Macro Photo thread
Discussion
14-7 said:
Used to use it quite a bit on my 7d but since moving to a 5d3 it seems to be more suited to the full frame sensor (or maybe it's just me being a tart?). I also never use it without the MT24 flash as subjects tend to be too dark all the time.
As for him recommending using a tripod most of the time, pah! Wuss.
Yes, used to use mine mainly on my 1D3, but with my new 5D3, that's now the preferred pairing. I also use it primarily with the MT24 TwinLite. The majority of my images are taken with this lens (but macro is my hobby/obsession). Took ages to master, but there's nothing really to match it. I don't remember ever using it on a tripod. Often use a beanbag though. As for him recommending using a tripod most of the time, pah! Wuss.
Hoverfly Macro by Dibbly Dobbler, on Flickr
Would not have got this with a tripod - it was sitting on a daisy blowing around in a gusty wind!
Hmm IS or not IS...
anyway can I ask how you can get round the focus/aperture macro lens conundrum ?
I'd have thought flash as you could stop the lens down a bit/lot [to get to the lens sweet spot and help however so slightly with dof] but what type of flash, the ring type that fits on the front of the lens?
cheers
Mo.
anyway can I ask how you can get round the focus/aperture macro lens conundrum ?
I'd have thought flash as you could stop the lens down a bit/lot [to get to the lens sweet spot and help however so slightly with dof] but what type of flash, the ring type that fits on the front of the lens?
cheers
Mo.
Mojocvh said:
Hmm IS or not IS...
anyway can I ask how you can get round the focus/aperture macro lens conundrum ?
I'd have thought flash as you could stop the lens down a bit/lot [to get to the lens sweet spot and help however so slightly with dof] but what type of flash, the ring type that fits on the front of the lens?
cheers
Mo.
Hi Mo.anyway can I ask how you can get round the focus/aperture macro lens conundrum ?
I'd have thought flash as you could stop the lens down a bit/lot [to get to the lens sweet spot and help however so slightly with dof] but what type of flash, the ring type that fits on the front of the lens?
cheers
Mo.
MPE-65 so no IS (no zoom, no autofocus, no focus at all in fact
). The above was at f14 and 1/180 so flash required (MT24-ex with custom diffuers). The sweet spot for the MPE I reckon is around f11 so you don't really want to be stopping down too far anyway - there is no real answer to the conundrum of how to maximise dof for macro shots as at extremely close range the dof is tiny regardless of the aperture. The only thing you can do is a focus stack which can give amazing results but is f
king fiddly (excuse my french). 
DibblyDobbler said:
Mojocvh said:
Hmm IS or not IS...
anyway can I ask how you can get round the focus/aperture macro lens conundrum ?
I'd have thought flash as you could stop the lens down a bit/lot [to get to the lens sweet spot and help however so slightly with dof] but what type of flash, the ring type that fits on the front of the lens?
cheers
Mo.
Hi Mo.anyway can I ask how you can get round the focus/aperture macro lens conundrum ?
I'd have thought flash as you could stop the lens down a bit/lot [to get to the lens sweet spot and help however so slightly with dof] but what type of flash, the ring type that fits on the front of the lens?
cheers
Mo.
MPE-65 so no IS (no zoom, no autofocus, no focus at all in fact
). The above was at f14 and 1/180 so flash required (MT24-ex with custom diffuers). The sweet spot for the MPE I reckon is around f11 so you don't really want to be stopping down too far anyway - there is no real answer to the conundrum of how to maximise dof for macro shots as at extremely close range the dof is tiny regardless of the aperture. The only thing you can do is a focus stack which can give amazing results but is fking fiddly (excuse my french). 
Edited by Mojocvh on Tuesday 6th August 19:24
nre said:
DibblyDobbler said:
fantastic, is that one image or a stack?
Ed_P said:
Mojocvh said:
You guys are really "pretty good" and the insect subjects on this thread goes to show [perhaps] how distanced we have perhaps become from nature.
as for that review link the capture of the flame front propagation on the match is truly brilliant.
incredible!
that flame front image reminds me of a test me and a few friends did a few weeks back:as for that review link the capture of the flame front propagation on the match is truly brilliant.
incredible!
http://vimeo.com/67248596
macro and slow motion = great combination!
The match head looked like a planet being engulfed in flame. We used an old canon 5 to 1 macro lens. Just incredible how close you can go with it
Finally got around to buying a flash and now have a whole lot more to try and get my head around...
Common Blue Damselfly by ddarno, on Flickr
Common Darter Dragonfly by ddarno, on Flickr
Common Darter Dragonfly by ddarno, on Flickr
Common Darter Dragonfly by ddarno, on Flickr
Common Blue Damselfly by ddarno, on Flickr
Common Darter Dragonfly by ddarno, on Flickr
Common Darter Dragonfly by ddarno, on Flickr
Common Darter Dragonfly by ddarno, on Flickr
Chaps - this is lovely stuff!
Any recommendations for a Nikon DX macro lens for non-studio stuff i.e. insects etc. outdoors? I have no idea what focal length is best for such situations. Attempting shots with my 70-300 has been challenging. I would very much like to attempt macro photography.
Perhaps renting a couple of the suggested lenses and playing is a good idea - any outfits in London that could provide this service? If buying, I would like something that could be used on a full frame (Nikon FX) too, if I ever upgrade the body.
Any recommendations for a Nikon DX macro lens for non-studio stuff i.e. insects etc. outdoors? I have no idea what focal length is best for such situations. Attempting shots with my 70-300 has been challenging. I would very much like to attempt macro photography.
Perhaps renting a couple of the suggested lenses and playing is a good idea - any outfits in London that could provide this service? If buying, I would like something that could be used on a full frame (Nikon FX) too, if I ever upgrade the body.
Harry Flashman said:
Chaps - this is lovely stuff!
Any recommendations for a Nikon DX macro lens for non-studio stuff i.e. insects etc. outdoors? I have no idea what focal length is best for such situations. Attempting shots with my 70-300 has been challenging. I would very much like to attempt macro photography.
Perhaps renting a couple of the suggested lenses and playing is a good idea - any outfits in London that could provide this service? If buying, I would like something that could be used on a full frame (Nikon FX) too, if I ever upgrade the body.
I think the Nikon 105mm Micro is the one to have (it's the one I want anyway) if you want to be able to go full frame, but there is the cheaper 85mm DX Micro if you don't mind going crop only (or crop mode of FX cameras). Cheapest route to playing with Macro is extension tubes. This is what I have done so far but I find it can be a bit of a faff to get set up and focus correctly even with tubes that support Auto Focus.Any recommendations for a Nikon DX macro lens for non-studio stuff i.e. insects etc. outdoors? I have no idea what focal length is best for such situations. Attempting shots with my 70-300 has been challenging. I would very much like to attempt macro photography.
Perhaps renting a couple of the suggested lenses and playing is a good idea - any outfits in London that could provide this service? If buying, I would like something that could be used on a full frame (Nikon FX) too, if I ever upgrade the body.
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