Macro Photography (New Lens)

Banath

Banath

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Jay Payne
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I bought a Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG lens today and as this is my first proper macro lens I was wondering if you could give me some advice on the best way to use it. From a quick play with it its not as simple as pointing it at a flower etc to get a decent shot. With AF selected it seems to focus at 1:3 I seem to have to get really close with the lens to get a reading of 1:1 on the trombone section of the lens. Could you give me a few pointers please e.g. camera settings and focusing cheers :thumbs:
 
Leave the lens on manual and fine tune the focus by moving your body back and forth. Kneel down to get a steady position with your elbow resting on your knee. If you're shooting at min focus you will have to be very close to the subject and that can have an impact on the lighting as you might cast a big shadow.

Practice focus technique on small text from a magazine or hairs on a brush.
 
Good advice from PX. A ring flash or off camera flash will help when close in. Why did you go for a 70mm? That takes you in real close at 1:1
 
pxl8 said:
Leave the lens on manual and fine tune the focus by moving your body back and forth. Kneel down to get a steady position with your elbow resting on your knee. If you're shooting at min focus you will have to be very close to the subject and that can have an impact on the lighting as you might cast a big shadow.

Practice focus technique on small text from a magazine or hairs on a brush.
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Cheers for that, I'll have a play

BRASH said:
Good advice from PX. A ring flash or off camera flash will help when close in. Why did you go for a 70mm? That takes you in real close at 1:1
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To be honest it seems to have good reviews and it was the right price £150 S/hand and its mint
 
Cool, I have the Siggy 105 EX DG. It just gives you an extra couple of inches (god I need an extra couple of inches:D) to work with. I've not read reviews of the 70mm but assume it'll be on the same level as the 105. If so, it's a brilliant lens right enough:thumbs:
 
BRASH said:
Cool, I have the Siggy 105 EX DC. It just gives you an extra couple of inches (god I need an extra couple of inches:D) to work with. I've not read reviews of the 70mm but assume it'll be on the same level as the 105. If so, it's a brilliant lens right enough:thumbs:
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As its my first Macro I didn't realise that you had to be so close to the subject to get 1:1 I'm even more impressed with the pictures on here considering how large a lens must look to a Bee etc when its that close, I suspect this could be a very annoying hobby for a while till I master this!
 
After a quick go DOF is a bit shallow but it came out ok:

Strawberry(Exif-small).jpg
 
Thats ok mate. I love the dof. You are right about Macro being frustrating though. Try photographing insects on a bush on a wind day. You'll get more pleasue pulling out your own teeth with a rusty pair of pliars:D.

Still, to get one or two good shots, makes it all worth while. Stick in, looking forward to seeing some more of your pics.:thumbs:
 
BRASH said:
Thats ok mate. I love the dof. You are right about Macro being frustrating though. Try photographing insects on a bush on a wind day. You'll get more pleasue pulling out your own teeth with a rusty pair of pliars:D.

Still, to get one or two good shots, makes it all worth while. Stick in, looking forward to seeing some more of your pics.:thumbs:
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I think I'll learn with static objects for a bit first mate, If I attempt any insects etc I think it may drive me insane! Still everyone has to learn sometime it might aswell be now, I can't blame the gear anyway! :thumbs:
 
Banath said:
I think I'll learn with static objects for a bit first mate, If I attempt any insects etc I think it may drive me insane! Still everyone has to learn sometime it might aswell be now, I can't blame the gear anyway! :thumbs:
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"static objects"

Hit the nail on the head there at least for starters.

As others have said, manual move in and out and oh yes shallow DOF can be very nice but can also be a pain.

I've not had my macro long, and still getting used to it we'll have to persevere together eh :thumbs:

jamie
 
I recommend Rob Thompson's Close-up and Macro -- he is out of my league and shoots mainly film it seems but it is an excellent book about technique and the thinking behind various shots (and its cheap £12.99) - Ros Hoddinot's book is probably a simpler read..either will help you move on very quickly:thumbs:
 
shoshone said:
"static objects"

Hit the nail on the head there at least for starters.

As others have said, manual move in and out and oh yes shallow DOF can be very nice but can also be a pain.

I've not had my macro long, and still getting used to it we'll have to persevere together eh :thumbs:

jamie
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Sounds like a plan :wave:


pauld said:
I recommend Rob Thompson's Close-up and Macro -- he is out of my league and shoots mainly film it seems but it is an excellent book about technique and the thinking behind various shots (and its cheap £12.99) - Ros Hoddinot's book is probably a simpler read..either will help you move on very quickly:thumbs:
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I'll look it up, cheers
 
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