My First Macro....I Bombed....Help

[mrclark321]

Well my Kenkos came in today and I put them on and tried looking for something to shoot!! This is a whole new skill to learn. Can I get some pointers from you macro pros? Tried getting some bee shots outside handheld but it was overcast and they all turned out blurry. I set this rose on the table and cranked up the ISO, PLEASE let me know what you think.

Dan

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/mrclark321/IMG_2961copy.jpg

[mrclark321]

TTT

[Ballen Photo]

Hi Dan, For starters, can you post your EXIF data? How many millimeters of extension did you use? Which lens? What did you use for light? Did you use a tripod? ;)
-Bruce

[Bald Eagle]

This is the way it works for me, especially on cloudy days, Tripod, Cable release, Off canera Flash, manual setting aperture at 125, f11. Especially when using the tubes, any movement, be it the bug, wind or you, causes blurring. I usually use an ISO of 100 to 200, no higher, means less noise. Practice, practice and more practice. I usually take a t least 4 to 5 shots of each subject. hope this helps.

[mrclark321]

Thanks guys, heres my EXIF info: ISO 400
AV 4
TV 1/60
168mm
25mm Tube
Handheld
Camera Flash

Thanks
Dan

[JonathanS]

Were you using auto-focus? Becasue at 1/60th I am not so sure that it was motion blur and auto-focus does not choose the correct focus most of the time when you are dealing with macro work. Also IMHO f/4 is not enough depth of field for macro work, I use Av mode with at least f/11, and when there is not enough light to hand-hold I use a tripod.

[Ballen Photo]

Thanks guys, heres my EXIF info: ISO 400
AV 4
TV 1/60
168mm
25mm Tube
Handheld
Camera Flash

Thanks
DanDan, At 1/60th and 168mm without a tripod, I'd say this is the main problem. Shutter speed rule of thumb says that you should at least match your focal length, ie; 168mm = at least 1/160th, 200mm = 1/200th, or better, unless, like I said, you're using a tripod and cable release. Add to this the extra magnification afforded by your extension tubes, I'd say more like 1/200th for 168mm hand held.
The BEST remedy, of course, would be the tripod method. ;)
-Bruce

[mrclark321]

Thanks again, I'll try playing around some tomorrow

Dan