Revised Macro settings

PeterD-2009

Hi all,

Following my last post and the comments made, I have now removed the 1.4 converter and also opened up the aperture to f10 (was f20).

I would appreciate any comments on these images with the Sigma 150mm DG Macro. I am still using auto focus (C-AF) on the camera to take into account slight movement when depressing the shutter. Shutter speed is mainly 1/250s when the flash is used.

Pyrausta purpuralis





Burnet Moths (Zygaenidae sp)


Empty pupae case and paper-like cocoon.



6 Spot Burnets

Cuckoo Bee (Bombus rupestris)



Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus)



Syrphus vitripennis



I intend to get extension tubes to increase magnification rather than the converter as recommended on here. I realise that I shall have to go for manual focus with these although there is a version with AF assist. Aperture settings may become a problem. Does anyone have a comment on this please?

Thanks for your help

GOLDENORFE

much better, alot sharper. #2 best composition and lighting

#2 and last frame best.
lighting looks like needs more diffusion , the burnet moths are very difficult even with natural light.

phil

PeterD-2009

GOLDENORFE wrote: »

much better, alot sharper. #2 best composition and lighting

#2 and last frame best.
lighting looks like needs more diffusion , the burnet moths are very difficult even with natural light.

phil

Thank you Phil.

Thanks also for the advice that you and Brian gave to my other post.

I am using the Metz Ring Flash which has a diffuser as part of the kit. Should I modify the diffuser and, if so, what would you recommend?

Cheers

Lord Vetinari

Looking good- esp like #2.
Brian V.

Overfocused

PeterD-2009 wrote: »

Thank you Phil.

Thanks also for the advice that you and Brian gave to my other post.

I am using the Metz Ring Flash which has a diffuser as part of the kit. Should I modify the diffuser and, if so, what would you recommend?

Cheers

White office paper is quite a good add on diffuser that you can shape tape smash and crumple without worrying about it. There are some decent diffused sheet plastics as well but you cant really crumple that stuff without ruining it. If it's specifically for the ring light I'd get the plastics and cut out the exact shape you need to add a layer or 2 of diffusion. The only problem is that for the most effective diffusion, you need a larger light source, and that's hard to do since the ring light is in front of the lens and not above or on the side of it. The only thing I could think of would be a cone shape attachment to the the ring light to try and simulate a larger light source... although technically it would be reflected light the source would be uniform and bigger than the bug and should work the same way.

You are talking about an on-lens ring flash right? Or am I totally misenterpreting what you said?

BeardedChick

Nice set, Peter!

PeterD-2009

Lord Vetinari wrote: »

Looking good- esp like #2.
Brian V.

Thank you. It's been good to get the encouragement on here and I too think these are much better.

Overfocused wrote: »

White office paper is quite a good add on diffuser that you can shape tape smash and crumple without worrying about it. There are some decent diffused sheet plastics as well but you cant really crumple that stuff without ruining it. If it's specifically for the ring light I'd get the plastics and cut out the exact shape you need to add a layer or 2 of diffusion. The only problem is that for the most effective diffusion, you need a larger light source, and that's hard to do since the ring light is in front of the lens and not above or on the side of it. The only thing I could think of would be a cone shape attachment to the the ring light to try and simulate a larger light source... although technically it would be reflected light the source would be uniform and bigger than the bug and should work the same way.

You are talking about an on-lens ring flash right? Or am I totally misenterpreting what you said?

Thanks for your advice. I have found that the camera built-in flash was providing unwanted in-fill illumination. I have applied a paper defuser as you suggest to the camera flash and I am pleased with the latest results.

Episyrphus balteatus



Link to larger image http://www.imageinuk.com/True-Flies-Diptera/Hover-Flies/Episyrphus-balteatus/7295040/952017495_DgLc3-XL.jpg



Link to larger image http://www.imageinuk.com/True-Flies-Diptera/Hover-Flies/Episyrphus-balteatus/7295039/952017462_xJ4yZ-XL.jpg

Melanostoma scalare



Link to larger image http://www.imageinuk.com/True-Flies-Diptera/Hover-Flies/Melanostoma-scalare/7295042/952019213_ejzi2-XL.jpg



Link to larger image http://www.imageinuk.com/True-Flies-Diptera/Hover-Flies/Melanostoma-scalare/7295041/952018411_aYVvD-XL.jpg

BeardedChick wrote: »

Nice set, Peter!

Thank you for your kind comments

Overfocused

I see the difference! The highlights are much less harsh and the lighting is even across the frame. Nice.

PeterD-2009

Overfocused wrote: »

I see the difference! The highlights are much less harsh and the lighting is even across the frame. Nice.

Thanks. I have found yet another problem with my technique. I had not adjusted flash compensation which meant that I was getting far too much light onto reflective or light coloured subjects. I have re-adjusted my standard settings to -1/3 stop exposure (no change) and -1 stop flash compensation (was 0). I am now varying the latter setting to accomodate for the brightness of the subject. This should further reduce the harshness of the highlights. I shall post some examples on this thread tonight.

paddler4

Paper towel (I think a suggestion from Lord V) also works well as the top layer of a diffuser. My current diffusion is a sto-fen, topped by another piece of diffusing plastic cut from a $12 lumiquest (the differs for pop-up flashes), topped by two layers of paper towel. It is enough for most but not all shots.

PeterD-2009

paddler4 wrote: »

Paper towel (I think a suggestion from Lord V) also works well as the top layer of a diffuser. My current diffusion is a sto-fen, topped by another piece of diffusing plastic cut from a $12 lumiquest (the differs for pop-up flashes), topped by two layers of paper towel. It is enough for most but not all shots.

Thanks for this extra info. I shall try this tomorrow and let you know how I get on.

This thread has proved really useful and I appreciate the time people have put in to help me.