Ants tending their aphid herd.

I'm not getting the sharpness I want with this new camera. Granted, it was very windy and the vines were whipping around a lot, but I'd still like to do better. I've heard that a solid black subject is tough on autofocus. Between the wind and my vision manual focus is not my friend.

They look pretty good to me but using autofocus for macro is always a bit hit and miss.

Brian V.

LordV wrote in post #18876884
They look pretty good to me but using autofocus for macro is always a bit hit and miss.

Brian V.

Not near as hit or miss as me using manual. I have some type of inherited nervous condition where I get shaky, especially in contorted positions. Not Parkinsons thank goodness, but still bothersome. I first noticed it when bench shooting rifles. When I'd bend down to the rifle my head would start shaking. Hard to shoot good groups (or photos) when your head is jumping up and down.
The main selling point on my new 7Ti was the flip out articulated screen, so when I'm down on my knees and bent over I don't have to look through the viewfinder.

I went back out after posting the above and used my on camera flash. I think these are better. Today I'll mount my big flash on the camera and give it a try.

These two were done with my Sunpak flash. Getting better.

Good shots.

TBH I never use AF for actual macro shots. Also if the wind is moving stuff about even a few millimetres and you are looking for 0.2 mm depth of field it is not going to end well. Nothing but windy days where I am in the UK.

I like the imagery and story.
Even with the best camera I can buy and best lens for that system AF is pitiful for macro.
Manual or I'm disappointed.

Lester Wareham wrote in post #18880924
Good shots.

TBH I never use AF for actual macro shots. Also if the wind is moving stuff about even a few millimetres and you are looking for 0.2 mm depth of field it is not going to end well. Nothing but windy days where I am in the UK.

I used to grip/hold branches, twigs, etc in my hand but nowadays that just makes the twigs and flowers shake like buggery! I am really bored of growing old.