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macro! help!!!

lr1811lr1811 Registered Users Posts: 363 Major grins
edited June 6, 2006 in Technique
I see amazing macro shots of various bugs, etc. but for some reason I cannot do this. Is it me or the lens or both?! :dunno

I use a Sigma 105mm DG Macro lens on my Nikon D70.

People tell me I am not close enough. Yesterday I had a ladybug that was fully cooperative! I was inches away and still the same problems - not the detail I see others achieve and the DOF seems limited. I shoot in aperature priority and manual focus. I have tried AF and other modes but the results have been worse. I use a tripod for al of these shots along with the wireless remote. Nothing moves.

Here is example from last night -
(I posted this last night as well)

I was probably 6" away (not sure exact distance).

Is this the best I can do with this lens? Are people using some type of attachments or other items to realy get the detail?

I would really like to settle this once ad for all! Any help is appreciated.

Brian

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    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,871 moderator
    edited June 6, 2006
    lr1811 wrote:
    I see amazing macro shots of various bugs, etc. but for some reason I cannot do this. Is it me or the lens or both?! ne_nau.gif

    I use a Sigma 105mm DG Macro lens on my Nikon D70.

    People tell me I am not close enough. Yesterday I had a ladybug that was fully cooperative! I was inches away and still the same problems - not the detail I see others achieve and the DOF seems limited. I shoot in aperature priority and manual focus. I have tried AF and other modes but the results have been worse. I use a tripod for al of these shots along with the wireless remote. Nothing moves.

    Here is example from last night -
    (I posted this last night as well)

    I was probably 6" away (not sure exact distance).

    Is this the best I can do with this lens? Are people using some type of attachments or other items to realy get the detail?

    I would really like to settle this once ad for all! Any help is appreciated.

    Brian

    Brian,

    I see from your EXIF information two potential problems:

    File: - C:\My Documents\My Pictures\LR1811_DSC_1647edit1post.jpg
    Make - NIKON CORPORATION
    Model - NIKON D70
    ExposureTime - 1/5 seconds
    FNumber - 4.00

    1/5 sec is awfully long for hand-held. Most macro work is shot using electronic flash and very short duration shutter speed. Your D70 will sync up to 1/500th sec, and for macro work I would suggest anywhere from 1/125 to 1/500th sec.

    The aperture was f4, which is very limited DOF. Much macro work is done from f8 to f22.

    So try a shorter shutter speed and electronic flash and a smaller aperture and see if you get the results you're looking for.

    ziggy53
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,871 moderator
    edited June 6, 2006
    Also glean information from these two threads:

    http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=25164
    http://www.digitalgrin.com/showthread.php?p=145630

    ziggy53
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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