Might not be as disappointed as I thought

[Preacherman]

Hi everyone. Just had a quick second session with my new Macro lens. I was so disappointed as my first shots were not at all like even the worst ones I have seen some of you guys post. Then I realised I am going to have to exit my comfort zone and go manual, cos all the shots in auto (etc) were disappointing. Having never even turned the dial to manual before, I messed around a bit. I think I am getting better. Here is my progression. Any comments/help appreciated. Thanks. PAUL







No 1 - Auto;Tv 1/125;Av 2.8;ISO 400; Focal Length 105
No 2 - Manual;Tv 1/160;Av 5.6;ISO200; FL 105
no 3 - Manual;Tv 1/160;Av 22;ISO 800; FL 105

Could this be learning??? Can't wait to tell the kids Old Dad can handle more than just a hammer and nails!

[daft_biker]

Only the 3rd shot shows for me - the spider looks like a Meta Segmentata (lesser garden spider). The angle you have chosen to shoot from shows how the spider hangs from a flat orb web and you have even managed to capture it eating something (a little black fly at a guess!). The subject is also well isolated form the out of focus background

A tripod and a still day would be preferable to using ISO 800 though. Just the slightest of breezes makes shots like that very difficult....I think I can let you off with the focus being a little too far back to get the abdomen sharp this time

Even although I can't see the first 2 images the EXIF would certainly suggest you are going in the right direction - manual focus and small apertures. It definately looks like learning to me

[Preacherman]

Originally Posted by daft_biker

Only the 3rd shot shows for me - the spider looks like a Meta Segmentata (lesser garden spider). The angle you have chosen to shoot from shows how the spider hangs from a flat orb web and you have even managed to capture it eating something (a little black fly at a guess!). The subject is also well isolated form the out of focus background

A tripod and a still day would be preferable to using ISO 800 though. Just the slightest of breezes makes shots like that very difficult....I think I can let you off with the focus being a little too far back to get the abdomen sharp this time

Even although I can't see the first 2 images the EXIF would certainly suggest you are going in the right direction - manual focus and small apertures. It definately looks like learning to me

Thanks Andrew. I appreciate your comments and the information. I will look up the Meta Segmentata now you've got me going. Regards. PAUL

[wulf]

Like Andrew, I can only see the third shot. Two suggestions based just on that:

1. Unless the spider is sitting very still, it is probably easier to practise on inanimate subjects. Remove variables like the subject moving (or being blown about the in breeze) so you can set up the shot at your leisure (and experiment with different settings for the same shot).

2. The big challenge when focusing small things is the minimal depth of field. You've chosen an angle where the spider has a lot of depth; above or below is flatter and thus easy to catch all in focus.

Wulf

ps. Are you using a tripod for these shots or handholding? If hand-holding, you probably need a faster shutter speed and thus more light from ISO / aperture or external sources.

[JFSanders]

Definitely learning. Nice spider shot. Also left you a comment on your motor winding shot in your Flickr.