how to take macro pics

[JGoslee]

I recently bought a canon digital rebel xt and the canon 100mm macro lens. These are the best 2 pics out of about 100 trys.

Im using a tripod and the pumps are turned off. I have the camera set on auto. Anyone have any good tips for taking a decent macro pic?
Thanks


-Jesse

 

[MAreefer1]

also, there should be a button somewhere ont he camera that looks like a little flower, thats the macro auto focus, youll need to press that so the lense will be in that mode.

 

[ssbreef]

Try setting it to macro tht should help

 

[JGoslee]

So if Im using a macro lens I still need to set the camera on macro mode?

 

[ssbreef]

it's better than auto...
Read this...
http://www.camerahobby.com/EBook-Glossary.htm

 

[gregr]

I'd recommend using aperture priority for macros, especially since you have a tripod. If you want to get a little fancy try using the two second self-timer too. For lots of depth of field try an aperture of f16 as a starting point- experiment with different apertures too. You might need to set a little exposure compensation- if the pictures are coming out too bright then set negative compensation (super too bright then maybe -one and 1/2 stops, just a little too bright then set about -2/3 of a stop... if the pics are coming out too dark [doubtful] then set positive compensation). Set a low ISO- 200 should be good. Remember though that at f16 your shutter speeds are going to be very long-- so that tripod will be absolutely necessary.

 

[Snowsurfer]

Also make sure you focus manually, you will get better results

 

[Blazer88]

I don't use the little flower at all (you can't use RAW in that mode). I set the camera to aperture priority with a middle aperture of around F/16'ish and ISO at 100 or 200. Since you have a tripod and the pumps turned off, the slower shutter speed shouldn't be a problem. Here are a few examples with my XT and 100mm F/2.8. I don't generally use manual focus since the smaller aperture gives enough depth of field, I only use manual when I have a very large (like F/2.8) aperture and the DOF is very thin. These below were with auto focus.

 

[Gisho]

Wow, those are siiiiick Blazer!

How close is the end of your lens to the tank glass?

I just got the XTi and I'm only a novice photographer, and don't have the 100mm macro lens yet...which will likely be my next purchase.

Does the 100 f/2.8 Canon macro lens that everyone raves about have USM and/or IS? I have only seen the USM only version? I guess with macro work you generally only use a tripod, so IS isn't necessary?

Any chance I could get pictures of that quality with my 70-300mm IS USM lens? I know it's not meant for macro's though?

Sorry for the many questions...thanks in advance for any help, and again, BEAUTIFUL pictures!!!:eek2:

 

[JGoslee]

Thanks for all the tips! As soon as I get the hang of this camera Ill post some pics.

 

[afex]

here is my method.

1 - frame my shot using the tripod. i usually use auto focus to see how far the camera needs to be from the glass. (if it cant AF, i move it back some and try again)
2 - set camera to timer mode so pressing the button doesnt blur the picture
3 - take about 10 of the same picture, each with varying apertures.
4 - pick the best shot on my computer and delete the rest :]

these are with nikon D80 and stock kit lense (non-macro)

 

[bwest]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8790596#post8790596 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gisho
Any chance I could get pictures of that quality with my 70-300mm IS USM lens? I know it's not meant for macro's though?

I dont think that kind of close up quality can be obtained with the 70-300. I personally have tried a 70-200 f/4L and a 300 f/4L but stuggle with them because of the minimum focusing distance. I've had more success lately taking images with my standard kit lens (18-55) from my rebel xt in macro mode.

Here's one example with a little post production:

And another:

 

[JGoslee]

Nice pics Afex! I'll have to try using the timer. I do notice it shakes when I push the button.