100 macro with kenko tubes

[Bill Pham]

k i just got this tubes set in and take a quick pic. not sure if i'm doing it right. any tips to help me get better at this. thx in advance.

Bill

[stevefossimages]

Bill, that lens and the tubes are a great combo. I use them a lot.

Neither of these images is as sharp as that lens is capable of, and I'm guessing there's too much motion here and wondering if you handheld them.

If so, I strongly recommend a solid tripod as well as using the camera's shutter timer to eliminate shake. A remote shutter release works better in windy conditions, because you can wait and wait and wait and trip the shutter in that instant when the flower is still, instead of engaging the timer and hoping that the flower will be motionless 10 seconds later. A remote release for the 30D runs about $50.

If you don't have a tripod and are shooting low flowers, you can rest your camera on the backpack or on a beanbag for good results, too.

Also, check the custom functions. Your 30D has a function to allow mirror lockup. Enable that for your macro work, checking your manual on how to do it. On exposures longer than, say 1/4 sec, using that CF prevents camera tremble due to mirror slap.

Of course, if you're already doing all this, sorry to repeat things you already know.

Good luck, bud. :D

[Bill Pham]

Hi Steve,

thanks for the reply. what tripod you recommend i should get it's on my list of items to buy. i do have the remote switch already. right now i'm manually focusing and using the remote. hard to get it still with the breeze today. i'll try again tomorrow.

Bill

[stevefossimages]

Bill, if your main goal is to shoot flowers, you'll rarely have the tripod fully extended, and often it'll be as low as it'll go. Sometimes, even that's not low enough. I have a Manfrotto tripod that allows the center shaft to be pulled out and reversed, so the camera can rest below the top of the tripod. You can spend a zillion dollars to get a tripod/head system that will allow you all types of convoluted contortions, but I've found this Manfrotto to be all I need so far.

It's the 725B, costs a little over $100, and comes with an integral ballhead. I've used it with the 100-400L IS cocked at all types of angles and it's rock solid. It's also what I use for macro work, and is way more than adequate for the 100 macro and full set of extension tubes.

[Glenn NK]

I've been using a ballhead (see below), but there are times when getting a fine adjustment is a pain, and am seriously considering a geared head (Manfrotto 410).

Don't you just love wind when shooting flowers?:evil: When they disappear from the frame, it's time to quit.;)

[stevefossimages]

Don't you just love wind when shooting flowers?:evil: When they disappear from the frame, it's time to quit.;)

You got that right. Luckily, up in this part of the country, summer winds tend to be out of the south and west, which is where the hot sun of midday is, and when the diffusion fabric/tent goes up it stands not only between the sun and the flowers but between the wind and flowers. Doesn't help in real wind, though.

I was raised on the Prairie, and I'd like to see what I could do with a thick stand of a variety of wildflowers blowing in the wind out there. Could be some nice impressionistic work from that.

[Bill Pham]

a couple of more pic i just take. still breezy outside still got to get a tripod :cry:

[Glenn NK]

I like your latest Bill. The contrasting colours of the fly and the flower? work very well, and the green background echoes the fly's colouration. So this is a dichrome (two colours)?;)

What tubes did you use with the 100 macro, and how did you keep the fly sitting long enough to compose and focus?

[Bill Pham]

I like your latest Bill. The contrasting colours of the fly and the flower? work very well, and the green background echoes the fly's colouration. So this is a dichrome (two colours)?;)

What tubes did you use with the 100 macro, and how did you keep the fly sitting long enough to compose and focus?


Glenn NK,

I use the whole set of tubes with the 100. I didn't even realize the color was like that good catch. I sat and wait for ever for one to land near me. I was only about three inches away from it the whole time. This macro shooting is alot harder than I first realized. You guys are genious with all the great shot posted here.

Bill

[Dementiak]

I was thinking of getting the kenko set of tubes and was wondering... does it allow you to stay farther away from the subject? (as to not scare the insects away) I currently use the canon 100mm macro lenson a 5D and i usually scare grasshoppers and other fliers away.
thanks

[Bill Pham]

I was thinking of getting the kenko set of tubes and was wondering... does it allow you to stay farther away from the subject? (as to not scare the insects away) I currently use the canon 100mm macro lenson a 5D and i usually scare grasshoppers and other fliers away.
thanks


wow this one is old. just got my gear then and trying to get better :oops::oops:. actually the tubes doesn't increase the working distance mostly it's decrease really at least it seem like to me. maybe someone more knowledgeable can answer for you. oh yea welcome to macro

Bill

[Dementiak]

Thanks for the quick reply, been lurking a lot in the forums looking at the awesome pictures, figured i'd post my Questions.

Gotta ask them beginner questions especially when you can't afford to buy equipment :)

[macro junkie]

bill..u dont need a tripod..i shoot up to 5:1 with out one..just hold your breath..lol

[Bill Pham]

MJ i still do need a tripods planning to do some landscape shot this winter. pretty up here with all the snow and frozen waterfall. and i do my macro handheld also got no time for tripod they move too fast for that.

Bill

[Mike4BekA]

I only use a tripod when shooting flowers .......I am the same way as MJ I use the hold your breath method and I stole the "beanpole" method from Brian lol