Quote:
Originally Posted by Sybleann43
I just recently bought a Cannon EF 100mm 2:8Macro USM and not real sure how to use it-- does anyone have any tips for me-- I really want to get as close to a bug as possible! thank you
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I own this lens as well, and I'm sure that once you get the hang of using it, you will come to love it as much as I do.
My first tip for you would be to read the Owner's Manual.
Notice on the lens you have two switches - one for toggling between Auto Focus (AF) and Manual Focus (MF), and the other for switching between "0.31m - Infinity" focus and "0.48m - Infinity" focus. The latter of the two I mentioned is for restricting the lens to auto-focus within a certain range. If you do not require the lens to focus on anything closer than 0.48m to your focal plane, then you can switch it to "0.48m - Infinity". But, if you want to focus on subjects closer than 0.48m (distance to your camera's focal plane), then switch it to "0.31m - Infinity" and the camera will utilize its full focusing range. Does that make sense?
Now, if you want to, like you said, "get as close to a bug as possible," then you'll want to set your lens to shoot 1:1. For an explanation of 1:1 macro photography, you can read on it
here. To do this, set your lens to MF and "0.31m - Infinity". Then, turn the focusing ring so that the white line just below the distance meter (on the "top" of the lens when it is mounted) lines up with the number "1", which is yellow in color. Then, look through your camera's viewfinder and adjust the distance between your camera and subject by moving the camera itself until you achieve the focus you want; do not use the focusing ring to adjust your focus because you want to stay at 1:1. Assuming you've already set your other settings (shutter, aperture, ISO, etc.), snap the shot.
If you're shooting 1:1, I would suggest using a tripod and remote shutter release. When working at such close distances, the slightest camera movement is magnified greatly and will botch your shots.
I hope this helps!