ISO suggestions for shooting macro.. I am new to the digital world, trying to figure it all out still. I am shooting with a D3200 Nikon in manual mode, I am not using a flash, and my...

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

I am new to the digital world, trying to figure it all out still. I am shooting with a D3200 Nikon in manual mode, I am not using a flash, and my lens is a 105 Lester A. Dines macro. I have tons of experience with a film camera, but that was 30 years ago. My old instincts tell me to go with a very low ISO, and I have my camera solidly mounted, I use the timer to reduce vibration with a slow shutter speed, my lens is closed down to F11, give or take, I have plenty of light. Where is a good starting point to experiment with the ISO to get the highest quality results based on your experiences? My range goes from 1EV to Hi1 (ISO 100 to 6400)
Thank you
Norman

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

NormanHarley wrote:

...I am shooting with a D3200 Nikon in manual mode, I am not using a flash, and my lens is a 105 Lester A. Dines macro. ... Where is a good starting point to experiment with the ISO to get the highest quality results based on your experiences? ...

iso 200 is working for me on both d7100 and d800 but i strongly recommend you start shooting with a flash cause you're going to end up using one or more..

lightcatcher Loc: Farmington, NM (4 corners)

oldtigger wrote:

iso 200 is working for me on both d7100 and d800 but i strongly recommend you start shooting with a flash cause you're going to end up using one or more..

Excellent advice or fill cards/reflector cards if not a moving specimen.

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Since you'll be on a tripod, use a very low ISO, I suggest 100, and no flash. The flash would impart harsh shadows and drop the quality of your image. Again, using a tripod will give you the long exposures you need, obviating the need for a flash.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I disagree with not using a flash. I shoot macro almost exclusively-- and often use diffused flash. Rarely use a tripod as well. My "go to" settings are 100 ISO, & f/16 @ 1/200 shutter duration. Two examples are attached. I would encourage you to check out the UHH True macro section. Many of the macro shooters utilize flash.

(Download)

CliffC Loc: Colorado USA

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

I disagree with not using a flash. I shoot macro almost exclusively-- and often use diffused flash. Rarely use a tripod as well. My "go to" settings are 100 ISO, & f/16 @ 1/200 shutter duration. Two examples are attached. I would encourage you to check out the UHH True macro section. Many of the macro shooters utilize flash.

Remarkable super sharp macros, Rangefinder!

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

rdgreenwood wrote:

Since you'll be on a tripod, use a very low ISO, I suggest 100, and no flash. The flash would impart harsh shadows and drop the quality of your image. Again, using a tripod will give you the long exposures you need, obviating the need for a flash.

A tripod is fine for table-top macro-photography with lights and long exposures, but is near impossible for field macro work. 95% of the photographers on the UHH True Macro-Photography Forum use a standard speedlight with a softbox diffuser, for both indoor and field macro work. A typical exposure at ISO 200 is 1/200-sec at f/16. Here is my hand-held set-up, and a semi-cooperative subject.

4-mm immature female jumping spider

(Download)

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I would agree with LR...iso 100 or 200 and park it. Once you start cranking up the iso the fine details start to diminish very quickly. With that lens...I'd seriously consider accompanying it with a good quality flash. This example is at F25 with a light modifier very similar to the one Douglas uses.

(Download)

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

I disagree with not using a flash. I shoot macro almost exclusively-- and often use diffused flash. Rarely use a tripod as well. My "go to" settings are 100 ISO, & f/16 @ 1/200 shutter duration. Two examples are attached. I would encourage you to check out the UHH True macro section. Many of the macro shooters utilize flash.

:thumbup:

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

NormanHarley wrote:

I am new to the digital world, trying to figure it... (show quote)

Norman, I don't think the rules regarding ISO change much regardless of whether you are shooting macro, a basketball game or a landscape. The best image quality coming off the sensor will always be at base ISO. If you can get away with that given your lighting situation, subject movement and depth of field needs, that is always good. But there are times you need to make some concessions - for landscape you want good depth of field, so you close the lens down a lot to increase that. If you are on a tripod and its not windy, you can still use a low shutter speed and low ISO. If you are doing a macro shot of a flower in a light breeze, you will want to establish the best aperture for your desired depth of field, and adjust the exposure to minimize movement (blur), and let the ISO fall where it needs to be for proper exposure.

Sometimes you want to show movement, so low ISO, slow shutter speeds are ok. It's all dependent on your creative goals.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Curious what is your light attached to?

Nikonian72 wrote:

A tripod is fine for table-top macro-photography with lights and long exposures, but is near impossible for field macro work. 95% of the photographers on the UHH True Macro-Photography Forum use a standard speedlight with a softbox diffuser, for both indoor and field macro work. A typical exposure at ISO 200 is 1/200-sec at f/16. Here is my hand-held set-up, and a semi-cooperative subject.

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

Thank you all for the info and the advice :) Yes, I probably need to invest in a flash set up, my Lester A. Dines came with a ringflash but I have not tried it yet. I am getting good results and practicing every day with my set up. All of your photos are incredible, way beyond my current ability. I found the Macro Section of UHH and am learning a lot from those posts. Again, thank you for helping this newbie!
Norman

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

I disagree with not using a flash. I shoot macro almost exclusively-- and often use diffused flash. Rarely use a tripod as well. My "go to" settings are 100 ISO, & f/16 @ 1/200 shutter duration. Two examples are attached. I would encourage you to check out the UHH True macro section. Many of the macro shooters utilize flash.

What's your secret on getting a good eyeball?...I can't seem to do it.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

sueyeisert wrote:

Curious what is your light attached to?

I use a $25 Kalt L-grip. Here are a few suggested accessories for macro-photography: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-5.html#2585532

amehta Loc: Boston

NormanHarley wrote:

I am new to the digital world, trying to figure it... (show quote)

This is the same for film or digital. Think of the film you would want to use, and the consequences of your film ISO choice, and basically the same applies for setting the DSLR ISO.