First macro/prime?
Feb 21, 2014 20:32:12 #
planepics wrote:
You will be pleased with a Sigma 105 macro lens. UHH member FlyExtreme shoots with one, as do a few other members. You can view his recent macro-work here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user_topics_listing.jsp?usernum=39730&page=1I think I'm going to . . . get the Sigma 105 (macro lens). I guess I'll sign up for the macro section so i can start learning more about technique, etc.
Feb 22, 2014 19:41:39 #
MT, Is is just me or is there something wrong with the Adorama website. I can't connect.
Feb 23, 2014 17:15:35 #
Well, I did it, for better or for worse...I called Adorama (can't get on their website!:() and ordered the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens and, this is the kicker, added a 3-year extended warranty for $26.95. I normally don't buy any extended warranties, but my A77 already needed repair and it cost less than this lens (at full retail price, anyways) and a lens sure has a lot of moving parts. I used my rebate from my printer, so the pain is slightly less. MTShooter said it was a good lens and I've seen some impressive shots taken with it. I should ship tomorrow. With any luck I should have it by March 1st for a camera club trip to a butterfly house about 45 minutes from me. That should give it a good workout!
Feb 24, 2014 02:09:39 #
planepics wrote:
You have purchased an excellent lens. Optics are sharp, and this lens has a 3-position switch (that I wish I had on my Nikkor 105-mm lens). One position limits focus range from 6-inches to about 12-inches, which is ideal for field macro-photography.Well, I . . . ordered the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens and . . . MTShooter said it was a good lens . . .
Feb 24, 2014 10:35:58 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
You have purchased an excellent lens. Optics are sharp, and this lens has a 3-position switch (that I wish I had on my Nikkor 105-mm lens). One position limits focus range from 6-inches to about 12-inches, which is ideal for field macro-photography.
The only thing I'm questioning is if the OS will really do anything for me since the Sony has internal OS. I should have it in time for Saturday (it's supposed to ship today). I'd signed up for a photo shoot with my camera club to go to a butterfly house about 45 minutes west of me in MO (I'm in IL). I can't wait to try out the lens. I wish there had been one available at my local overpriced camera store to feel and test, but I've read all the reports I could find on them. I know they're a bit on the heavy side...nearly as heavy as my 70-300. I'll just have to keep one on my right hip and one on my left to keep from falling over sideways :)
Feb 24, 2014 12:24:33 #
planepics wrote:
I have my macro set-up on a $20 L-grip camera bracket, which I have used for many years: I know they're a bit on the heavy side.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-4.html#1975173
When you get serious about hand-held field macro-photography, you will assemble your own speedlight illumination set-up. Here are a few ancillary suggestions: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-5.html#2585532
Feb 26, 2014 13:15:45 #
My lens is (theoretically) about 4 1/2 hours from me now (SW Chicago suburbs) but it will probably stop at one or two other facilities before getting to my door. I think the first pic I'll take it of my cat (maybe an eye) if I can get her to still still long enough.
Feb 26, 2014 13:29:29 #
Minimum focusing distance has nothing to do with sensor size - it is a property of the lens. For example, a Sigma 150 Macro has a .38 m minimum focusing distance - regardless of whether you use a cropped camera or a full frame. With an 1:1 image magnification, it will still be the same physical size on the sensor regardless of whether you use full frame or cropped. But the cropping will give the appearance of a larger image (higher magnification). It is no different than if you cropped the image in post processing.
Feb 26, 2014 16:04:29 #
Gene51 wrote:
I completely agree, but have no idea why you posted your comment. In the future, please use the Quote Reply tab, so we may know to whom your comment is directed.Minimum focusing distance has nothing to do with s... (show quote)
Feb 26, 2014 16:19:15 #
What great information. Since I am a Cannon fan, I use a Canon EF-100mm/2.8 for normal work but when it comes to insects that can sting me (hypersensitive) I use a Tamron 180 mm/3.5 Micro. Someone let me know if I'm out of the ball park (in error) with these lenses.
Feb 26, 2014 16:24:00 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Your Sony SLT-A77V has an APS-C sensor, so the MFD for the
Tamron 90-mm macro = 135-mm = 5.3-inches; and for the
Sony 100-mm macro = 150-mm = 5.9-inches.
These MFDs are directly related to focal length & sensor size, regardless of manufacturer.
Tamron 90-mm macro = 135-mm = 5.3-inches; and for the
Sony 100-mm macro = 150-mm = 5.9-inches.
These MFDs are directly related to focal length & sensor size, regardless of manufacturer.
It seemed to say that sensor size is a determinant in minimum focus distances - I misunderstood the point you were making. Sorry.
Feb 27, 2014 14:30:34 #
I got my lens sometime before 12:30 (never heard the doorbell ring). UPS just left a (retail) 1k lens at my front door. I would have preferred a note telling to pick it up. Anyways, these are 2 of the first pics I took with the lens. Both SOOC, handheld, auto-focus and auto-exposure, ISO 1600: #1) , f/2.8, 1/160 sec. #2) f/3.2, 1/200 sec. Neither of them are good, but it seems there is more detail (duh) than a 'regular' lens. I think one of the biggest challenges with this lens is figuring out the DOF.
Feb 27, 2014 14:37:51 #
At these distances, use a tripod, F11 or F16 (it will be software than F11 but will still have plenty of detail), and if you need more depth of field, then use Helicon Focus and do a focus stack. Google Focus Stacking for details. It can be done with some subjects in Photoshop, but results often vary.
Feb 27, 2014 15:48:07 #
Nice captures!
Notice the very narrow DoF associated with available light at magnification.
The fabric downloads & enlarged quite nicely, with some areas in focus & some areas OoF.
The cat's nose and eyes exceed the DoF and are OoF, but the brow hairs are sharp.
Notice the very narrow DoF associated with available light at magnification.
The fabric downloads & enlarged quite nicely, with some areas in focus & some areas OoF.
The cat's nose and eyes exceed the DoF and are OoF, but the brow hairs are sharp.
Feb 27, 2014 17:40:17 #
I'll be using a monopod or a tripod (not sure which I'll take) Saturday at the butterfly house...what do you recommend? I'll also do a lower ISO. I think the A77 will do as low as 25 or 50, but more likely will do 100 or 200, so I'll need the extra stability. One of the guys in my photo club suggested bringing a small bottle of sugar water to con the butterflies into landing within lens range. I'll have to think about it...I'd probably have to buy one, like at Walmart. Oh, and I will also use a smaller aperture. I had read that this lens isn't particularly good wide open...but for first pics, I'd say it's not bad either.
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