First Macro attempts - suggestions welcome

[soccerbag]

I just broke out my new lens tonight and decided to take some shots under night LED's to check out the new lens. I'm using a Canon XT with a Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens. For most shots I have the ISO set at 100, auto white balance, taken in AV mode, manual focus, and no flash. Thanks to MBZ for the recommendations of settings. Now, if only my pics looked half as good...

Please...suggestions are welcome. I'm new to the hobby and have thick skin. I now some are a bit washed out so recommendations will help. I have not posted pics here before so I hope this works.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Personally for shots like those I use as high an ISO as I can get away with. This allows more choice with DOF. Your using a tripod and remote trigger or timer right?

 

[rob1991]

wow that is def. amazing......i really want to get a macro lens so i can take stunning photos like that!

 

[soccerbag]

Steve, I will try a higher ISO. Still experimenting. Using tripod but remote trigger is in transit. I think that will make a big difference as I can feel the tripod shaking when I press the shutter.

rob1991...thanks man. It's a bit tough shelling out that kind on money on a lens, but it's well worth it IMO...once you see what others on this site can do with it. I hope to get there one day.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Steve, I will try a higher ISO. Still experimenting. Using tripod but remote trigger is in transit. I think that will make a big difference as I can feel the tripod shaking when I press the shutter

Try using the timer until your remote trigger arrives. This was taken with the same lens as you have ISO 800 no flash.

This one was ISO 400 using built in flash.

 

[soccerbag]

Steve,

Those are fantastic shots. I'll post more this evening trying the higher ISO. I think the remote trigger will make a BIG difference. I should have that on Monday. Thanks again!!

 

[soccerbag]

Well, I took a few more shots tonight and used the suggestion of a higher ISO. Shots turned out a bit better IMO but would appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Used the built in timer this go around which made things a little easier.

 

[soccerbag]

A few more....

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Nice improvement. Try turning your pumps off awhile before the shoot. I see a lot of floating stuff that detracts from the shot. As you can see the best detail shows up in the shots with the most light. I'm not sure if the lack of sharpness is from too low of a shutter speed or not enough post sharpening. Maybe a little of both? The last shot is one of my favorites. By the way what coral is that?

 

[soccerbag]

Thanks Steve. Good suggestions. I do turn the pumps off, but I have a diamond gobi that does not understand the term "chill out for a bit" : ). He stirs everything up!

Tha last shot is an ORA Green Birdsnest believe it or not. It's amazing the detail that a macro shot can pull out. I always thought the polyps were individual...apparently not. I really appreciate your suggestions. Just got the remote trigger today so will play around with that tonight.