

A-PeeR wrote:

To shoot macro you need to switch to manual mode and specify the settings yourself. With a T3i, very similar to the T2i I used, I would recommend shutter speed 160 or 200 to start with, aperture ~11 (+/- a stop), try ISO 100 (depending on ambient light and localized reflectors like leaves, light colored grasses, etc. or lack thereof you may need to bump to 200).

What flash are you using?

I don't have flash yet. Plan to buy one this week. Thank you for your advise

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Yes get a flash and a diffuser or you can build you own. Plenty of examples are found here:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html

What flash are you going to buy?

irinaescoffery

A-PeeR wrote:

What flash are you going to buy?

I think about Canon speedlight 430 EX-II.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

You can't go wrong with that. I use one as well and it will be more than powerful enough to shoot macro with your T3i/100mm combo. There are cheaper options, Yongnuo comes to mind, but I can't vouch for them as I have never used one. Keep us updated on your progress.

Almost forgot, very rude of me, welcome to the Macro Forum...

irinaescoffery

A-PeeR wrote:

welcome to the Macro Forum...

Thanks a lot for your welcoming words. Ive just started shooting macro. But I know nothing about it. I will definitely share more of my photos. I hope they will be as nice as yours. Irina

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

irinaescoffery wrote:

Thanks a lot for your welcoming words. Ive just started shooting macro. But I know nothing about it. I will definitely share more of my photos. I hope they will be as nice as yours. Irina

Stick around here, ask questions, heed the advice of the regular contributors, practice, practice, practice, enjoy the format, and you will shoot fine macros.
I look forward to your participation.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

A-PeeR wrote:

Stick around here, ask questions, heed the advice of the regular contributors, practice, practice, practice, enjoy the format, and you will shoot fine macros.

Concur: The bottom line is Macro is not as easy as some of these guys and gals make it look. I suspect they've all taken more than 10,000 macros. There are a few technical aspects that will allow you to move on to practicing the technique.
The technical: a good starting point is ISO 200, shutter duration at 1/200-sec, aperture: f/16-f/22, camera set to Manual. Speedlight should be diffused, (DIY or store-bought), set to Manual at 1/4 or 1/2 output to start. It depends on the individual flash unit & on the color density of the critter.

Practice focusing on the eyes and keeping the important parts within the plane of focus. This will allow you to work with that very thin DOF. Look at the set-ups-- and then look at a lot of photographs. Get a lot of practice.

Oh one more thing: diffraction varies.... so check your specific lens/camera combo. My Nikkor 105 Macro is best at f/5.6- f/8-- although I compromise when shooting hand-held

Welcome.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

lots of macro info here..
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Your best bet for a solid macro-photography education starts here:
Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.html

irinaescoffery

Guys! Thanks you all for your advises and recommendations. I realize that I need a lot of practice, and as any creative activities it requires a lot of patients and knowledge. I read all info that this site recommends to know. I have made a few more or less decent shots during the week I possess this lens. But I lack theoretical knowledge. So, thanks again for your practical advises. I will definetely try to implement them in my next steps.Irina

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

irinaescoffery wrote:

Guys! Thanks you all for your advises and recommendations. I realize that I need a lot of practice, and as any creative activities it requires a lot of patients and knowledge. I read all info that this site recommends to know. I have made a few more or less decent shots during the week I possess this lens. But I lack theoretical knowledge. So, thanks again for your practical advises. I will definetely try to implement them in my next steps.Irina

Here is a tutorial I did on another forum you can read through it might be some things that help.
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-technique/228550-my-technique-shooting-macro-insects.html