New Sigma 105mm macro for my D300

[JHemdal]

All,

Here is the first batch of images I've gotten using my new Sigma 105mm macro. I'm still learning both the camera and this lens...just today I discovered that the focus limiter switch even works in manual mode, and that I had the lens stuck in one section...turn that off and all of a sudden I can get 1:1, imagine that!

 

[klepto]

Cool to see you experimenting with some macro action Jay!

I have this lens on my D50 and I love it. I like using it for some non-macro stuff from time to time as well.. Oh and personally, I never use the limit or the autofocus on this lens- like you said if you want 1:1 then the limit won't allow it. I think that the auto focus is slow and not very effective at all (esp. for macro work).

thanks for posting- and keep shooting!

 

[imcosmokramer]

nice pickup.

 

[JHemdal]

In looking at these photos again this morning, they just are not as sharp as I'd like them to be (not just a DOF issue). In fact, the only truly sharp area (to me) seems to be the pelvic fin of the smaller sacura anthias in the fourth image.

I was shooting handheld for all of these, but I had the shutter speed up above 160 for most of them. I was just using the built-in flash for these shots, but in the future I have the option of using my SB-600 on a sync cord or a macro ring flsh.....

Any other suggestions?


Jay

 

[Logzor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15020927#post15020927 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JHemdal
In looking at these photos again this morning, they just are not as sharp as I'd like them to be (not just a DOF issue). In fact, the only truly sharp area (to me) seems to be the pelvic fin of the smaller sacura anthias in the fourth image.

I was shooting handheld for all of these, but I had the shutter speed up above 160 for most of them. I was just using the built-in flash for these shots, but in the future I have the option of using my SB-600 on a sync cord or a macro ring flsh.....

Any other suggestions?


Jay

Those look normal for hand held shots. I'm sure they will be ultra sharp with a tripod. Sharpness is what that lens is known for.

 

[Reef Bass]

I like #1! Great expression on the fish. #3 moves me too.

I see what you mean about the lack of crispness. +1 for a tripod and remote shutter release or timer. It would be nice to have EXIF info available to examine your settings.

 

[JHemdal]

Just an update on this - my sacura pictures got published in Advanced Aquarist Online, and they put one of them up as the cover as well!

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/4/fish


Jay

 

[iceemn360]

I cant get enough of this lens! its one of my sharpest and Its my favorite macro for now!

I like the xenia photo with the flash. It brought out some interesting colors there. The one thing that gets tricky is focusing through glass at an angle or through acrylic that is bowed.

here are some things this lens has done for me

 

[JHemdal]

What species is that bird?

 

[iceemn360]

The Violet Sabrewing, Campylopterus hemileucurus

 

[Rhizo]

I like that the front element glass is pretty deep in there. I tend to forget my lens hoods. >.< Like mentioned, this thing is a beast! Wide open is pretty sharp with a nice DoF