Sigma 105 Macro Lens Users Please look in

rookies

rookies

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Yo All

I now got a sigma 105mm Macro lens in which I am not sure how to use properly yet so need some tips

What the Full and Limited Switch for what should it be on?

I know to use the lens in Manual Mode so I figured that out.

But on the cam what setting should I use what mode and the like?

Is there a trick like should it be set at certain shutter speed of Aperture? to get good shoots of creatures?

Hope some handy tips from you PRO macro shooters
 
Hello rookies. I have just got one of these lenses. Put the camera in manual mode 1/200 and F11 and use a flash. That should do the trick.
 
Oh crap I need to buy a flash next then I was aware of having to buy a Ring flash for macro but was hoping to be able to avoid it for a bit ill i save
 
And if you want 1:1 use the focus ring to wind out the lens barrel until it reads 1:1 switch to manual focus and focus by moving the camera.
 
What the limit switch for should it be on full or limit
 
rookies said:
What the limit switch for should it be on full or limit
Click to expand...

It limits the focus range of the lens : from sigma

the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens has a focus limit switch. Use the limit position to reduce focus hunting time by limiting the focus distance to 12.3" - 14.7" (313mm - 370mm) or 14.75" - 8 (400mm - 8). The minimum focus distance is 12.3" (313mm) which provides a working distance of 4.8" (122mm) from the end of the lens (without the hood in place).
 
so what you guys have your set at then mostly
 
rookies said:
What the limit switch for should it be on full or limit
Click to expand...

When it's at full the lens will focus between macro and normal photography, however if the lens is set to macro focus range and you switch it to limit it will only hunt for focus within the macro range. If you switch to limit when its within the normal range, then it will only hunt within the normal range. That's how I understand it to be anyway.

I was a bit confused with my lens at first, because I didn't realise that there was a clutch on it, which you pull out to line up to the AF position for autofocus range, and pull back for macro focus. See illustration 7 on your instruction leaflet.

Regarding the flash gun, when shooting outside I just used my onboard flash for the following shot and it seemed to work OK. (My SB600 batteries had run out).

2786056781_c822f993cd_o.jpg

Hope this helps you.
 
Really love that shoot what setting did you use? Aperture etc I am on a learning curve but once I get to know these details I am a quick going..

Also was that done in auto or Manual? As it seem nice sharp picture alot of the creature in focus

hillwalkinggirl said:
When it's at full the lens will focus between macro and normal photography, however if the lens is set to macro focus range and you switch it to limit it will only hunt for focus within the macro range. If you switch to limit when its within the normal range, then it will only hunt within the normal range. That's how I understand it to be anyway.

I was a bit confused with my lens at first, because I didn't realise that there was a clutch on it, which you pull out to line up to the AF position for autofocus range, and pull back for macro focus. See illustration 7 on your instruction leaflet.

Regarding the flash gun, when shooting outside I just used my onboard flash for the following shot and it seemed to work OK. (My SB600 batteries had run out).

2786056781_c822f993cd_o.jpg

Hope this helps you.
Click to expand...
 
You don't NEED a flash at all. Just get out and use it in some good light, use a mirror, reflector, or improvise with lighting (I use two desk lamps and have my WB set to tungsten) indoors. Whilst I can see a flash has many benefits with macro shots, it really isn't a must. HTH keep your purse strings closed :lol:

Oh, failing that, you can use your on board flash, diffuse it by fastening a few plies of loo roll to the front ... This was taken like that with my 105mm Sigma :thumbs:

2780504616_f561319a4d_o.jpg


Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/11
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Flash fired
 
rookies said:
Really love that shoot what setting did you use? Aperture etc I am on a learning curve but once I get to know these details I am a quick going..

Also was that done in auto or Manual? As it seem nice sharp picture alot of the creature in focus
Click to expand...

I used f11, 1/200sec, ISO 200, Manual Mode, Manual Focus, Flash.

I used the same settings for this one also.
2763187498_1288cc513e_o.jpg
 
were they taken outside in some good lights? Were they Cropped as i cant seem to get my item in the right DOF only seem to get a small part in focus

Also what flash? onboard or ??
 
Mine was taken out of my window in a shaded area. It's not cropped. I'm not sure what camera you're using, but if you have live view function, try it. It really helps you learn how to focus better. On my 40D the 10x magnification is the best thing since sliced bread for getting accurate, you can use the toggle button to move the view to your required focus pint. For me anyway.

Other then that, I find the easiest way to use the lens is by extending it as far as it will go focus wise (bringing your subject close to you), then pull the sleeve back to lock. Then I approach my subject whilst looking through the viewfinder, and keep on approaching until my subject is in focus, not it's background. Moving your whole kit, instead of the focusing ring is much easier. Again, for me anyway :lol:
 
rookies said:
were they taken outside in some good lights? Were they Cropped as i cant seem to get my item in the right DOF only seem to get a small part in focus

Also what flash? onboard or ??
Click to expand...

Both of mine were taken in good light. In order to get a reasonable depth of field I used f11. I used Manual exposure so that I could force an aperture of f11. the flash was used to ensure a high shutter speed for a moving insect. I did crop the photos to get rid of excess background. The flash was an onboard flash.
 
Hi,

I am using a Canon 400d.... Today is my first day and with the weather like it is I not had a good chance with it yet. I only taken a photo of a fly I found messing around in the lounge but it not good as not enough light and was being taken at 2.8 as not enough light was in to take it



Jo said:
Mine was taken out of my window in a shaded area. It's not cropped. I'm not sure what camera you're using, but if you have live view function, try it. It really helps you learn how to focus better. On my 40D the 10x magnification is the best thing since sliced bread for getting accurate, you can use the toggle button to move the view to your required focus pint. For me anyway.

Other then that, I find the easiest way to use the lens is by extending it as far as it will go focus wise (bringing your subject close to you), then pull the sleeve back to lock. Then I approach my subject whilst looking through the viewfinder, and keep on approaching until my subject is in focus, not it's background. Moving your whole kit, instead of the focusing ring is much easier. Again, for me anyway :lol:
Click to expand...
 
try to increase the ISO :)
 
I keep trying ;) Too dark to do anything now isnt it? or am i missing somthing
 
Use the lighting, e.g. lamp, move it toward the fly you found. You can control the lighting, it may work very well. It takes time to get a 'good' picture when your new to macro photography but i believe youll do well :)
 
If I use some lighting what mode should I use on the cam? still keep it as 1/250 shutter speed to stop shake and Aperture at about f11 and try have enough light on it?
 
Try the onboard flash with some toilet roll over the front of it then ;) Try using the settings I pasted for my spider shot to start with, and then adjust the shutter speed, or ISO to give you a bit of extra light should you need it. Try something tiny and static (not living :lol:) for now, just to give you an idea.
 
you see the exposure value on your camera? like the light meter, and arrow goess somewhere, control the shutter speed and f/stop to control how much exposure you want it to be. Best for the beginners is to make sure the arrow on the middle of light meter.

Some useful info: http://www.shutterfreaks.com/Tips/ev.html
 
Hi Mate
Thanks for pointing that out regarding the Exposure Value in which i knew about as I do take alot of my landscape pictures in M Mode ... But for some reason it pretty Hard with macro still alot to learn ;)
 
Andrew forget exposure meters etc for the moment
set your camera to Manual and use f16 shutter 1/125 ISO 200 and pop the onboard flash up - set the flash to automatic

Get a coin or some other object and sick on a table in bluetack or something similar try and have the object parallel'ish to the sensor now try getting a shot

quickly taken a couple of minutes ago. with above settings and onboard flash - no diffuser.

coin.jpg


Once you've cracked that tilt the coin backwards and take some more shots and change the aperture to see the effect of DOF
 
Will give this ago once my battery are charged up LOL I have flatten it today trying to work things out even though it not been charged for a few days.

Hope to get some results when it charged up
 
I use a combination of natural light and flash with my shots using this lens (note mine pre-dates digital so is really old, but still works a treat)

This was taken in sunlight without flash in Av mode set to f9
2608070217_eee238569e_o.jpg


This one again in sunlight, but at f5.6, notice the shallow(er) DOF
2608069671_20f40f6e90_o.jpg


This (and you'll have to believe me as the EXIF is stripped) was on Manual 1/200th, f8 with a 430ex on a cable at -1 1/2 stops
1937694914_fd27eb6116_o.jpg
 
Do we take any notice of our AF Dots thro the viewfinder? I have mine set at the centre one
 
I'd usually say that the centre one is key.
On most non pro cams the centre has the best (usually cross) AF sensing.
However if you are certain of the subject to remain in the top/bottom (wherever) of the shot then it is easier to use that AF point instead of re-framing every time.

I never and I mean NEVER use more than one AF point with macro.
 
Dogfish_magnet said:
I always use manual and ignore the focus points and concentrate on the area i want in focus.
Click to expand...

:notworthy: you've better eyes than I have :notworthy:

especially when the little blighter is moving
 
Good thread I"m saving this for future ref.
 
I too always use manual focussing too AF is a real pain hand holding macro shots and dealing with stuff up close it quicker to move the camera in or out then trying to focus the damn thing :)
Here is a snail hand focused with the 105 and a full set of tubes, it a great lens I think for the price, exif data is intact btw. ;)
Love that wasp shot Paul ;)
2828718542_14d32040ee_o.jpg
 
Been having a good go with the lens this morning in the house with a couple of flies and a spider... NOW they all gone will try and post them up later for some comments. What best way of showing pictures on here where should I host
 
In the macro thread
 
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