My first attempt ...
Dec 14, 2012 15:23:13 #
I wanted to see how far off the beam I was so I attempted my first "macro" shots. I need alot of help. So here goes. I've posted 3 shots and the settings above them. It says 50mm focal length, but all were shot with 50mm lens and 20mm and 36mm extension tubes. The AF was off. I also posted some measurement shots.
ISO 800, 1/80-sec at f/3.2, Focal Length 50mm
ISO 800, 1/80-sec at f/2.8, Focal Length 50mm
ISO 1600, 1/8-sec at f/9, Focal Length 50mm
Dec 14, 2012 15:51:10 #
Now you just need some light where you can get better DOF get up around F/11 to F/16 and the face shot of the dragon fly would be very good your focus seems to be pretty good considering the DOF you have.
Dec 14, 2012 15:53:20 #
Your measuring tape image shows 20-mm wide Field-of-View (FoV) on a 23-mm wide sensor. This is just greater than 1:1 magnification (> life-size).
Your focus is fine, but you can see in the insect & flower photos, how narrow a Depth-of-Field (DoF) you have with available light. This is why most macro-photographers use the camera pop-up flash, or a speedlight to illuminate macro. Then we can shoot at f/16 to f/22 for max DoF.
Notice that the tape photo is sharp in the enter, but soft in the corners. That is characteristic of a standard lens used for macro-photography.
You are off to a great start. Extension tubes eat light like crazy. You have to have more than normal light source to utilize small apertures. Keep practicing!
Your focus is fine, but you can see in the insect & flower photos, how narrow a Depth-of-Field (DoF) you have with available light. This is why most macro-photographers use the camera pop-up flash, or a speedlight to illuminate macro. Then we can shoot at f/16 to f/22 for max DoF.
Notice that the tape photo is sharp in the enter, but soft in the corners. That is characteristic of a standard lens used for macro-photography.
You are off to a great start. Extension tubes eat light like crazy. You have to have more than normal light source to utilize small apertures. Keep practicing!
Dec 14, 2012 15:56:13 #
Thanks for the suggestions. DOF was the thing I was having the most difficulty with. I'll try your suggestions. I was so concerned with focus, I didn't fuss too much with lighting, but now I see how important it is.
Dec 14, 2012 16:06:09 #
pinkycat wrote:
Go here to see what other photographers have devised to utilize their pop-up flash for macro: Thanks for the suggestions. DOF was the thing I was having the most difficulty with. I'll try your suggestions. I was so concerned with focus, I didn't fuss too much with lighting, but now I see how important it is.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html
Dec 15, 2012 08:41:47 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.