New member
Nov 13, 2013 07:59:13 #
Mike Adams
Loc: Connecticut
I have just joined, and look forward to picking the collective brains on this site. I have really no experience in macro photography but would plan to work on it extensively when I retire. My goal is to obtain/create photos that might be of interest or value to the biology community, rather than any artistic or commercial intent.
My thought is to use image stacking (Helicon or Image J) to obtain pictures that are in focus throughout (maybe also HDR to enhance detail , not for artistry).
I have purchased a StackShot system from Cognisys and have a Nikon D5200. From reading, it looks as if the Nikon 105 Macro would be a good lens for this set-up.
Any members who would like to chime in with advice, additional requirements, etc; i would be happy to hear from you.
Many thanks.
My thought is to use image stacking (Helicon or Image J) to obtain pictures that are in focus throughout (maybe also HDR to enhance detail , not for artistry).
I have purchased a StackShot system from Cognisys and have a Nikon D5200. From reading, it looks as if the Nikon 105 Macro would be a good lens for this set-up.
Any members who would like to chime in with advice, additional requirements, etc; i would be happy to hear from you.
Many thanks.
Nov 13, 2013 09:32:44 #
Welcome. Check out the setups in this forum. It also helps to know what you will be photographing: flying insects? size? etc. The 105 Macro is a fine lens-- I have the VR version. If you want more magnification, you might also check out extension tubes, and reversing methodologies. All depends on what magnification you are going for. I don't use StackShot, and I'm unaware of who might use one on this forum. Oh, and you might review all of the locked informational threads on Macro. Also check out the work of Thomas Shahan and Lord V. Neither is on this forum-- but I know Lord V is on the PhotoCamel forum.
Nov 13, 2013 13:13:00 #
Start here:
Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.html
Then view the other threads that are at the top of the Macro Forum page, especially the Macro Set-Up thread to see what lenses other macro-photographers use. I use the Nikkor 105G. Other M-Ps successfully use Tamron, Sigma, Tokina, and Canon in the 90-mm to 150-mm macro range. ALL are excellent lenses.
Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.html
Then view the other threads that are at the top of the Macro Forum page, especially the Macro Set-Up thread to see what lenses other macro-photographers use. I use the Nikkor 105G. Other M-Ps successfully use Tamron, Sigma, Tokina, and Canon in the 90-mm to 150-mm macro range. ALL are excellent lenses.
Nov 13, 2013 14:06:44 #
Welome to this forum. You will get comments from some excellent macro phtograhers here. It is a lot of fun and you learn something everyday. Some start as advanved, other like me start with a new camera and a new macro lens. I needed a lot of guidance.
But be aware learning to get one shot in perfect focus comes before stacking. Some of the people here stack freehand, I tried and have not been successful.
But be aware learning to get one shot in perfect focus comes before stacking. Some of the people here stack freehand, I tried and have not been successful.
Nov 13, 2013 15:17:45 #
Nov 13, 2013 17:17:11 #
Welcome to the Hog. Macro is not the easiest form of photography, but a great group of folks are here to help you thru the pitfalls. As soon as you are up and running we can help as you post your photos. Nikonian72 is the fellow who started this forum and will always lead you in the right direction. Good collection of Macro Photographers here that have experience. We don't normally give opinions, but more fact of what will actually work and what won't. This is not like your typical site.
On another note, if you are looking for stacking software, you should give Zerene a good hard look. Excellent, user friendly stacking software. I'm a field kind of macro nut and I use the software for handheld stacking. Others here use Zerene and I believe Helicon for studio stacks.
On another note, if you are looking for stacking software, you should give Zerene a good hard look. Excellent, user friendly stacking software. I'm a field kind of macro nut and I use the software for handheld stacking. Others here use Zerene and I believe Helicon for studio stacks.
Field stack with Zerene
Nov 13, 2013 23:31:34 #
Welcome to the group Mike. I look forward to your participation. Everything I have read about StackShot has been very positive. You can get very precise programmed movements with the system. It's probably overkill for a 105mm at 1:1 be should your interest in macro expand into higher magnifications, say 5:1 and greater you should find it a valuable tool. Helicon and Zerene are both fine stacking programs. There are many similarities between the programs. That said there are enough differences that downloading both free trails is in your best interest to see which you prefer.
Nov 14, 2013 08:24:10 #
Welcome aboard Mike. Macro shooting is a lot of fun. I have found that good results are more a matter of good technique than of gear... I've got several true macro lenses & they all give good results. One of the most important parts of successful macro is illumination. Especially for mobile critters. Many will say a tripod & they are helpful, but not so much for mobile critters. The ring or speed light will allow you to stop your lens down for maximum DOF & the short burst will allow you to stop motion, be it yours or your subjects. Best focal length is in the 90-105mm range as they allow for better working distance than the shorter focal lengths, but don't cost as much & are not as bulky/heavy as the longer focal lengths.
Nov 14, 2013 10:17:04 #
Welcome Mike! You have definitely found the correct forum for UHH (Ugly HedgeHog) members that have a real passion for true life macro photography. It is always exciting to me to see the variations in subjects from different parts of the world. Once you get comfortable here, I hope you will come out of "hiding" and let us know where you are... it adds to the fun!
Nov 14, 2013 11:39:47 #
Welcome Mike, from another Nutmegger! This is a great forum with lots of information and help when you need it.
Nov 14, 2013 12:35:12 #
sford122 wrote:
Thanks for updating your location Mike. Now I can just picture you up there taking all of your macro shots in the future.I hope you will come out of "hiding" and let us know where you are... it adds to the fun!
Nov 14, 2013 12:55:15 #
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