Macro Shots

[Wildman]

Not as sharp as I wanted. Any tips?

Shot manual
105mm macro w/ 2x converter
F/9
1/25 (250s)

[Kevin]

Take that 2x off, get closer and kick it up to F13-16

Is it a 1:1 macro? The sigma?

When taking stationary objects like that, bust out the tripod and use live-view zoom mode (your's has something similar right?) and tweak that puppy.

[Wildman]

Kevin, It is the Nikon 28-105mm Macro. I was testing what the 2x would do on 105 (210) and at f/9 I was at 18 w/ the 2x.

I shot them off a tripod, mirror lock, but not the live-view because on live-view I lose my option for mirror lock.

[AtTheWall]

It's the 2x.

My recommendation.....AF-S VR NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED....Christmas is right around the corner

[Kevin]

Ouch! Should have gone Canon

http://www.juzaphoto.com/eng/articles/live_view_mirror_lock_up.htm

[Bowtie]

I dont know Danny, them thorns look perty sharp to me.

[AtTheWall]

I think I'm going to lean on a 300mm prime lens for macro work Danno. I've been tossed between zoom vs fixed in the 300-400 range and I'm starting to realize a fixed lens, of the long zoom variety, may be pretty cool for macro shots? Add an extension tube and it magnifies things further.

I see where your going with this on a macro application. I shot some bees this past spring around 250-300mm and even though my shots were not up to the quality I wanted, first time to try, I can see it applied on macro shots without having to worry about spooking the critter of diving into a pile of brush to close the distance down....footsie zoom style....to snag the shot.

Plan on buying a fixed 300mm L Prime next week. It is time.

[Wildman]

Ok Kevin....... the D300 is just like the Canon in live view. My ignorance was the problem. What I didn't realize is that while the picture "disappears" when the shutter is half depressed (in focus) or MIRROR UP MODE and then on full release the mirror drops. So, while in live view mode, the mirror locked. And I can do that fancy zoom thing too with the D300

Rob, explain to me how you can shoot a 300 fixed in a macro setting, if it isn't a macro lens. Other than the turn the lens around backward trick.

Pretty sharp....... I just got that pun

[doncom]

I'm starting to realize a fixed lens, of the long zoom variety, may be pretty cool for macro shots?

HUH?

[Wildman]

Just for reference, this is the size of the flower I am trying to macro.



Kevin, I took off the 2x and my macro shot a cleaner photo, but at 105mm I just am not getting tight enough. Would a flash help sharpen the photo?

This one is with the 2x and a small flashlight

[matrxx]

Just for reference, this is the size of the flower I am trying to macro.

[ATTACH]63775[/ATTACH]

Kevin, I took off the 2x and my macro shot a cleaner photo, but at 105mm I just am not getting tight enough. Would a flash help sharpen the photo?

This one is with the 2x and a small flashlight

[ATTACH]63776[/ATTACH]

WIldman,
what did you use when taking this picture?