What would you recommend a new macro lens owner do for first photos?

Hi guys,

We pulled the trigger on a macro lens today and can't wait to get it and start playing with it.

I am looking for suggestions on what things you guys would recommend to shoot first to get a feel for the lens and really start learning how to shoot the 'small stuff'.

Those of you that shoot with a normal type hotshoe flash, do you usually shoot with the flash attached to the shoe, or to the side, off-camera?

Thanks
Michael

First off i say, congrats on the lens, The 100L is my most favorite of lenses.

I only speak for myself and others will contribute i'm sure.

Starting with stationary objects first is your best bet, coins, flowers ETC...

Getting the hang of the focusing and your minimum focus distance is the first step...i practiced that until it became second nature. Started in natural light for a while trying to master a pleasing DOF and compositions before moving into flash.

Once i moved into flash diffusion became my ultimate obsession, once the bug (no pun intended) hits it's hard to stop

You could do a couple of exercises I did a few years ago
http://www.dgrin.com/s​howthread.php?t=58028
http://www.dgrin.com/s​howthread.php?t=59406

also some macro hints and tips in the link in my signature below

I shoot with the flash on a bracket
Brian V.

Thanks for the ideas, guys. The projects look fun, will try soon.

The waiting is the hardest. UPS ground from NJ to Vegas........what's that, about 7 weeks?

COME ON!
Michael

I would try a variety of subjects.

I WANTED to do insects this summer, but the only ones I managed to catch were indoor spiders, so that's what I did, with decent results.

Absent wildlife, I do things like:

• computer memory modules
  
• fine details of complicated objects, like TV/VCR remotes
  
• quantities of similar objects, like paperclips
  
• coins
  
• small figurines, like the ones that come in Red Rose tea boxes
  

That's a very good lens, I had both 100's and would recommend the L because of the "feel". Wander around your yard/garden, you'll find lots of experiment with. Turn rocks over, you'll be amazed how photogenic some of those things that live under them can be. Bring your tripod, play around with shots at various F stops - I find the smaller apertures work best for what I like to do.

Well, you could shoot a couple of pictures of your penis. Blow it up on that 27" screen and have great confidence with your wife/other for the next few nights.

Darts wrote in post #16452367
Well, you could shoot a couple of pictures of your penis. Blow it up on that 27" screen and have great confidence with your wife/other for the next few nights.

Actually, a super-wide angle would be required, if not, perhaps, a fish-eye lens.

Or perhaps a stitched panorama shot to capture all of it.

M

well following on the last posts will be hard - lol --- but honesty what might be fun (really) would be to shot some marbles with the kewl colors spirals esp. with some different lighting as well.

lance60031x wrote in post #16467337
but honesty what might be fun (really) would be to shot some marbles with the kewl colors spirals esp. with some different lighting as well.

Great idea...you have inspired me to test this

The F stops here wrote in post #16467812
Great idea...you have inspired me to test this

Well I hope you let us know when we can view your masterpieces.

lance60031x wrote in post #16468016
Well I hope you let us know when we can view your masterpieces.

Challenge accepted....though i don't know about a masterpiece...but i shall do my best not to disappoint