Tips needed for a macro novice (1 Viewer)

gordthelord · May 22, 2008

Hi everyone, I've just taken delivery of a sigma 150mm f2.8 macro lens for my canon 400D. I've only tried it out for about an hour and got some ok shots. Can anyone recommend what sorts of settings I should use or even point me in the direction of good reference book. I notice that if I go from photographing something close up to something a bit more distant the lens can hunt a little. Is this normal? Should I turn the camera off before changing the focussing range?
I've tried to include a couple of early efforts. As I said earlier, any tips or advice will be greatly received.
Thanks, Gordon.

Leicaman · May 23, 2008

Gordon, I would use manual focus for macro as the lens can often be confused by items at different distances if left on automatic. You may well have to stop the lens down to gain sufficient depth of field. My bee, which you commented on recently, needed f/16 to get most of it in focus.

David

JonSadler · May 24, 2008

I have this lens. It is terrific but will hunt in low light where you have limited contrast between background and the subject. Stopping down will improve your depth of field, but you'll need a tripod or monopod to stabilize the lens or you'll get camera shake in all but the brightest of days.

A way around this is to use the flash. Pop it up and set the camera on manual with a Av of say 11 or so and a shutter speed of 200-250. This will help in low light. The flash works better with an external unit and a diffuser, but you can get quite good results from the camera's flash (no diffuser).

Best of luck and enjoy the lens.

Regards
Jon

Claymore · May 24, 2008

gordthelord said:
Hi everyone, I've just taken delivery of a sigma 150mm f2.8 macro lens for my canon 400D. I've only tried it out for about an hour and got some ok shots. Can anyone recommend what sorts of settings I should use or even point me in the direction of good reference book. I notice that if I go from photographing something close up to something a bit more distant the lens can hunt a little. Is this normal? Should I turn the camera off before changing the focussing range?
I've tried to include a couple of early efforts. As I said earlier, any tips or advice will be greatly received.
Thanks, Gordon.

Manual focus is the way to go and get yourself a good solid tripod + remote (cannot go wrong with Benbo Trekkers for macro tripods) i also use a ring flash for insects when i'm out in the woods
Cheers and have fun with the Sigma they are great lenses (i have one too)
Brian

gordthelord · Jun 11, 2008

Thanks for the tips gents, I have just ordered a manfrotto monopod and head specifically for field macro work. I do have a tripod I can use too but alot of the time I want to travel lighter and I hope this monopod can give me a bit more additional stability.

By the way can anyone help me identify the second beastie in my original post. I can't find it anywhere in my collins guide.
Cheers,
Gordon.

busyb · Jun 12, 2008

gordthelord said:
By the way can anyone help me identify the second beastie in my original post. I can't find it anywhere in my collins guide.
Cheers,
Gordon.

Looks like Miris striatus, one of the many Capsid/Mirid bugs.

gordthelord · Jun 12, 2008

Thanks for that. I've just looked it up in my book. I think your id is spot on.
Well done.
Cheers.

Tim Taylor · Jun 14, 2008

There's an excellent page of macro tips here which I've found handy.

Tim B

Tips needed for a macro novice (1 Viewer)

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