Macro lens autofocus????

[actionward]

Evening all,

I have just recently bought a Macro lens (after a previous post) and so far I love it the pictures are great and the quality is amazing.

The problem I have is that I have a D5100 and the lens I bought was a Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro 1:1 VC USD and when I am trying to use the auto focus it goes into focus then out and repeats this before settling, I can put it into manual focus and get great results, its as if it cant quite lock on to what it wants to focus on.

Does anyone have any tips to prevent this or tell me the best settings on the camera to prevent this.

Thanks

 

[wev]

Do you have it set for Limited or Full?

 

[BackdoorArts]

Are you on a tripod or handheld? Macros can be very finicky handheld as you get close as the smallest movements can take you out of focus, so a continuous focus mode might play with it, particularly since it may never have locked on focus initially due to movement.

 

[singlerosa_RIP]

I find that manual focus works best for macro shots. On the rare occasion that I shoot a portrait with my 100 2.8, I will let it auto focus and it seems to work OK. I think most tutorials will suggest using manual focus for macro shooting. Here's one from the Holidays

 

[actionward]

I have it on full mode, what is the difference between the three settings? I think I will try the continuous mode and see how that works.

the other question is the lens has a max aperture of 2.8 but I don't seem to be able to get it to this even aperture priority mode.

its certainly finicky this macro stuff!

 

[singlerosa_RIP]

You need to do some reading up on macro photography and macro lenses. Google "macro photography" and you'll find plenty of help, including videos.

 

[actionward]

I am starting to get the hang of it now, its just being patient i think. I had 15 mins spare earlier on today so decided to mess around and see what results I could get. I know its not the best but would appreciate your thoughts.