Need MACRO shooting help

[Fade2]

When ever I attempt to shoot macro my lens never focuses. I've only tried like twice but it realy pisses me off lol cause I can't focus.
What am I doing wrong? :cool:

[AirBrontosaurus]

Using autofocus on a macro lens is tough, because it's hard for the camera to get a focus lock so close to the subject. It's much easier (I think) to just focus manually.

[LordV]

As AB says very difficult to AF due to the normlly low light. You are much better off setting the magnification you want (focus) with MF on and the focus by moving the camera gently back and forth.
Brian V.

[Fade2]

Using autofocus on a macro lens is tough, because it's hard for the camera to get a focus lock so close to the subject. It's much easier (I think) to just focus manually.

Thanks but I always tried to shoot in manual focus. Is there a trick to this?
I'm just trying to figure out how one can shoot flies mating in mid air and I can't even shoot a huge cup logo up close.

[racketman]

your gear list suggest you dont have any lens that focuses really close - have you got some extension tubes for your nifty fifty?

[Alex Paul]

Instead of flies mating in mid air I would start with a little less ambitious target...As has been mentioned.... Manual focus to as close as you can get it and then rock back and forth slowly and time the shot when the intended target is sharp... It isn't easy..... but with practice you will get it..... What do you have for a macro lens? ...Catching flies mating in flight is a lot more luck than skill. You won't be auto focusing them...Take care

[Fade2]

Instead of flies mating in mid air I would start with a little less ambitious target...As has been mentioned.... Manual focus to as close as you can get it and then rock back and forth slowly and time the shot when the intended target is sharp... It isn't easy..... but with practice you will get it..... What do you have for a macro lens? ...Catching flies mating in flight is a lot more luck than skill. You won't be auto focusing them...Take care

thanks for the advice Alex, but I should have said how can SOMEONE ( not me) shoot flies mating in mid air and I can't even shoot a huge cup logo up close.
I'll keep trying.;)

[photobitz]

Could you give an example of the sorts of shutter speeds and apertures you are using? Are you using flash?