How to take good macro shots?

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Captain_Kangaroo

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Hi,

Just started getting into photography and have lots to learn!!!

Currently got a Nikon D3100 and I've borrowed a Sigma 105mm macro lens. I've tried to take some close up shots of ladybirds for example but they don't really look any good when I compare to the photos in the macro section of the forum. The detail in some of the flys is just amazing.

So any tips on getting good macro shots? One of the problems I face is the lens will not AF with my body!! So it's a manual process!

Thanks......
 
Macro shots are best taken using manual focusing. Set the magnification you want and focus by moving the camera back and forth.

The biggest tip I can give you is practise, practise and yet more practise.

D in W
 
Not sure if your camera has live view, but if it has, use it. Switch it on, manually focus, digitally zoom in and then fine tune your focus.
 
As has been said, focus by slowly moving the camera backwards and forwards, not by using the focus ring on the lens. Live view makes it even easier, zooming helps too.

Using diffused off camera flash also improves lighting dramatically.

It won't come straight away, just try getting lots of practise in!
 
What is the advantage of focusing by moving forward and back? I use the focussing ring on the lens and only move the camera if I can't focus with the ring on the lens.
 
ziggy©;3797001 said:
What is the advantage of focusing by moving forward and back? I use the focussing ring on the lens and only move the camera if I can't focus with the ring on the lens.
Click to expand...

a: max magnifiaction is usually gained by totally extending focus ring (bare in mind i only have experience of the older manual focus macro primes and fully apologise if this doesn't happen with modern macros). So by focussing using the focus ring, you are effectively adjusting the magnification too...albeit by a tiny amount.

b: gaining focus by moving the camera is just plain easier, aspecially at 1:1 magnifications.
 
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