help :)

[ff151]

Hi guys,

I am new to DSLR photography and I am learning as I go. I have a fairly good grasp of the exposure triangle (ISO-F-stop-Shutterspeed)

The gear I am using is a Nikon D200, 18-55mm 2.8 and 80-200mm 2.8. I also have 63mm worth of extension tubes for macro.

The photo here was taken outside at

ISO 1600
Shutter 10/2000
F 16

with the D200 and the 80-200mm 2.8 lense with 63mm of extension tubes.


I have found out that using the extension tubes, and also having a high F-2top 4 - 2.8, the depth of field does not allow all of the insect to be in focus. I set the ISO to 1600 so that I could have a high shutter speed and also a low f-stop( I do realize that anything over 800 on the D200 is supposed to be noisy - is that why this isn't that sharp?) . I was hand holding the camera for this shot.

What do you guys think about this pic? I would like to have it sharper than it is, but don't know if I am being unreasonable with the equipment I am using.

[kirbinster]

Wow at ISO 1600 that is amazing!

[ELAY]

That is pretty good. You are working at very high magnification with a tiny depth of field.

Focus in macro is incredibly hard. As you say, depth of field is difficult, and the plane of focus is incredibly smooth. One thing you can try is kind of DIY focus bracketing. If you are handholding, move very slowly toward and away from your subject, shooting on continuous mode the whole time. You will end up with a variety of focus points, and one may suit you.

EL

[ff151]

Thanks Elay,

Thats exactly what I was doing today! hehehe, thankfully the 200 shoots at 5 fps, I have a bit better chance at getting a good shot.

FF

[ELAY]

I just glanced at my post and am trying to figure out what I meant by saying that the plane is "incredibly smooth." (Maybe I was thinking of my favourite ale?)

My best guess is that I meant thin.

EL