How to (properly) use a macro lens?
Apr 26, 2019 06:37:31 #
You don't always need a tripod, you can move slightly backwards and forwards and burst shoot. Because the plane of focus is so narrow the slight movements should help get something in focus. A tripod definitely helps obtain focus and with mirror up and remote shutter release will reduce vibrations, if any. Also live view at 100% and manual focus will get the sharpest pics.
Apr 26, 2019 07:34:11 #
etaoin wrote:
I have a Nikon D750 and just purchased a Nikkor 105mm micro lens. The instruction manual isn't very helpful. Can anyone point me to a tutorial on properly using a macro lens? Thanks.
Youtube.
Apr 26, 2019 08:05:46 #
d2b2 wrote:
Lesson 1: Working with a Macro Lens in close-up work, use a tripod!
Lesson 2: If you don't want to use a tripod, use flash.
Lesson 3: Shoot outside in bright sun. Macros are an area where there is no "golden hour," only lots of light hour.
Lesson 4: Use fill-in lights.
Lesson 5: If you don't want to use flash, use the same general rule that you do for all lenses that you are handholding: 1/focal length for the minimum shutter speed.
Some of my best sellers are macros of plants, specifically cactus and succulents. Among those, raindrops on plants are extraordinarily good sellers.
Apr 26, 2019 08:09:21 #
I have the Canon 100mm f2,8 L version of that lens. It is also an excellent portrait lens.
Apr 26, 2019 08:24:51 #
Thank you for saying this. I was going to comment but now I don't have to. For god sakes, if you use a tripod you would probably miss the shot on a lot of subjects. Of course, something that is standing still for you can be a different story. But who really wants to carry a tripod around with them? Get a good flash unit.
Blurryeyed wrote:
Post this question in the Macro forum and you will get a lot of help, post it out here and you will get all kinds of answers, from using tripods which I never use in macro to using diffused flash which I almost always use in macro..... The one really easy thing that I can tell you is that when shooting macro turn your auto focus off, focus on your subject then turn it off and move the camera in and out for fine focus.
Apr 26, 2019 08:33:43 #
Curve_in wrote:
Visit the True Macro section of this forum:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
Lots of great help and pointers. Skip the tripod and use a flash, it is a more effective way to stop motion on tiny objects.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
Lots of great help and pointers. Skip the tripod and use a flash, it is a more effective way to stop motion on tiny objects.
The True Macro section would be my suggestion as wellApr 26, 2019 08:39:03 #
d2b2 wrote:
Lesson 1: Working with a Macro Lens in close-up work, use a tripod!
My niche is macro and I seldom use a tripod...
Apr 26, 2019 09:05:50 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
My niche is macro and I seldom use a tripod...
Just a different point of view...I take mostly macro and close-up photos (macro is 1:1). I just returned from Kathleen Clemons photography workshop at Longwood Gardens outside of Philadelphia.
Due to age and hands shaking when using my Canon 5D Mark iv, I not only use a tripod, I now have to use a remote shutter release!
Flowers typically stay still; insects do not. So the combination of your physical abilities and the subject matter will dictate what your equipment needs to be.
Have fun and I echo everyone's comments on joining the macro group and the close-up group as well!
Apr 26, 2019 09:15:12 #
fetzler
Loc: North West PA
BebuLamar wrote:
There is no different with a regular 105mm f/2.8 lens except that when you focus at close distance you won't be able to set f/2.8. The D750 like most current DSLR's would take into account of the lens extension and display the effective aperture.
Nikon cameras show the effective f Number. Not all camera brands do this.
Apr 26, 2019 09:17:46 #
Linda S. wrote:
Just a different point of view...I take mostly mac... (show quote)
As others have noted, auxiliary lighting is your friend in macro. The short duration of the flash will stop motion, be it your own or your subjects. Even flowers will move with the slightest breeze. Tripods can be used more with stationary subjects but are almost useless with small mobile gritters...
Apr 26, 2019 09:26:20 #
rwilson1942 wrote:
What I suspect you want is a tutorial on macro photography.
If that is the case, YouTube is your friend.
If that is the case, YouTube is your friend.
Took the words right out of my keyboard...
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=macro+photography
Apr 26, 2019 09:27:12 #
d2b2 wrote:
Lesson 1: Working with a Macro Lens in close-up work, use a tripod!
and a rail helps, as well.
Apr 26, 2019 09:42:10 #
That's a very fine lens. It's on my camera right now. Enjoy.
Try focus stacking for increased depth if you need it.
Try focus stacking for increased depth if you need it.
Apr 26, 2019 09:57:42 #
47greyfox wrote:
and a rail helps, as well.
I only use a rail when focus stacking static subjects in the studio...
Apr 26, 2019 10:25:56 #
BebuLamar wrote:
There is no different with a regular 105mm f/2.8 lens except that when you focus at close distance you won't be able to set f/2.8. The D750 like most current DSLR's would take into account of the lens extension and display the effective aperture.
I'm curious, doesn't the Nikon 105 have internal focusing? I'm not familiar with the Nikon because I've only had Canon and Tamron macros. My Tamron 90 doesn't extend.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.