Raven5278 Loc: Rockland MA

I shot this with my Nikon D7000 and Sigma 105 f2.8. The flower is somewhat sharp but the bee on the flower is not. I shot in aperture mode, with auto focus on. I posted this photo from my iPad, so not sure of my settings. Suggestions?

First try with macro

(Download)

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Are you using auto focus ? What settings are you using ? Post the image again & check the "store original" box so we can check the EXIF data for recommendations

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

The flower is not sharp either, not even somewhat. One should never use AF for macro work, you will have much better luck/results when shooting with manual focus!

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

When auto focus fails, use manual focus. Assuming you were looking through the viewfinder - always pay attention to what you are seeing in the viewfinder. For this shot, it should have been immediately obvious through the viewfinder that the focus was terribly off. If possible, spend a few hours practicing manual focusing on subjects with your camera. It's a valuable skill to have in situations like this.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

This is a common fallacy perpetrated by those who are not well-versed in macro-photography. ALL of my macro-photography is A-F. My camera settings are all manual (1/200-sec at f/16), and my speedlight is set manually, then adjusted as needed from 1/8 power output, but my macro lens focuses better than my eyes, so A-F & VR have increased my keep ratio. Several competent and contributing macro-photographers on the UHH True Macro-Photography Forum rely on A-F for sharpest capture. View my Flickr page for examples.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

You have an excellent combination of equipment. If you are interested in learning solid macro-photography techniques, then post this question again in the True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html . Post your photo from your PC, and check the box labeled (store original), so we can enlarge & view Exif info.

Raven5278 Loc: Rockland MA

Thank you all for your comments.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Douglass is right, look into the true macro forum.... Lots of help there..

Raven5278 Loc: Rockland MA

Thank you.

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

My bad! See below. :oops:

photosbytw Loc: Blue Ridge Mountains

AF...........MF............whatever your comfortable with. I choose MF, more control. When shooting macro you'll find that your DOF can be very small depending your lenses focal length. The longer the FL the greater the DOF will be. You also have to be aware of your focal plane is it can cause only a portion of your subject to be in focus. When you auto focus your camera gives you a 1/3-2/3 focal area, which is fine but probelmatic at times. You know what you want focused.............your camera is guessing.

I use MF and I tether my camera to my laptop to maximize my view area. when composing(No laptop......Use live view). Another thing to remember is when viewing your subject through your camera your lens defaults to the widest aperture(Not good) The smaller the f stop(Diameter, not the number) the greater the DOF. My camera(Canon 5d mkiii) has a DOF preview which shows me what my image will look like when captured.

ISO 100..............less noise.

As you learn, you'll find there's a lot of answers to the same question. Listen...........try 'em........discard what doesn't work for you.

Follow the #1 rule..................have fun and learn!

Raven5278 Loc: Rockland MA

Thank you for this help. I have a lot to learn , but will be sure to follow rule #1!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Out of focus but I like thew motion so...

I tend to agree with Nikonian even if... When I handhold my camera I use manual and 'rock back and forth'. On a tripod I use a tethered laptop to focus so...

Nikonian also manages the macro section so you can go there as he suggests and see what is up in there and get 'real answers'....

Raven5278 Loc: Rockland MA

Thank you!

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Using the DOF button is OK except that the image in the viewfinder becomes considerably darker, making it difficult to actually see what's in focus... Tethering to a laptop is nice, but impractical when out in the field, especially when your subject is live, mobile insects. While using live view is also an option that I have on both of my cameras, I never use it. Notice that I include a link to my images so my results can be seen. I also have a Sigma AF 105mm F2.8 EX macro lens (non OS version), but I normally use an older manual focus 105mm macro lens for my field shooting (one of 8 different makes & focal length macro lenses, 2 AF models & 6 MF models from 55 to 180mm). I shoot entirely in manual, focus, exposure, flash, etc...Best teacher is practice, practice, practice... Oh, your camera will utilize the older MF lenses as well...