Macro Photography

[tnwaltz]

I would be interested in knowing how various people do macro photography and what equipment they use. I recently purchased a screw on filter (Quantaray 67mm +10 Macro) and I am not pleased with it. I cannot get sharp photos.

I don't particularly want to spend $300 - $400 on a lens, so am I out of luck with macro photography? My camera is a Nikon, D70 and has a dial which is designed for flowers, but if I get as close as I'd like, it will not focus.

How do people get those beautiful, sharp macro photos of flowers and insects?

Any help or ideas will be greatlly appreciated.

[elwoodsusanm]

I am interested in this too as I have only the lense that came with the camera. I can fairly close but not right in.:confused:

[billd2]

Macro photography is a subject that I am slowly learning. I have found that a good lens, tripod and remote shutter release contribute greatly to good photos. Subjects are easy to find. My lens is an AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G. The drawback to this lens is it's cost. However, there are lots of reasonably priced lenses on the market that provide excellent macro photos. I have a very sturdy tri-pod with a ball head that allows easy movement of the camera which is a Nikon D-80. I also utilize a Nikon remote shutter release.

Movement and vibration of the camera are enemies of photography, especially close up photos. That's whiy I use the remote shutter release. An inexpensive option. I hope this helps. The nice thing about the digital camera is it allows me to take numerous photos to get one good one at no extra cost.

[ljameso1]

Extension tubes will allow your lens to focus closer, but I think you would be happiest with a true macro lens. Get one that has a 1:1 ratio- that is the object will appear life size on the frame.

[TonyW]

I just use my Nikkor 70-300mm VR lens that will focus down to about 4 ft at maximum extension. That gives a 4:1 image size on the sensor which I find is fine for flowers and most small things (by the time you view that at print size it's well over life size). I can see needing 1:1 for taking pics of bees knees but I haven't got into that sort of stuff yet so I'm content with 4:1.

I have considered both the Canon Close Up lenses (eg the 500D) or extension tubes but so far haven't got into the kind of photography where I'd need the extra magnification.

Tony

[tnwaltz]

Tony, I am assuming that you have to crop your photo (4:1) if you want a tight shot. Is that right? I have a Nikkor 70-210 and still can't get a close up of a flower! I have so much to learn.

[TonyW]

I guess it depends on the size of the flower (or if I want just a bit of the flower). Here's an example, uncropped and it wasn't at maximum zoom so I could have got it a bit bigger (it was shot at 250mm and I can't remember how close I was to the minimum focus distance) but wanted to make sure I had the whole orchid in the shot.

I'm guessing but what you see is probably about twice life-size - I have lots of spare pixels so could go a lot bigger.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/12Hq3FouApwEznc43i7O3i8LoIYhM_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=12Hq3FouApwEznc43i7O3i8LoIYhM)

Tony

[mrmacro]

Hi Tnwaltz,
It depends what you want to do with your shots. If all you want are 4x6 prints you should be able to get some nice shots with your D70 on the macro mode (flower icon.) You have to be willing to partially press and depress the shutter a number of times till the camera finds the sweet spot, and then take the shot. (bright light and low or no wind help a lot).You also have to be willing to experiment by moving yourself incrimentally closer and farther from the subject while looking for the focus to "catch." Once you get a few good shots you will have an idea of how close you can go.
If that's not close enough you can get an extension tube, which will be less expensive than a nice lense.
However, if you want gorgeous sharp prints that can be printed 13"x19" you will have to get a nice lense (in my opinion), such as the Canon 60mm macro lense. There is no comparison, in terms of quality. A lot of macro pros use tripod and remote shutter, as mentioned by billd2, but I have had great crisp shots when I shot in very bright light (high shutter speed), handheld, and little wind. For me the tripod and remote shutter take away from the fun factor: find it and shoot it.
Josh

[tnwaltz]

Thanks to everyone for your replies and suggestions. I would love to be able to take nice flower shots, but can't justify the cost of a nice lens. If I ever saved enough money to buy one, does someone have any suggestions as to which one I should consider for my Nikon D70 and the cost involved?

The extension tube may be a good alternative. Exactly how does it work? Would it work equally as well on my 18-70 and 70-210?

[Chuck S.]

TNW - Here's a good little article on extension tubes.

http://www.shutterfreaks.com/Tips/ExtensionTube.htm

One set-up you may want to consider: a Nikon 50 mm f/1.8 lens with a Kenko extension tube. This will cost you less than $300 for the whole shebang (3 extension tubes plus lens) and will get you going in the macro playground. The 50 mm lens is a great addition to your gear even if you don't use it strictly for macro.

[TonyW]

Or take a look at the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 Macro EX DG . The reviews are good, it will give you a 1:1 ratio without extension tubes and you can pick one up for just over $250. And, like Chuck says a 50mm lens is a useful one to have.

http://www.popphoto.com/lensreview/sigma-50mm_f_._2.8_macro_ex_dg.html

Tony

[Chuck S.]

Or take a look at the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 Macro EX DG . The reviews are good, it will give you a 1:1 ratio without extension tubes and you can pick one up for just over $250. And, like Chuck says a 50mm lens is a useful one to have.

http://www.popphoto.com/lensreview/sigma-50mm_f_._2.8_macro_ex_dg.html

Tony

Tony, sounds like a better choice! Messing with extension tubes has a certain 'hassle factor' associated with it...:)

[billd2]

Here is a link to some sample photos taken by the Sigma 50mm Macro lens:

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/sigma/50_28_ex_dg_macro

[epaul6]

I bought the 100 mm Tokina 2.8. It is built like a tank. It is not a VR lens but I don't know if that is a useful feature as a tripod is just about a necessity for macro photography. Also most folks I know almost always focus manually because the focus depth of field is very shallow. Another consideration is you may want to shop for a good used lens. The Nikon mentioned in earlier posts is about $760 (Tokina is $400) new. For many people it may be quite an investment for a "part-time" lens.

[tnwaltz]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and comments. The type of lens I think I want is quite a large investment considering I will not be using it as often as my others. I'm still thinking, however, about the 60mm.