Cricket

[Peekcha]

D90
Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4

Exif
F4.0
1/40s
70mm
Iso 200
Lighting - 2 iPhones' flashes. One on the side and one on the other side slightly above.

I'm looking for opinions on exposure and composition.

 

[Bukitimah]

Let try to give my 2-cent worth of comment. The contrast can be improved. That is the background and the cricket must have contrast in order for it to stand out. Try to aim at the head and eye instead of general. Don't put the cricket on the centre of your photo.

I think the focus is also a little out. Overall good shot. I am also learning.

 

[Carolina Photo Guy]

A picture is worth about 20 words.

 

[Browncoat]

If macro photography is something you're interested in, I would strongly suggest purchasing a dedicated macro lens. The Sigma 17-70 is 1:2.3 and not a true 1:1 macro lens...and the difference shows here. For me, it's not macro photography unless I can see extreme detail, and you can't get to that level without a good macro lens.

 

[Peekcha]

I don't think I'm that much interested in macro to have a dedicated lens. With this I was just going for a close up

 

[Bukitimah]

Actually macro is close-up. Just get a Raynox add on. The result can be good too.

 

[Peekcha]

Actually macro is close-up. Just get a Raynox add on. The result can be good too.

What is that?

 

[Bukitimah]

You may wish to visit this site.

DCR-250 Super Macro conversion lens for D-SLR camera

It is traded around USD $100 here

 

[Peekcha]

Any positive experience with that thing?

 

[Bukitimah]

This is taken using a Nikon D5000, AFS 18-105 mm VR lens and Raynox DCR 250. Not that great but is a good indication what the lens can do

This is using a Nikon manual micro lens. It is a very good lens but unfortunately, you need to manually focus. Being an old man, it is challenging for me.

As I said, I am also a newbie. I started only in Jan 2011. I spent many weekends trying out macro and reading what others do. Another aspect of macro is lighting. I guess lighting is very important with any form of photography but I think macro needs good lighting.

 

[Bukitimah]

I have since changed to D300 and was struggling with the settings. This is one of latest using D300 and Raynox

 

[Peekcha]

I'll have to check it out. Those are very impressive

 

[Bukitimah]

No need to rush. Not every macro shot has to use macro lens or close-up filter. Otherwise, might as well look through the microscope. However, this is only my personal opinion. How the subject is being projected and other aspects are also important. Of course if your subject is so tiny, most times smaller than 1-2 cm, then you do need a macro lens.

This is taken using a standard AFS 18-105 mm VR lens recently