Macro Photography.

[Davie_GLA]

Hello all,

I have a real interest in Macro photography, and having just spent too much time in the Macro thread I'm going to give it a go.

I have a Sigma 70-300 Macro lens, this one to be precise: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-sigma-70-300mm... and a Canon EOS 400D camera.

I don't know where to start, I've tried it with macro turned on and the lens at macro too, but can't seem to get it right.

Where am i going wrong?

Cheers,

David.

[Simpo Two]

Unfortunately it ain't a macro lens, but a telephoto zoom and an optimistic marketing department. But apart from that, true macro is a whole new world to discover, and a 1:2 magnification ratio is enough to start with.

What are you trying to do, and how far have you got?

Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 10th June 12:40

[14-7]

I use a 60mm Canon macro and it is a fantastic little lens. Very sharp and easy to use. You can pick them up second hand for a few hundred.

As the other posters says your lens isn't a true macro which is why you may struggle.

[4hero]

Did I hear someone needed a second hand 60mm, in perfect condition, hardly used?

[Gemm]

I've used this lens for macro (although the older version). 1:2 magnification on this lens is good enough for many subject but due to long focal length, it was pretty hard to avoid the camera shake. You really need a solid tripod and/or good light source (e.g. flash). You can get a 1:1 filter for this lens but in my experience it just made it even harder to get it sharp. BUT I have seen great close-up shots with this lens, so it is possible with a good technique. Good luck!

[crmcatee]

don't listen to that 4hero fella. Next think you know you'll be spending a grand on a lens and bits and pieces.

[Davie_GLA]

I thought as much - it's an OK lens, but not for macro.

OK then dedicated lens it is, lets have it then 4hero, what you got and how much poorer will i be?

D.

[SamHH]

I'm sure you could get some good macro photographs with the lens you already have. What problems specifically are you having?

[Davie_GLA]

I think i'm getting too close. I have it in my head that i need to me mm away from the subject.

On my lens it says the 'macro' mode is only active between 200-300mm.

Any attempt i've made is just fuzzy nothingness, most of the time the lens won't let the camera take the photo i suspect because i am too close to focus.

[Gemm]

Minimum focus distance of this lens is 95cm, if this helps.

[Simpo Two]

Davie_GLA said:

On my lens it says the 'macro' mode is only active between 200-300mm.

Any attempt i've made is just fuzzy nothingness, most of the time the lens won't let the camera take the photo i suspect because i am too close to focus.

Bingo!

Macro is a simple question of magnication. If you want to fill the frame with a postage stamp, you can do it from an inch away or a yard away, it depends on the lenses magnification.

'Macro' mode on the camera body is 100% pointless - I think it increases colour saturation, that's all. Forget it.

'Macro' mode on the lens may engage another set of cogs that allow the lens to focus closer, but it won't focus any closer than its minimum focus distance. Most times, 'Macro' on the lens is like putting go-faster stripes on a car.

Set your lens to 300mm and 'macro'. Turn off autofocus and set the lens to its closest focusing distance. Now point the camera at a suitable target and approach slowly from 4-5 feet whilst looking through the viewfinder. When you get the minimum focusing distance (which now will also be the maximum magnification) the subject will snap into focus. The depth of field will be very shallow, perhaps millimetres - approach too fast and you may miss it. Now you have found your best operating distance for pseudo-macro. If that allows you to take the photos you want, you don't need to buy a true macro lens. If you need more magnification, or work from closer, then you do.

[Davie_GLA]

Thanks Simpo, that explains a lot.

What about mode? I use 'P' quite a lot - any other suggestions?

[Simpo Two]

Davie_GLA said:

What about mode? I use 'P' quite a lot - any other suggestions?

These modes affect how you get the correct exposure, by altering shutter speed and aperture. Together these control how much light reaches the sensor. (Nothing to do with macro)

M: Manual exposure mode. You set aperture and shutter speed.
A: Aperture-priority automatic exposure. You set aperture, camera works out the shutter speed.
S: Shutter-priority automatic exposure. You set shutter speed, camera works out the aperture.
P: Program Mode. Camera sets aperture and shutter speed.

ETA: Now might be a good time to read the manual if you haven't already, and look for suitable 'how to' books.

Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 10th June 15:16

[Davie_GLA]

Thanks, I know what the modes do, I should have asked if i should anything but Manual.

[Simpo Two]

Davie_GLA said:

Thanks, I know what the modes do, I should have asked if i should anything but Manual.

Eh?

Well anyway as you know what they all do, carry on.

[Davie_GLA]

Sorry?

A bit hostile, no?

I know what the modes are for and what the differences are between them, i was asking what mode is best for macro photography.

Clearer?

David.

[Simpo Two]

None is better than any other at macro photography. It's a bit like saying 'What gear is best to drive in?' Decide what factor is most important to the success of the shot and use it, same as for any other shot. Thinking round problems is the best way to learn; a camera is only a box with a hole in it

[Davie_GLA]

Now, that was more pleasant.

Thanks.

[Simpo Two]

Sorry, I'm not taking the rap. In fact you asked a badly-framed question which led me to give you an answer you did not want. The fact that you were trying to take photos inside the lens' minimum focus distance without even realising suggested that you were very new to the subject. Hence my surprise when in a badly-worded reply which came across as grumpy you told me you knew it already.

Let's move on and blame the inadequacies of keyboard communication.

Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 10th June 15:53

[14-7]

4hero said:

Did I hear someone needed a second hand 60mm, in perfect condition, hardly used?

Ooo your a sly one!

Fantastic little lenses though in my opinion. Good for portraits as well.