Macro Photography
Aug 13, 2011 16:02:41 #
robert19
Loc: Maryland
I own a Nikon D5100 and want to get into Macro Photography so I went online and bought a macro lens. Then I read that I should have extension tubes also so I bought them. I now have all this stuff and have no idea how to use them. I need help!!
Aug 13, 2011 23:43:13 #
DON"T BUY ANYTHING ELSE.
I would would start with the the lens - if you don't want to read up on it; then use it a lot. I'm talking hundreds of pictures at all different settings. Pay attention to what works and don't, take notes and then keep taking pictures of what works. Do the same with hthe extension tubes. Post your pictures here and on other sites, ask for imput, see what others do and ask them how they do it. I take very few macro but about the only way I really learn anything is by doing.
I would would start with the the lens - if you don't want to read up on it; then use it a lot. I'm talking hundreds of pictures at all different settings. Pay attention to what works and don't, take notes and then keep taking pictures of what works. Do the same with hthe extension tubes. Post your pictures here and on other sites, ask for imput, see what others do and ask them how they do it. I take very few macro but about the only way I really learn anything is by doing.
Yes - should be more room in front.
Yep - too bright & subject in center
Aug 14, 2011 04:42:34 #
robert19
Loc: Maryland
My problem is when I connect thr extension tubes to the camera, then the 18 - 55MM lens, then the macro lens the camera doesn't snap a picture. It gives me the error message that there isn't a lens on the camera. When I try the camera, the 18-55 lens, the macro lens, I can't get focused on my subject. How do I use the extension tubes?
I know this seems like a dumb question but I can't seem to figure it out. Once I do then I'll take hundreds of pictures.
I know this seems like a dumb question but I can't seem to figure it out. Once I do then I'll take hundreds of pictures.
Aug 14, 2011 15:24:52 #
melodyphillips
Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska
I recently got an inexpensive set of extension tubes--no instructions. The only tips on how to use them came in buyer feedback! They were helpful, tho--the tube stops the connection between the lens and camera body, so autofocus was not in effect. There's a start. Not only that, but with even the thinnest tube and using my 50mm prime, the depth of field was so shallow and the lens had to be so close to what i was shooting that it almost seemed like I was doing something wrong! You just kind of have to experiment, and look up how to use the tubes on-line or in your books/magazines.
Aug 14, 2011 15:28:17 #
Here is a kernel of popcorn.
I used a Canon 20d attached to a Sinar monorail view camera through a Rodenstock 180 mm lens on a compur 1 shutter
I used a Canon 20d attached to a Sinar monorail view camera through a Rodenstock 180 mm lens on a compur 1 shutter
Pop corn
Aug 14, 2011 16:14:56 #
Hi Robert, good questions you ask. My best suggestion is that good photography is less about the equipment and more about the photographer. Why are you spending money on gear but not time in learning how to use your camera first?? Invest in yourself, not lenses. Read. Study. Then go out and shoot. Spend time, not money. You can get great macro and close up shots with a prime lens or even a simple point and shoot. Understanding your camera so you can control composition, depth of field, subject, lighting, focus will give your shots the quality you want. I've attached a couple macro shots I took with a very old, beat up Canon G3 (which I got at a yard sale for $5!) to give you a feeble example of what I'm saying. Feel free to disagree with me, y'all!
Aug 14, 2011 17:16:10 #
robert19
Loc: Maryland
I understand that I need to experiment to learn what the camera will and won't do. The problem I have right now is I can't take any pictures. If I put any extension tube between the camera body and lens I get an error message that tells me the lens is not connected to the camera. I'm trying to fix that problem, so I can take pictures.
Aug 14, 2011 17:33:45 #
What I'm suggesting is to put the camera back together the way it was when you bought it. Then read the manual section on Macro Photography and follow those instructions. Forget trying to use equipment that you don't understand. Why waste time experimenting when the user's manual will tell you what you need to know? An extension tube is not necessary to taking good macro shots when you're just starting out. Period. First things first, eh?
Aug 14, 2011 20:05:13 #
Rich
Loc: Titusville, Fl
I agree with this answer. Learn to use the camera without any extras. When you get used to the camera then you can add extras. I have a canon XTI and take macros all the time without any extras.
Aug 15, 2011 06:17:08 #
had the same trouble with a mirror lens and adaptor.
put camera in manual mode, cured problem.either use hand held light meter or trial and error shots.
that's the beauty od shotting digital
put camera in manual mode, cured problem.either use hand held light meter or trial and error shots.
that's the beauty od shotting digital
Aug 15, 2011 17:07:27 #
I have a Canon 40D with the 2.8 100 mm macro. I don't use extension tubes with it. Try just the macro with no extension tubes and see how it goes.
I, too, am a novice, but keep bumbling along using trial and error. I take A LOT of photos. Sometimes I think something has to be hammered into my head before I get the idea - like 'noise' with high ISO. For a while I just couldn't see it, but lower ISO settings - below 400 - make a much clearer image.
The attached pic has an ISO of 200. Note the tiny fly sitting on the tip of the damselfly's abdomen.
I, too, am a novice, but keep bumbling along using trial and error. I take A LOT of photos. Sometimes I think something has to be hammered into my head before I get the idea - like 'noise' with high ISO. For a while I just couldn't see it, but lower ISO settings - below 400 - make a much clearer image.
The attached pic has an ISO of 200. Note the tiny fly sitting on the tip of the damselfly's abdomen.
Aug 15, 2011 21:14:19 #
Hello everyone, I am a Newbie but have been doing tons of research and checking in on forums like these. I take loads of butterfly pics.
Please tell me what I have to do to improve! I am starting to really play with the manual settings on my camera and getting comfortable with them (I think) I know composition is something to work on but difficult to apply consistently when taking butterfly pics. Here are a few to look at please let me know. Thanks.
Please tell me what I have to do to improve! I am starting to really play with the manual settings on my camera and getting comfortable with them (I think) I know composition is something to work on but difficult to apply consistently when taking butterfly pics. Here are a few to look at please let me know. Thanks.
Aug 15, 2011 23:33:01 #
Viceroy---wow oh wow, great pics! I'm loving the details you captured. What camera are you using and do you do any computer adjustments?
Aug 16, 2011 08:00:39 #
Snaphappy thanks for the vote of confidence. I am using a nikon D5000 right now. The only thing done here is a crop, I dont own any computer enhancement programs. Any tips for improvement?
Aug 16, 2011 15:23:52 #
Hi Viceroy. Well, you flatter me by asking for input on improvement! I only know what I like and that sure doesn't mean I know photography all that well. I'm still in cocoon stage. haha
Did your camera come with a manual/CD? If so, there's usually editing software included. Plus there are free online sites for PP. I can't really tell from these little pics on my screen if your photos are sharply in focus. That'd be my only suggestion for improvement. Maybe use a tripod if you aren't already. I bought a flexible, short-legged tripod (Gorillapod) and use it on my chest. It fits in my purse for those times when I stumble upon a photo op I just can't pass up. As you can see, even that doesn't always work! Maybe it's my eyes???
Did your camera come with a manual/CD? If so, there's usually editing software included. Plus there are free online sites for PP. I can't really tell from these little pics on my screen if your photos are sharply in focus. That'd be my only suggestion for improvement. Maybe use a tripod if you aren't already. I bought a flexible, short-legged tripod (Gorillapod) and use it on my chest. It fits in my purse for those times when I stumble upon a photo op I just can't pass up. As you can see, even that doesn't always work! Maybe it's my eyes???
rainy day butterfly
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