D50 and Macro mode

[rdaw]

I have a D50 with the two kit lenses - the 18-55 and 55-200, if I remember correctly. My question is - what precisely is the macro (little flower icon) mode good for? I'm still constrained by the minimum focus distance on my lens, am I not? So why would I use this mode rather than full manual, get as close to minimum distance as I can, compose, and shoot?

I'm well aware that I may be missing something blindingly obvious - I have a healthy respect for my own ignorance...thanks for any and all help

[hpebley3]

From page 20 of the manual (http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/dslr/D50_en.pdf):
"Close up: Photographing Small Objects
Use for close-up shots of flowers, insects, and
other small objects.
• Camera focuses on subject in center focus
area.
• Tripod recommended to prevent blurring at
slow shutter speeds."

Looks like the major difference from the other program modes is it only uses the central area for focusing, rather than looking at all the focus regions and choosing among them.

Hope this helps,
Harley Pebley

[rdaw]

Thanks for the info - I saw that, and thought, well, that's not much...I'll stick to manual.
Cheers

[hpebley3]

Thanks for the info

Glad to help.

I'll stick to manual.

Yeah, if you're comfortable with manual, there's probably not much the automatic modes will do for you.

Cheers,
Harley Pebley