First Macro shots

Well today I got my new XTi with the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro and got to shootin right away..haha, this thing is AWSOME!! if im getting results like these already, I cant wait to see what I can do with some practice!

(all of these are handheld)

sorry for the link on this one, im not sure how to get the IMG code from Flickr(I just got it)

http://farm2.static.fl​ickr.com …63784549_cdd3e9​b182_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.fl​ickr.com …65631203_5ebb29​2826_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.fl​ickr.com …66484182_e013d3​db97_b.jpg

C&C Welcome! im here to learn. thanks for looking

Try it with

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they not bad just too far away for me. like to see more detail on them.

Bill

my first go with my kenko tubes and 50mm 1.8 hand held

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Canon_For_Life wrote in post #4040549
Well today I got my new XTi with the Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro

Go out on a sunny day. Use F9 and the Macro position, AF should do fine. Get close (95cm should be possible) and don't use the flash. Try to get shutter speeds up in the 200-300's.

Only then you shall see the full potential of that fine cheap lens you bought

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great! thanks for the tips!

what mode are you in?

and i have already noticed Macro is VERY addicting!

Here are some more from today

those are much better just out of focus. usually we like to see the eyes in focus more. keep practicing and you get it. setting i use are manual and aperature around f9-f11 and iso 100 or higher depend on condition. also use a flash with the delta bracket. hope that help some.

Bill

That's getting better.

As Bill says, focus is crucial in macro. With such close working distances, you have a very small DOF, and focussing errors are punished.

It is often best to leave the focus ring alone and simply move the camera
backward and forwards until the subject is in focus. Don't be afraid to take several shots (I had 1 keeper out of 40 odd the other day :rolleyes

Fill in flash will help to keep your shutter speed up, and freeze any movement by the bug. A diffused flash can provide lovely lighting.

Oh, and take your time. It's surprising what is out there when you stop and look. I have spotted an awful lot of bugs when I've been stalking something else.

Warning - macro is addictive.

I walked around with F11 on a sunny day to get that hoover shot. Focal length at 300mm, AF on and just shooting around. No flash required on such a day if the insect is in full sunlight.

Imagine those fly shots, but then totally sharp. They would rock, so sharp pictures are key. Don't think too much about ISO (although 1600 is a bit high) etc, just get the damn insect in focus with a substantial shutter speed. Remember, you are shooting at 200-300mm, so with a 1,6x crop give all priority to shutter speeds of 1/160 (already to slow) up to 1/200-300 or even higher. Match ISO settings to get this right if required.

An unsharp picture = no picture

You would want to get into the F9-11 setting with the Sigma lens to achieve the maximum sharpness of the lens itself.

In the end, it is a great lens but not the best. For the best results, go out on sunny days when doing this macro thing.

Get out, and get me some sharp fly shots now!