Beginner Question: Macro photo?

[nigelisabelle]

Not sure what I'm doing wrong but I think I should be able to take a macro photo with my Canon Rebel XTi 400D.

I have a 0.2m/0.9ft lens.

I'm reading my field book and manual and yet I can't get a good photo of a dime (my subject!)

I'm going crazy trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. Perhpas my lens isn't capable of taking a macro photo?

Thanks,
Joanne

[RexK_Cozumel]

what lens do you have? most lenses have a minimum focus distance. That could be your problem or it could be that you dont have enough light. Are you using a tripod? If not you should.

[ding]

What's the problem you're having? Is it not filling the frame? Too blurry?

The .2m/.9ft moniker should mean that the lens can focus on something that's .9ft from the *sensor* on the camera. If you zoom all the way in and frame your shot, approx. how far away is the camera body from the dime?

[nigelisabelle]

The 'dime' is too blurry and out of focus. It's as if my camera is having a hard time focusing. I have an 18-55 lens (0.28m/0.9ft).

I'm getting up close to the dime about an inch away from it.

I don't think my camera has a 'macro' setting. Although it does have a 'close up' option which I'm using.

[Canadian Mum]

Try moving back from the dime... then zooming in if you can.

[ding]

Yeah, try moving back to put a few inches between the lens and the subject. You may have to manual focus, too, if the auto focus is having a hard time.

If you turn your focus ring until it stops, but it still isn't quite in focus, you may need to move back a little more. A tripod is really going to help you with this.

[phoenixx]

Can you try to manual focus and see how that goes for you? I find manual focus help a ton whenever I try to get close.

[Jamesc359]

Your lens being a 0.9ft lens means that the closest focusing distance is 0.9ft (10.8inch) You need to have about 11 inches or 28cm from the dime to the front element of your lens. Any closer and the lens can't focus on it.

[nigelisabelle]

Thanks.
I moved back and used manual plus I used the 'close up' option I still can't get as close as I want. I can't get the dime to fill the screen.

This is as close up as I can get. Grrr...

[nigelisabelle]

Thanks James. This is very helpful. I think I need a better lens so that I can really get in close with.

Any recommendations ?