Calling all T3i users!!!

octaveman wrote in post #15145561
Thanks for the info. Did you use the built in flash or off-camera? My aperature is usually around f/11 but seems like my DOF is always too shallow. Going smaller makes it too dark and using fill flash makes it look like I used a flash. I know macro is it's own beast to master but I have yet to get something I feel is worthy....close...but just not quite there, know what I mean?

I definitely know what you mean. I was using an external flash. Make sure you diffuse your flash, I use two layers of this paper towel type stuff taped to it. When using a flash to shoot macro, you should be at 200 shutter speed, ISO 200 (or 100 if bright/sunny), and aperture f/11~f/13. I'm using a 2x extender right now, so I shoot with an aperture of f/18~20 to give better DoF. Try those settings and tape a couple layers of paper towel over your flash, and adjust your flash compensation to give more or less flash.

Hope that helps, good luck!

~Ace

you guys think the t3i is a good beginner camera? (first dslr)
Or should I spend a little bit less and get a t2i?

spungyplunger wrote in post #15145822
you guys think the t3i is a good beginner camera? (first dslr)
Or should I spend a little bit less and get a t2i?

It is a great beginners camera.

Jump on this deal - you can't go wrong

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1239609

Just playing around at nightime

Bluesy, That is a great shot

Ga556ry wrote in post #15146404
Adobe Camera RAW has not even been updated to support T3i raw files

| Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Elements 10 by photoshop 69 bucks on amazon is what I did. I have cs4. Kind of sucks, but I spend 60 on coffee a month, so I just bought it. No biggie. If you don't want to buy it can always torrent it.

octaveman wrote in post #15145728
Beautiful shot.

Second that!

IMAGE LINK: https://picasaweb.goog​le.com …ky_H4eiHg?feat=​directlink

IMAGE LINK: https://picasaweb.goog​le.com …y0liipFm0?feat=​directlink

IMAGE LINK: https://picasaweb.goog​le.com …YXT8INqxk?feat=​directlink

After several Canons with front focus issues, my new T3i is per-fect ! Magic lantern and the swivel screen make it a wonderful tool.

Alternate Crop of one of my (personal) favorites:

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/45517597@N07/8​105630242/

Excellent, thanks. Appreciate the tips. I have the 430EX so do you think the flash head would be too high or does diffusing widen the dispursion of light so much that being so close to the subject wouldn't cause shadows?

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #15145738
I definitely know what you mean. I was using an external flash. Make sure you diffuse your flash, I use two layers of this paper towel type stuff taped to it. When using a flash to shoot macro, you should be at 200 shutter speed, ISO 200 (or 100 if bright/sunny), and aperture f/11~f/13. I'm using a 2x extender right now, so I shoot with an aperture of f/18~20 to give better DoF. Try those settings and tape a couple layers of paper towel over your flash, and adjust your flash compensation to give more or less flash.

Hope that helps, good luck!

~Ace

octaveman wrote in post #15146801
Excellent, thanks. Appreciate the tips. I have the 430EX so do you think the flash head would be too high or does diffusing widen the dispursion of light so much that being so close to the subject wouldn't cause shadows?

You can change how the light is tunneled on the flash using the zoom button when in ETTL. 24 is a wide spray of light, 105 is more of a beam. I usually have it set on 80 or 105 when shooting macro. Sometimes I'll take off the diffuser in natural light and use the manual setting on the flash, set at 1/8~1/16, maybe more, depending on the natural light. Being out in the open makes it easier, but when you are shooting an insect against a wall or something similar, that's when you really have to soften the light to prevent shadowing...for that, I recommend manual flash settings.

this is a shot I took for a photo group I belong to- The theme was "Halloween Traditions" & it couldn't be the basic stuff we normally see). So I went with the Day of the Dead- It's more of a fun & vibrant take on the theme.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/25440115/810586​4069/

Right, but you use a more narrow beam? I would have thought the opposite. What's your reasoning? Going to jot down your notes and see what I can do with them. Oh, what are your thoughts on using one of those plastic slip-on diffusers or do you just prefer using paper towels? I also have a 6" softbox style diffuser I could try out too.

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #15146927
You can change how the light is tunneled on the flash using the zoom button when in ETTL. 24 is a wide spray of light, 105 is more of a beam. I usually have it set on 80 or 105 when shooting macro. Sometimes I'll take off the diffuser in natural light and use the manual setting on the flash, set at 1/8~1/16, maybe more, depending on the natural light. Being out in the open makes it easier, but when you are shooting an insect against a wall or something similar, that's when you really have to soften the light to prevent shadowing...for that, I recommend manual flash settings.