First attempt at Macro

ScarySquirrel

ScarySquirrel

ScarySquirrel

Soldato
Joined
13 Jan 2004
Posts
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Hello, there was a lot o chat about bug hunting earlier so I went out to properly test the macro mode on my Sigma 70-300mm APO. It isn't a dedicated macro lens so I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasently surpsied.

The main problem I encountered was focussing. I found the AF really slow but with MF what looks good through the lens, sometimes look rubbish once on the computer.

Had a right laugh chasing dragonflies, I found a MASSIVE one but didn't get a shot, and after 10 minutes of chasing him and shoutng "LAND YOU ******" I gave up.

Anyway, these are the only two I got really, I think I over processed them a bit but C&C is welcome. As I said I don't think the focus is good enough but for a first try I was fairly happy.

20070606183434_flower.jpg


20070606183557_dragonfly.jpg
 
haha. I am annoyed about no.2 because on the camera it looked great, but now I have done this I can see it is blurred.

I need to get better at focussing and staying still :p
 
Entai said:
They are really nice, I like the second one best.

I had the same problems with focusing in my first attempts in this thread here. The little critter in my second shot was so fast that it was hard to get a good focus before he took off again. Was chasing him around for a few mins quickly snapping away each time he landed, before I got that pic.

I found the HSM on my 70-200 APO to be a godsend, when trying to get a quick snap it does seem to be able to focus quickly and fairly cleanly, on my 300D.

For flowers I found that a tripod is best, and some kind of remote shuter release to minimise camera shake/movement. For insects they move so quick you need handheld I found and that make life a bit more tricky.
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Thanks dude. Sorry I am new to this so I don't know what HSM is? Is it something to do with that twisty knob I see on some dedicated macro lenses?
I really like your 2nd one, having chased a couple of wasp type things around I know how hard they are to catch.

I definately have a tripod on my 'to buy' list for plants and landscapes when I get out there, but my next investment will probably be a proper macro lens. This photography malarky is getting expensive :(

I am looking at a Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro, simply because Messiah Khan bought one and he seems to know his stuff, plus his macro work is awesome.
 
Scam said:
There should be a new owners club for this lens - mine arrived Tuesday :D

I havent had a proper play, but i quite often use AF-C (constant autofocus) as opposed to the standard autofocus. This is used for moving objects/sports/cars etc.. when you hold the button halfway to focus, and you carry on holding it, it'll carry on adjusting the focus. That's opposed to standard AF-A/S where it wont. Just a thought, and i'm no Macro expert, but wouldnt that help in keeping moving flowers/critters in focus?

If that's not your problem at all then by all means ignore me. Good choice on lens though, i havent got out with it yet, but it feels fantastic. Can't wait for my weekend in London!
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I haven't got the lens yet :p

My pics are with a non macro lens that has a macro mode :)
 
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