Learning Macro

Pupator

I really would like to improve at taking macro shots and I realize the only way to do that is with practice and critique. I've only got three lenses, and I think only one is good for macro - the Sigma 70-300 APO (other two are the 18-70 Sony Kit, and the Minolta 50mm 1.7).

I read through the first lesson here: http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=58028 and my two subjects for the evening were a padlock (that got old quick) and my wife's engagement ring. I think her ring makes a good subject because it has a very intricate design that a good photographer could bring out. :wink I, on the other hand....

Here's what I've got for the lock.



(This is what it looked like before PP - I'm still learning PSCS3 so sometimes I make things worse.)

My self critique is that it's hard to determine exactly which part is in focus. If it's going to be a boring object it should at least be in focus, right? :rolleyes

I'll do the ring next.

Pupator

I've got several of the ring shots I want to play with. Here's the first after post:


and before:

teamracephotos

Like the lock!
noexpert...but really like the first lock shoot. It could be and addvert. The ring is beautiful... But I would like to see More flash from the diamond. Mm

Lord Vetinari

Agree with TRP above-
Your 50mm lens would be good for macro coupled with a set of ext tubes (eg Kenko). A lot easier to use and sharper than the sigma plus it would give you 1:1 magnification.
Brian V.

cmorganphotography

Lord Vetinari wrote:

Agree with TRP above-
Your 50mm lens would be good for macro coupled with a set of ext tubes (eg Kenko). A lot easier to use and sharper than the sigma plus it would give you 1:1 magnification.
Brian V.

I just got my nifty fifty and I'm interested in keno's, do you have a link to one that is rather nice in performance and price?

Skippy

Pupator wrote:

I really would like to improve at taking macro shots and I realize the only way to do that is with practice and critique. I've only got three lenses, and I think only one is good for macro - the Sigma 70-300 APO (other two are the 18-70 Sony Kit, and the Minolta 50mm 1.7).

I read through the first lesson here: http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=58028 and my two subjects for the evening were a padlock (that got old quick) and my wife's engagement ring. I think her ring makes a good subject because it has a very intricate design that a good photographer could bring out. I, on the other hand....

Here's what I've got for the lock.

(This is what it looked like before PP - I'm still learning PSCS3 so sometimes I make things worse.)

My self critique is that it's hard to determine exactly which part is in focus. If it's going to be a boring object it should at least be in focus, right?

I'll do the ring next.

Hi there Pupator,
The two lock shots look fine, the ring shots however require more light.
Bounced and difused light will work well there.

As Brian said, the Kenkos will give you excellent ratio, and many folks on the forum will tell you that you will not be disappointed with the results you can achieve using them.

Your doing fine, practise is the way to go, I'm yet to find anyone who takes a giant step backwards when it comes to learning photography.

It's all forward from here on .... Keep Post ..... Skippy
.

Pupator

Thanks guys!

I had an external flash off camera with a diffuser on it - I just didn't have the ring pointed in the best direction to make use of it.

The ring would do best if it wasn't laying flat on the surface but I couldn't think of any invisible way to prop it up.

I'll keep trying, and I'll look into the Keneko tubes!

Lord Vetinari

cmorganphotography wrote:

I just got my nifty fifty and I'm interested in keno's, do you have a link to one that is rather nice in performance and price?

I was thinking of these (for canon fit) http://www.adorama.com/KNAETSDEOS.html?searchinfo=extension%20tube%20set%20canon%20fit&item_no=1

or these
http://www.adorama.com/MCAETEOS.html?searchinfo=extension%20tube%20set%20canon%20fit&item_no=2

Pupator

So for a Sony A100 it be these two options, right?

http://www.adorama.com/MCAETMAX.html?searchinfo=Pro%20Optic%20Auto%20Extension%20Tube%20Set%20&item_no=1

http://www.adorama.com/KNAETSDMAX.html?searchinfo=Kenko%20DG%20Auto%20Extension%20Tube%20Set&item_no=2

Lord Vetinari

Pupator wrote:

So for a Sony A100 it be these two options, right?

http://www.adorama.com/MCAETMAX.html?searchinfo=Pro%20Optic%20Auto%20Extension%20Tube%20Set%20&item_no=1

http://www.adorama.com/KNAETSDMAX.html?searchinfo=Kenko%20DG%20Auto%20Extension%20Tube%20Set&item_no=2

I assume so but I'm not familiar with sony/Minolta mounts.
Brian V.