One hint to rule them all

M.A.Gibson

M.A.Gibson

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Mike
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OK.... So im currently waiting for my New Canon 100mm f\2.8L IS USM Macro Lens to turn up from Panamoz so thought i would post.

Im very very new to Macro Photography (i.e. havnt tried it yet!)


What would be the one hint that you could give to someone starting out in Macro photography that you feel would be the most help generally.


Aaaaaaaaaaaand go........ ;)

p.s. have a safe yet great new years eve if you arnt already :):clap:


p.p.s. there is a very good chance that i have posted this in the wrong section. Sorry. Moderators...if you can move it please feel free too
 
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Be patient. And what mattd85 said.
 
Thank you for the feedback... i will try to post some pics once i get the new beauty and have a chance to play.

Happy New Year.
 
Manual focus, tripod, reflector or good light, something to prevent the wind moving everything just as you press the shutter and lots of patience. DOF is surprisingly thin at macro distances too. For quick and dirty with moving subjects use centre focus point, AI focus and AI servo modes on rapid fire. May annoy the purists but it gets you a few good shots with your new lens which you can then try to improve on with more practice.
 
Focusing by moving the camera if auto isn't hitting it.
Depth of field is tiny. So high apertures and extra light will be needed.
 
When I shoot with mine I make sure I've got plenty of light, I use a Sigma ringflash now but have used a few others too, and usually shoot between f9 and f11 to get a good depth of field. With my 5D MkIII the AF is very fast so I can get away with using the AF system but I find that sometimes the focus point (even spot focus) is too big for the point I want so I end up manually over riding the focus.

Another good tip is to use back button focussing with AI Servo so when you do press the shutter it doesn't try to re-focus first and then take the shot. I love my 100 L macro and it still constantly surprises me how good the IQ is. I've had some fantastic shots from mine so I'm sure you'll love it if you like macro. Looking forward to seeing some shots and Happy New Year.
 
Manual focus, use a flash and forget about a tripod
 
Lens cap - off.

Yeah, yeah, but it IS the one hint to rule them all! :p
 
WOW loads of good hints n tips. thanks guys n girls

SimonH i hear ya buddy "Lens Cap Off!" makes a good slogan that! ;)
 
If you want to photograph bugs move slowly try not to cast a shadow on your intended target and watch to see if they return to the same spot or near the same spot each time
 
Andy_S said:
Focusing by moving the camera if auto isn't hitting it.
Depth of field is tiny. So high apertures and extra light will be needed.
Click to expand...

Seconded.

I have the 100mm as well, and I love it. The only downside is constantly trying to get more light due to the DoF.
 
I also manual focus and shoot in manual, I shoot between f14-f16, hand held, no tripod, get in the garden and practice :)
 
Put battery in before heading out.

Or,

Put camera in bag before heading out.

Both of these are very common round these parts.
 
For me....accept that you may not get 'the' shot or even a decent photograph when you go out; but if you learn and listen to feedback your success to failure ratio will improve.

Cheers.
 
"patience is key"
 
norters said:
Put battery in before heading out.

Or,

Put camera in bag before heading out.

Both of these are very common round these parts.
Click to expand...

And always carry a spare memory card in your wallet/bag/car for the times you forget and leave it in the card reader at home :-)
 
beeje25 said:
If you want to photograph bugs move slowly try not to cast a shadow on your intended target and watch to see if they return to the same spot or near the same spot each time
Click to expand...

+1 :)
 
Lens should turn up today (going by tracking info) so im hoping to start playing with my new toy over the next couple of days/eve's.
 
Andy_S said:
And always carry a spare memory card in your wallet/bag/car for the times you forget and leave it in the card reader at home :-)
Click to expand...

This is the only benefit i have found in the twin card slots of my D300s, Using the camera to shoot in back up mode to both sd and cf card means i only take out my SD card when transferring.

And when i forget to put it back, i have the CF card still in the camera!
 
OK so my new toy is here. Got sent the wrong size filter so waiting to see what happens with that... in the mean time have taken a few testers ......

My Daughters eye (With a little PP in LR4):
macrotestshots2.jpg

Need to work on keeping her still enough to get it tack sharp!

Some of my Daughters colouring pens ....for fun of course:
macrotestshots4.jpg


Love it and can definately see the potential for FUN!!!!


I will note down all of your very helpful hints and definately use them all.


Thank you once again guys n girls. Really appreciate the hints and i hope it also helps someone else wanting to get into Macro photography...


P.S. I will try and post some more pictures in the macro section once i get to grips with this beast :)
 
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