Looking at a Macro Lens!

[RockyNH_RIP]

Pat - from my experience, using a good tripod, ballhead, (focusing rail - optional), mirror-up, and remote control will yield the sharpest images when it comes to macro photography.

Use live view whenever possible for static subjects and use the plus (+) button to zoom in order to get the focus really sharp. I use MF in most cases.

This is a sample image using that technique with my MF lens.

Cropped image

Flower 01 by gqtuazon, on Flickr

Glenn, thanks for the tips... I had not thought of mirror up and remote... I will have to get some subjects lined up and try those techniques...


Appreciate the advise!

Pat in NH

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

How is that Tokina 12-24?
Was thinking about getting a wide angle.
Only have the 35mm 1.8 glass now with the 30-700mm 4.5-5.6g Nikkor.

Hi Donald!

I am very pleased with the 12-24. I think the 11-16 may be a little better lens but I was able to pick this one up new for $300 and it does everything I need and does it well! No regrets on my descision. Ted also got the same lens and has many killer shots with it!.


Pat in NH

 

[hark]

Pat, I can't see any EXIF data...what f-stop are you using? Quite often with macro, you don't want to shoot wide open. The less distance there is between the camera and subject results in an even shallower depth of field. Glenn has excellent suggestions. Using the mirror up feature helps to reduce camera vibration--something that is more noticeable with a very shallow depth of field. And using a remote also prevents the camera from slightly shaking--when you press the shutter with your finger, it can also add a slight blur to the photo. I own both a Nikon wireless remote and one made by Amazon Basics. No difference between how they work.

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

Pat - from my experience, using a good tripod, ballhead, (focusing rail - optional), mirror-up, and remote control will yield the sharpest images when it comes to macro photography.

Use live view whenever possible for static subjects and use the plus (+) button to zoom in order to get the focus really sharp. I use MF in most cases.

This is a sample image using that technique with my MF lens.

Cropped image

Flower 01 by gqtuazon, on Flickr

\


Glenn, thanks for the tips... especially the live view and Plus!! Never would have considered that!

Pat in NH

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

Pat, I can't see any EXIF data...what f-stop are you using? Quite often with macro, you don't want to shoot wide open. The less distance there is between the camera and subject results in an even shallower depth of field. Glenn has excellent suggestions. Using the mirror up feature helps to reduce camera vibration--something that is more noticeable with a very shallow depth of field. And using a remote also prevents the camera from slightly shaking--when you press the shutter with your finger, it can also add a slight blur to the photo. I own both a Nikon wireless remote and one made by Amazon Basics. No difference between how they work.

Good Points Hark, and I knew that about the shallow dof and stooping downs the lens... Just did not apply it here, as I used 3.8 - 4.0. Some of the light was weak and I would have had to up the ISO (and probably the better choice but in a hurry to test before darkness krept in!)

Now that I have it.. I can start trying to use it correctly and yours, Glenn's and others tip will be an immense help.

Thank you!

Pat in NH

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

Ok, no tripod yet.... but these are a little better... Practice makes perfect right!~!!














Pat in NH

 

[donaldjledet]

Hi Donald!

I am very pleased with the 12-24. I think the 11-16 may be a little better lens but I was able to pick this one up new for $300 and it does everything I need and does it well! No regrets on my descision. Ted also got the same lens and has many killer shots with it!.


Pat in NH

Thanks Pat for the reply.
By the way good shots with the lens.
Like them.