Couple of flies

[yakbut]

Hi all took my 100 2.8 macro out today found nothing more interesting than a couple of flies. I'm not happy with the sharpness of these shots i find manual focus really difficult on subjects this small any tips appreciated.

[Roach711]

Welcome to the club - I have the same problem holding the focus. My main problem is getting myself steady enough that I don't wobble all over the place. Alan B posted this in another thread and it does work well:

Alan B: I set the lens on MF(manual focus) and have the focusing point in the middle square(when looking through the view finder).Then while looking down the view finder i see how far i want to be from the subject,then half press the shutter release button.Then move my body slow'ly in or out(or turn the focusing ring) until the centre square flashes red and bleeps.Which is telling me that the point on the subject is in "prime" focus.

[John Ellis]

I understand fully your problem, so the reply by Roach711 is interesting. I feel both images are a little over saturated, apart from that very good work.

[foxbat]

The f-stop is a bit high on the first one. I would have used about f/14 on the first and f/16-18 on the second. Most of my lenses don't perform at their best up at f/32. If you have a tripod or monopod then always use them where you can. They will make the difference.

You have a great lens there, keep trying.

[dod]

I use the same technique as described by Roach711, it takes a bit of getting used to, especially if the subject is off centre but it's worth persisting with

[Ballen Photo]

Hi all took my 100 2.8 macro out today found nothing more interesting than a couple of flies. I'm not happy with the sharpness of these shots
Hmm, These look fairly sharp to me. One member mentioned setting the lens where you want it, then moving in on your subject until it's in focus. I suppose between that and using a smaller aperture might help. :rolleyes:
-Bruce

[malla1962]

i like the second one best.:D

[Bald Eagle]

I like both shots, but the second is my favorite. great work.

[Leorooster]

Yes, mf on macro subject is no easy task. Not to mention that I sometimes need to fight with the wind as well. I don't really use a tripod when shooting macros. Although it certainly will make a difference, sometimes I just don't have enough time to set it up before my subjects say goo-bye to me. Anyway, I do have the same problem, but I guess it's just the nature of macro work. As long as I have some keepers at the end of the day, I am happy. That's the beauty of digital:D !!

Oh, btw, the both are nice shots! And, agree that you could have used a large f/stop for the 1st pic:) ! Keep them coming!

[yakbut]

Thanks for the tips a tripod is a great idea when there is no wind, but as most of the shots i take are outdoors, iv'e had to learn to sway with the subject. Like Leorooster says they dont hang around long either.