Macro Help

[suzie]

Hello all.

There have been many fantastic macro shots on this forum and it has inspired me to have a go ... but I am not having much luck. These are the best of a bad lot.

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/216Orange_Flower_Small_.jpg

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/216White_Flower_Small_.jpg

I am using a Canon D30 with 28-80 lens and a macro attachment. The first shot was taken with Tv 1/250 and Av 3.5, the second with Tv 1/20 and Av 19. I have done a little editing to try and sharpen them a little.

This was hand-held which is part of the problem. I know that I should probably be using a tripod for taking macro shots, but since I have to get within about 1-2 inches of a subject in order to get it into focus, I do not see how a tripod could be used. Also, because I have to get so close, I cannot seem to get all of a flower in the shot, let alone in focus. Sorry if this is all simple stuff, but I really have no idea when it comes to macro!

Can someone offer me some advice?

Thanks.
Suzie.

[KevinG3]

Suzie, I am fairly new to the macro stuff myself but I can at least comment on your pics and try to give some advice. I think the picture of the white flower is fine. The other pic just looks like the camera moved while the shutter was open or something.

Are you using full zoom when you take the pictures? I usually use full zoom and then get as close as possible but making sure I have the entire bug, flower or whatever in the frame. I am using a G3 and focusing is definitely a pain. I use macro mode...Not sure if your camera has that mode but it helps - It's specifically for doing close up shots and allows the camera to focus closer in. Regarding tripods, I can never use mine when doing the macro stuff because the bugs just won't be still. :) For flowers you may be able to use it if the tripod will allow for the shot you want. I've read that some people take a few continous shots in a row or use focus bracketing to get at least one shot that is in good focus.


Okay, I've said enough and I'm sure others that are more experienced than myself will offer further assistnace. Hope this helps.


Kevin

[eland]

Hi Sue

I don't get the picture of exactly what you are doing.
You mention Macro Attachment. What exactly is that ?

to get a whole flower in, a plus 1 dioptre is about all you need. They are inexpensive.

Also consider...
* Use the lens at the 80 mm end. That will get you back a bit further.

* Try putting the lens on Manual Focus and focus visually. AF has trouble coping with small back and forth movements.
* If you are going to use AF try Servo mode so that you are not
locking the focus once you half press the button.

Also raise the ISO setting to 400.

That will allow you to have a higher shutter speed and also be able to close the aperture to around F11.
Ideally it should be F16 minimum.
Maybe using the lens at its longer end you can get back a bit and use a tripod.
You might even try a longer lens.
A good focal length for macro work is around 100mm

regards
eland

[suzie]

Thanks for your replies KevinG3 and Eland.

The macro attachment is a detachable part of a super wide-angle lens (.42x) I bought from the US. Maybe this is part of the problem, but the very basic instructions that came with the lens said to just use the macro part on it's own for all macro shots.

I hope I do not sound too ignorant here, but what exactly is a dioptre??

I will take your other suggestions into account and have another go.

Thanks again.
Sue

[eland]

Sue

Simple eye correction-lenses are measured in dioptres.
Negative (minus) dioptres are for near-sightedness.
Positive (+) dioptres are like simple good quality magnifying glasses. Thicker in the middle than at the edges.

For a camera one uses Plus 1 to +4 usually.
For a large object like a flower a +1 should do.
One normally buys a set of 3. ie +1 +2 & + 4.
You can add them together so no need for a +3.

They come in filter type rings so you need to know the filter size of your lens. 58mm I think.
Cost for set of 3 in pouch usually around $50 au.
Second hand also ok.

The thing you are using is apparently too powerful.
Maybe a +2 or +3

eland

[suzie]

Brilliant, thanks Eland. That makes sense!

Suzie.