Not the first bee on the block

[ToddBarnhill]

Picasa Web Albums - todd.barnhill

Hope you enjoy. I really enjoy taking MACRO photography, but I haven't been able to get the right lens. This was taken with a Nikon D5000 with a 18-55 F5.6G lens in MACRO (AUTO mode). The auto settings were 1/640s, f/8.0, focal length 55mm, ISO200.

How do I get a clearer shot. Is a MACRO lens the only option or are there other ways to use the MACRO setting and get a clear close up. I took about 25 shots this day and only about 3 turned out this well. The conditions were great, sunny skies with temps in the upper 80's. Hope you write back, this is my first post.
Todd

[jblythe]

First the Macro setting on the camera doesn't do anything other than set aperture and shutter speed, etc. to what the camera thinks is optimum for a 'macro' photo. It doesn't allow you to focus any closer than any other setting. The lens governs how close you'll be able to focus on the subject.

The other options are a dedicated macro lens, close up filters or extension tubes. All of these allow closer focusing on the subject. Least expensive are close up filters. I haven't used them but I've read there is some quality loss. An extension tube set allows very close focus but you will need to master manual focus and have a very good light source plus a tripod. Cost (in Canada) is about $300 for a set. I recently purchased the Nikkor 60mm f2.8 micro lens. I've been testing it out and it seems to produce pretty good images. I'll post some at some point in my trials.

[windrider86]

Would you mind posting your image for us here on DPS. Please and thank you

[bruceliv]

It takes experience and practice. But you need the quality of glass -- this is a must for macro work.

Here is an image taken with the Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G. This is an extremely highly rated lens and not too expensive. For bugs, you would need a bit longer focal length. An inexpensive suggestion would be the Sigma 105mm F/2.8 macro. Depends what you need.