macro lense

[mknabster]

My G6 has been acting really wierd lately when i try to take a macro picture, like it won't focus. I have tried using manual focus, but i find it hard to use it due to the size of the LCD. I was wondering if with the macro lense that Canon offers for the G6, you can notice any difference in the quality of the picture, or does the camera focus better?

[jlacoy82]

What are the lighting conditions when you are trying to take these macro shots?

[Robert_Lay]

Make sure the AF Assist beam is turned on in the menu (I'm thinking it's in the same place as in the G5, but may be wrong). If you're in that intermediate area where there's just enough light to keep the AF assist beam disabled, then you may have to raise the light level. Focusing is unreliable without the assist beam in low light.
You may also be trying to use the lens zoomed out, and in my experience with the G series, macro mode works best when not zoomed.

[mknabster]

Yea, sometimes the lighting wasn't that great, but there still was some light, and the beam was turned on. I was also looking at that one attachment which has a flash just for macro shooting, would that work?

[Robert_Lay]

Yea, sometimes the lighting wasn't that great, but there still was some light, and the beam was turned on. I was also looking at that one attachment which has a flash just for macro shooting, would that work?
Can't help you on that! Sorry!

[Terrywoodenpic]

Yea, sometimes the lighting wasn't that great, but there still was some light, and the beam was turned on. I was also looking at that one attachment which has a flash just for macro shooting, would that work?

The problem on the G5 and the G3 is that both the flash and the focus assist beam is obstructed by the lens to some extent.
This should not be such a problem on the G6 as they moved the beam.

If it hunts and wont find focus this is either because you are too close or there is not enough light in the right place. Are you sure you have set close up mode. All this becomes more difficult with the lens set to tele, as there is so little depth of field.

The Macro flash will certainly help with lighting but not focus. but it tends to give a pretty bland light. It is also very expensive to buy for an experiment.

Are you using a tripod? it really helps.With hand held, you can move one way a bit and the focus another and it never seems to get there.

Terry_____________________

[mknabster]

Yea, i haven't gotten to use a tripod yet, but i intend on getting a newer one that would work better for the macros. I do agree w/ the price on that accessory, it is a lot of money. Do you know if the macro lense that Canon offers would help it in focusing?

[Terrywoodenpic]

Yea, i haven't gotten to use a tripod yet, but i intend on getting a newer one that would work better for the macros. I do agree w/ the price on that accessory, it is a lot of money. Do you know if the macro lense that Canon offers would help it in focusing?

The macro lens will let you get closer, should not change the focus action though.

How close are you trying to get.? an answer to that would help, as would a shot of what you are trying to do, it does not need to be good just the best you have managed.

If you are trying to get real close what they call a focus rail woud help.

Terry_________________