When you open the aperature all the way (f2.8) you have a very shallow depth of field. What ever you shoot needs to be flat. The best macros I've seen were shot at f22. I always shoot at f11 or higher. The trouble you have there, is the light it limited. Do you have an off camera strobe?
I would try this. Just to see if its the camera or you. You can work on the artistic, once you've mastered the focus.
Set your camera to ISO 400, f11, auto shutter. Put it on a tripod, turn off pumps, and find a stationary subject. Make the subject the minimum focal length away from the lens. I forget what the 100 is, 5.5 inches I think. So focus on something 6 inches away. Fire the shot using the timer or auxillary shutter control if you have one.
Bracket those settings for effect. Try one stop above and one stop below. Set shutter one above and one below. Try with and without flash.
Try iso 800 too.
I also do better using manual focus. Might try that.
I would try this. Just to see if its the camera or you. You can work on the artistic, once you've mastered the focus.
Set your camera to ISO 400, f11, auto shutter. Put it on a tripod, turn off pumps, and find a stationary subject. Make the subject the minimum focal length away from the lens. I forget what the 100 is, 5.5 inches I think. So focus on something 6 inches away. Fire the shot using the timer or auxillary shutter control if you have one.
Bracket those settings for effect. Try one stop above and one stop below. Set shutter one above and one below. Try with and without flash.
Try iso 800 too.
I also do better using manual focus. Might try that.
