handheld macro = VERY hard!

Actually if you use a flash your shutter speed is irrelevant, since the flash duration will stop motion for you. See this post.

How do you have your camera set up, and what flash are you using. I take all of my images hand held and I have no problems getting sharp images all the way to 5 times life size:

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macro junkie wrote in post #3864254
looks like magic musrooms.. great for macro work.!

all mushrooms are magic to me

Dalantech wrote in post #3864512
Actually if you use a flash your shutter speed is irrelevant, since the flash duration will stop motion for you. See this post.

How do you have your camera set up, and what flash are you using. I take all of my images hand held and I have no problems getting sharp images all the way to 5 times life size

unfort, right now I'm just using the built-in flash on my 30d. I've been playing around with diffusion techniques, but I haven't setup a system to get consistent results - and I imagine that could cause problems with combineZM. What flash are you using? Other than the fact I'm using a cheap tripod to keep my camera up, not sure what else I could say to explain my setup. If I had another camera, I would take a picture - ha.

You know... jumping into macro photography has probably been the best thing for me, in terms of understanding the importance of all the various elements required for a good shot. My other lens are much more forgiving with my mistakes and shortcuts!

also, to eccles:

what's WRT noise? thanks for the suggestions, I'll def check out those apps.

producerism wrote in post #3864582
unfort, right now I'm just using the built-in flash on my 30d. I've been playing around with diffusion techniques, but I haven't setup a system to get consistent results - and I imagine that could cause problems with combineZM. .

A diffused MT-24EX but the flash built into your camera should work just fine. What about using a rubber band to hold some wax paper to the flash? I've also use a ping pong ball with a hole cut in it (just be careful cutting the ball since they have a tendency to slip).

ah, i remember that. I'll experiment some more, and post results when I see them!

Practice, practice and practice. I personally do not recommend holding your breath, but controlling your breath so that's even and gentle. Do not 'push' the shutter button, gently squeeze it, but if you're a marksman then you should know this.

Your 2nd batch of shots are an improvement. Good stuff, keep at it

Dave

PS It took me nearly six months and 5,000 shots to start getting half decent macro shots if that makes you feel any better

hah, well i dont know if it makes me feel "better," lol. But it certainly puts things into perspective!

Dalantech wrote in post #3864512
How do you have your camera set up, and what flash are you using. I take all of my images hand held and I have no problems getting sharp images all the way to 5 times life size:

well thats not entirely true..u use that boozoka..can u get crispt 5x life size shots with out that?