Help with Macro- advice needed

[bwex]

Hi All- I just got a macro 105mm f2.8 lens and am hoping to learn how to use it by practicing. I am really happy with photos I took last week during a snow storm in NYC, but I don't think they are "true macro" shots. What is a "true macro" and how can i take these well? When I set the lens to the 1:1 ratio, I have to be really close to the subject and the shots are rarely in focus. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!
Beth

[pjmiller]

What do you mean by "really close?" "Macro" is (generally) 3 inches or less. If your shots are blurry, you are either too close or not close enough ... believe it or not. Aim at the subject, zoom in far as you can, and if you are still blurry, move the camera closer and closer until you get a focus. If not, then you are too close, move the camera out. Takes practice to learn how your new lens responds. But odds are that you need to get closer. If you are more than 3" you are probably too far away.

Barking Spyders Photography - Nature Photography by PJMiller

[PWhite214]

Hi Beth,

Macro takes some practice. A 1:1 ratio set on your macro lens will give you a depth of field approximately 1mm at f11. You might want to try some photos at lesser magnification to learn how to move the camera and release the shutter as your subject, or part of the subject is in sharp focus. A tripod can be helpfull if your subject is not moving.

There is a lot of information in this thread. Please keep asking questions, there are a lot of folks on here that can help.

Nice to meet you,

Phil

[Bluenoser]

What is the closest focusing distance of your lens? It should be in the specs.

I have a Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro and closest focusing distance is 12". Keep in mind, closest focus distance is measured from film plane to subject.

[sparda79]

Hi Beth...

A 'true macro' is when the image is projected to your camera's image sensor at life size (1:1 or 1x) or more. Most macro lens has a maximum magnification of 1x like your new macro lens. Few macro lens like the one I'm using (EF 50mm f/2.5 compact macro) only have half life size (0.5x) magnification and certain spe******e macro lens like the Canon MPE 65mm have a magnifications that starts at 1x up to 5x.

To get the life size magnification from your lens, you have to turn the focusing ring (set to manual) to the 1:1 ratio. Then, get the subject in focus, the subject/focus point should be at the lens 'minimum focusing distance'. Normally the minimum focusing distance is printed on the lens. If the subject is closer than this, the lens won't be able to focus. If the subject is further, you can adjust the focusing ring, but you will lose the 1:1 magnification.

So the tricky part is to get the subject on the minimum focusing distance.


Sparda

[bwex]

Thanks for all of the information and advice! This confirms a lot of what I was thinking, however, I am confused as to why the 105mm lens gives you more "working room" (as I've heard it referred to) than the 60mm. I guess it's because the minimum focusing distance for the 60mm is .6ft and the 105mm is 1ft. Do photographers really get that close to insects, etc. without scaring them away?

[sparda79]

That is correct. Same magnification, but more space between you and the subject.

I used my 50mm macro with 68mm extension tube, and the minimum focusing distance is only less than an inch from the front of my lens. I got great magnification, but lost a great deal of light.

You just have to practice, know the behaviour of the insects, and don't go after anything that'll make you frustrated and quits..


Sparda