my first attempt at macro

[daveonbass]

this was taken with a canon 50D using a 18-55mm zoom lense, with an added macro lense screwed into the front. It was one of my favorites of the night...

please comment and critique.

 

[Jeff]

Great picture but a tad blurry. Did you use a tripod?

 

[nightime]

pics look amazing

 

[daveonbass]

yes I did but I couldn't get it to focus any broader....?

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Ther DOF doesn't bother me but the focus point could be sharper. Try to add more sharpening or use a remote shutter release. It's still a nice shot though.

 

[daveonbass]

shutter was on a timer...that way I didn't jar the camera once it was set up. I have been reading on here about people using a sharpening tool in the photo program they use. I am still looking into it...the one I have on my "photostudio" is not all that nice...it makes the focus sharper...but it also ruins the rest of the bacground stuff too...so I didn't post that version of the pic.

I guess my main issue is how to tell if you are focused in the dark...the picture above was done with just the tiny amount of moonlight. There is no other light source...I just left the shutter open for a while. I love how the colors came out...even if they are a little inacurrate...but it's really hard to focus...then open the shutter...then leave it exposed, and not have the object move just a little.

phew...

I have a lot to learn still...hehe.

dave

 

[Steve Ruddy]

If your cameras view finder doesn't have focusing indicators try hitting your image with some light until you get the focus set.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

In a nut shell, engage your camera's flash before you focus.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Do all cameras have flash assisted focusing?

I know the 50D does.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Yes but unless the flash is engaged....its not going to happen. My 580EXII shoots a red beam like terminator instead of flashing 100 times, but the goal is the same.

 

[daveonbass]

yes it would not have been possible to focus with out the flash engaged (for focusing ONLY). And yes the 50D can do that. And so I did. I also had to adjust which focal point to adjust to...I believe it was the upper focus point (of the 9 provided). But again the big issue was that one the camera focused to the flash then the real fun begins. I hd to close the flash and disengage it...then I had to put the lens to manual focus so that the focus wouldn't switch once it was found.

then as stated above...the coral was bound to move a little once the shutter was open...and since it was exposed for around 10 seonds...I'm just happy that it came out that clean. But next time I will definately turn off the pump....and hopefully the coral will not be opening up for night feeding the next time.

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Dave I would turn the pumps off as well as manually focus and lock up the mirror assuming your camera has that type of set up. I think you already mentioned using a timer or remote trigger and tripod. Please post the new photo so we can can compair!

 

[phoman]

looks cool

 

[Spideybry]

awesome shot

 

[Husky_1]

Just curious as to what type of auxillary lens did you use?

 

[KPearce]

Picture Look great!