Now I wish I owned a macro!

K_user · 19-06-2012 4:04pm #1

Today I got bitten by the camera bug. I haven't been all that active with it lately, but today I just felt that need to photograph something, anything.

At first I tried to photograph a bird, but none took the bait. Then I tried a wild flower, too windy and I have tried it before. So I packed up and went to go back inside, only to spot a small cluster of flies...

The problem is I don’t own a macro lens, so I’ve never tried insect photography. They are small, they are fast, mostly they aren't all that pretty and there is a real technique to getting it right.

In saying all that, there is first time for everything and I'm always up for a challenge. They aren't critically sharp, but we all start somewhere and it has given me food for thought for the future.

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This is what I love about photography, who knows when the next obsessions will hit us!

pixbyjohn · 19-06-2012 9:10pm

Why don't you get this, as far as I know your Fuji is the same mount as Nikon for lens.
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/New-Macro-Extension-Tube-Nikon-Ai-AF-DSLR-SLR-D5000-D7000-D90-D3100-UK-/160751008502?pt=UK_Photography_CameraLenses_Lens_caps_hoods_adaptors_ET&hash=item256d81baf6

They do work well especially if you have a 50mm lens.

OldGoat · 19-06-2012 9:18pm

Have you concidered Freelensing? Detatch your lens, turn it round and hold the lens backwards against the body and then focus on your subject by moving the lens. Great fun if nerve wracking.
Link to Flicker Freelensing shots. <--Not mine.

lisatiffany · 20-06-2012 2:41am

I have to say I'm having a lot of fun with macro lately, but I tend to stay away from insects for the simple fact that they freak me out. I made the mistake of setting up my macro lens over a spider yesterday then looked through live view and it was too much, in the end I settled on a snail. Fear of insects aside that first picture is brilliant.

K_user · 20-06-2012 5:13pm

pixbyjohn wrote: »

Why don't you get this, as far as I know your Fuji is the same mount as Nikon for lens.
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/New-Macro-Extension-Tube-Nikon-Ai-AF-DSLR-SLR-D5000-D7000-D90-D3100-UK-/160751008502?pt=UK_Photography_CameraLenses_Lens_caps_hoods_adaptors_ET&hash=item256d81baf6

They do work well especially if you have a 50mm lens.

Yes the S5 is basically the D200, with a Fuji chip and programming.

I've looked at getting tubes before, but I've read that they can reduce the light by 2 stops, or more.

In saying that, I have a 50mm and E5? What could it hurt?

OldGoat wrote: »

Have you concidered Freelensing? Detatch your lens, turn it round and hold the lens backwards against the body and then focus on your subject by moving the lens. Great fun if nerve wracking.
Link to Flicker Freelensing shots. <--Not mine.

Freelensing scares the crap out of me!

But I've seen some great stuff on line - don't know if I'd try it outside for the first time though...

Kit wise though I think I'm ok. I decided to give it another go earlier today, until it started to drizzle. Except this time I went out with insects in mind. I stuck on my 70-300mm lens, an adapter ring and a couple of close up filters.

The 300mm gives me space to work, but it will take a lot of trail and error to work out the focusing distance. I've never used this combo before and it takes ages to rock myself into the right position.

A bit of practice and maybe I'll start getting average results!

K_user · 20-06-2012 5:19pm

lisatiffany wrote: »

I have to say I'm having a lot of fun with macro lately, but I tend to stay away from insects for the simple fact that they freak me out. I made the mistake of setting up my macro lens over a spider yesterday then looked through live view and it was too much, in the end I settled on a snail. Fear of insects aside that first picture is brilliant.

You can say alot about spiders, but the aren't pretty up close!

Professey Chin · 20-06-2012 6:43pm

K_user wrote: »

You can say alot about spiders, but the aren't pretty up close!

Google says different
flat,550x550,075,f.jpg

Dawwwwwwwwwwww :pac:

Meant to add aswell, I have the extension tubes pointed out by pixbyjohn above.
Takes some getting used to and trial & error but they do work pretty well

hbr · 20-06-2012 10:16pm

K_user wrote: »

You can say alot about spiders, but the aren't pretty up close!

You haven't met Betty:

564BB50340CE4051B1DCA4BBB8D6833B-0000333388-0002523635-00800L-AF7162FE8B8D4318954FA9632118D99F.jpg

Or how about this Garden Spider?

776814E01AA14F258D422301B5D769DF-0000333388-0002549243-00800L-F88BB0B26E144C8DAF71259EE4D4817A.jpg

K_user · 21-06-2012 1:10am

The Great Chinholio wrote: »

Google says different

Dawwwwwwwwwwww :pac:

Aaahhhhh!! Look at the little cutie!

K_user · 21-06-2012 1:12am

hbr wrote: »

You haven't met Betty:
Or how about this Garden Spider?

OK! Point made...kinda...

Spiders for the most part are fascinating creatures, but they aren't puppies. They have their own type of beauty.

Better?

Professey Chin · 21-06-2012 8:11pm

Just took a quick example of the extension tubes with my 50mm 1.8
B94F8D6952674D4A9E4D137E6102E1F6-0000340252-0002905869-00800L-3582EB3E45E84B8C8C2D32B69B0CB90B.jpg

B94F8D6952674D4A9E4D137E6102E1F6-0000340252-0002905869-00800L-3582EB3E45E84B8C8C2D32B69B0CB90B.jpg

Thats from a couple of inchs away. Everything manual ends up in trial and error a lot but they can work out

dinneenp · 22-06-2012 11:05am

I bought a macro lens recently (Pentax 100mm f2.8 1:1) and it's a learning curve!
Such a narrow field of focus.

Hair curler by Photoblog.ie (Patrick Dinneen), on Flickr

pixbyjohn · 22-06-2012 1:35pm

dinneenp wrote: »

I bought a macro lens recently (Pentax 100mm f2.8 1:1) and it's a learning curve!
Such a narrow field of focus.

But you don't have to shoot at f2.8 for all macros

dinneenp · 22-06-2012 2:13pm

pixbyjohn wrote: »

But you don't have to shoot at f2.8 for all macros

I know. Began playing with it indoors in the evenings (when I was free) and light isn't great then.
have since been using it outdoors & with tripod.

penev10 · 22-06-2012 2:45pm

Glad it's not just me struggling with all things macro! some way better shots above than anything I'm getting though.

I'm using a 70-300mm which has a macro setting between 200-300mm which doesn't leave much room for manoeuvre.

Probably best of the shots I've gotten so far:

9DA92A30B6514430AF98580F7949ADFD-0000355675-0002883851-00500L-8C8C1C1E71114AF088EECB7E32139DD6.jpg

36CF9C8943454407B71D551BC70DC901-0000355675-0002868556-00500L-05D9F9572466402A92A95305672E64B1.jpg

Still doesn't feel like I'm getting close enough so have ordered some diopter filters (any use?) and an extension tube.

dinneenp · 22-06-2012 3:03pm

I have found that you dont' need a macro lens for macro/closeup photography (even though I bought one).

Compact cameras (is that a dirty word here?) can produce very good results

taken with a compact

Beer by Photoblog.ie (Patrick Dinneen), on Flickr

Golden Rain Drop Macro by Photoblog.ie (Patrick Dinneen), on Flickr

snow by Photoblog.ie (Patrick Dinneen), on Flickr

Weed 2 by Photoblog.ie (Patrick Dinneen), on Flickr

taken with a bridge camera (I often recommend a bridge camera as a great 'getting into' photography camera; jack of all trades

blowing in the wind by Photoblog.ie (Patrick Dinneen), on Flickr

A rose by any other name by Photoblog.ie (Patrick Dinneen), on Flickr

K_user · 22-06-2012 3:48pm

The Great Chinholio wrote: »

Just took a quick example of the extension tubes with my 50mm 1.8

Thats from a couple of inchs away. Everything manual ends up in trial and error a lot but they can work out

Thats great stuff! Definitely worth looking into...

K_user · 22-06-2012 3:50pm

dinneenp wrote: »

I bought a macro lens recently (Pentax 100mm f2.8 1:1) and it's a learning curve!
Such a narrow field of focus.

You can see the difference straight away. If you can afford it, there are real reasons for investing in a macro lens.

K_user · 22-06-2012 3:56pm

penev10 wrote: »

Glad it's not just me struggling with all things macro! some way better shots above than anything I'm getting though.

I'm using a 70-300mm which has a macro setting between 200-300mm which doesn't leave much room for manoeuvre.

Probably best of the shots I've gotten so far:

Still doesn't feel like I'm getting close enough so have ordered some diopter filters (any use?) and an extension tube.

I have the close up filters and they have their uses.

As I mentioned earlier I had never tried them on the 300mm before, but a quick test proved that they do the job. It gives you the space to work, so you don't have to have your nose to the subject. But its really hard to find the focusing sweet spot. It goes from almost there, to completely blurred, in mm movements.

Hopefully I'll get to try them outside over the weekend.

K_user · 22-06-2012 4:00pm

dinneenp wrote: »

I have found that you dont' need a macro lens for macro/closeup photography (even though I bought one).

Compact cameras (is that a dirty word here?) can produce very good results

taken with a compact

taken with a bridge camera (I often recommend a bridge camera as a great 'getting into' photography camera; jack of all trades

Its amazing, I have compacts and a bridge, but I never dust them off any more. DSLR fever maybe?

The real problem for me the the lack of RAW. It makes a real difference in the final image.

Professey Chin · 22-06-2012 4:25pm

K_user wrote: »

Its amazing, I have compacts and a bridge, but I never dust them off any more. DSLR fever maybe?

The real problem for me the the lack of RAW. It makes a real difference in the final image.

I used to have a Panasonic bridge (FZ18 I think)
Had a RAW output and a surprisingly good macro setting

pixbyjohn · 22-06-2012 4:40pm

This unit helps with focusing on Macro/closeup
>

4 way Macro Shot Focusing Focus Rail by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

Nforce · 22-06-2012 8:10pm

I bought a 105mm macro lens a couple of years ago, used it a handful of times and forgot about it ever since.:o

Here's one of the pics I took with it..

I really must start using it again.

jdee99 · 22-06-2012 8:18pm

macro is great fun - some of the pics above are stunning

Heres one of mine

I also use the 4-way macro rail well worth the money - the pic above is a series of photos taken with the rail and then laid on top of each other - took about an hour to photograph it though

mawk · 24-06-2012 1:23pm

Nforce wrote: »

I bought a 105mm macro lens a couple of years ago, used it a handful of times and forgot about it ever since.:o

Here's one of the pics I took with it..

I really must start using it again.

you can give it to me if you dont use it anymore ;-)

I got a reversing ring a while back, like holding the lens backwards but way less hassle. bit awkward but some great results, on my mobile now but I'll try remember to link some later

K_user · 24-06-2012 6:07pm

pixbyjohn wrote: »

This unit helps with focusing on Macro/closeup
>

4 way Macro Shot Focusing Focus Rail by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

Pretty

I was thinking about one of those as I was rocking back and forth looking for the lens to lock onto something, anything!

K_user · 24-06-2012 6:07pm

Nforce wrote: »

I bought a 105mm macro lens a couple of years ago, used it a handful of times and forgot about it ever since.:o

Here's one of the pics I took with it..

I really must start using it again.

Very nice!

Love the colours

K_user · 24-06-2012 6:10pm

jdee99 wrote: »

macro is great fun - some of the pics above are stunning

Heres one of mine

I also use the 4-way macro rail well worth the money - the pic above is a series of photos taken with the rail and then laid on top of each other - took about an hour to photograph it though

Amazing stuff, the hour was worth it!

K_user · 24-06-2012 6:13pm

I decided to run a "proper" indoor test today of the 70-300mm with a close up filter attached. Just to see what its capable of doing.

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Over all its not great, the focus isn't where I think it should be, the stem. And the stem is slightly distracting in its fuzzy state.

But its a start...

jdee99 · 25-06-2012 7:56am

K_User did you manually focus this or was it the camera? It looks as if the focus point is behind the stem to the left - or it could just be my eyes!

K_user · 25-06-2012 2:20pm

jdee99 wrote: »

K_User did you manually focus this or was it the camera? It looks as if the focus point is behind the stem to the left - or it could just be my eyes!

Yeah, I know the focus is off, as I said it should be on the stem, but its not, so the whole thing looks kinda wonky.

This was just a test sample. I needed to find the working distance when using the close up filter. As it turns out there is a very fine line between something being in focus and being completely blurred beyond recognition. The only way to figure it out is to slowly rock back and forth until something clicks. Then move the camera onto the tripod.

I really posted this in response to penev10's question on using a diopter on a 300mm lens.

penev10 wrote: »

Glad it's not just me struggling with all things macro! some way better shots above than anything I'm getting though.

I'm using a 70-300mm which has a macro setting between 200-300mm which doesn't leave much room for manoeuvre.

Still doesn't feel like I'm getting close enough so have ordered some diopter filters (any use?) and an extension tube.

I know that there is no real replacement for a Macro, hence the title of the tread. But I'm just trying something new out, to see if I enjoy it.

K_user · 25-06-2012 2:22pm

Also there is a fall off in image quality. So the number of "good" images will be reduced even further.

magicbastarder · 25-06-2012 2:26pm

i would beware of spending lots of money on macro gear; it can be a lot of money to spend on a very narrowly focused area (pun intended), which might not be able to sustain your interest.

i'd say it'd be very easy to fall into the 'great, i'm taking yet another close up picture of an insect' stage which might not be able to sustain your interest. a lot of macro work tends to be of technical rather than aesthetic appeal.

K_user · 25-06-2012 4:35pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

i would beware of spending lots of money on macro gear; it can be a lot of money to spend on a very narrowly focused area (pun intended), which might not be able to sustain your interest.

i'd say it'd be very easy to fall into the 'great, i'm taking yet another close up picture of an insect' stage which might not be able to sustain your interest. a lot of macro work tends to be of technical rather than aesthetic appeal.

Thats exactly it, I'm just exploring the enjoyment side of it at the moment.
I'll wait to see if I'm interested in keeping it up before I'd part with cash!

dinneenp · 25-06-2012 5:09pm

My plan is useine over d summer m if novelty has worn off, sell it. Should het what I paid for it.
Domt forget it's a very food portrait lens too & relatively small (well for 100mm and constant f2.8)

If I sell it I'll buy a WIDE angle lens and try it out (10mm).

Necronomicon · 25-06-2012 5:53pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

i would beware of spending lots of money on macro gear; it can be a lot of money to spend on a very narrowly focused area (pun intended), which might not be able to sustain your interest.

i'd say it'd be very easy to fall into the 'great, i'm taking yet another close up picture of an insect' stage which might not be able to sustain your interest. a lot of macro work tends to be of technical rather than aesthetic appeal.

True, but I've found the Canon 100mm to be very diverse. It's a fantastic portrait lens, so you're definitely not limited to macro work only. I also faced this dilemma when I was contemplating a flash unit; I was worried that investing in a ringflash would be dangerous in case my interest in macro fizzled out, so I bought a speedlight and a ringflash adapter.

So while I agree with the sentiment of your post, I think there are ways around it if you're careful with your purchases.

Zascar · 25-06-2012 6:11pm

Can anyone tell me more about using one of those Tubes? I might give it a go.

I found the Rail Slider if anyone is interested, only €20 http://www.ebay.ie/itm/110849694144#ht_2956wt_973

Professey Chin · 25-06-2012 8:07pm

Zascar wrote: »

Can anyone tell me more about using one of those Tubes? I might give it a go.

You mount them onto the camera then put the lens onto the end of them.
You can get more expensive ones that communicate with the camera & lens afaik so you have your usual controls but the cheap ones mean you can only control the shutter speed on the camera. Aperture & focusing have to be controlled manually which can really be a pain in the arse (although it has given me a new found respect for the DoF preview button on my d90 :pac:)

pixbyjohn · 25-06-2012 10:27pm

The Great Chinholio wrote: »

You mount them onto the camera then put the lens onto the end of them.
You can get more expensive ones that communicate with the camera & lens afaik so you have your usual controls but the cheap ones mean you can only control the shutter speed on the camera. Aperture & focusing have to be controlled manually which can really be a pain in the arse (although it has given me a new found respect for the DoF preview button on my d90 :pac:)

These are the more expensive ones, automatic focus and aperture controlled by camera. I find manual focus is best for macro work.

D80 with Autofocus Macro Tubes fitted by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

DaireQuinlan · 26-06-2012 10:52pm

I went on a bit of a macro bent a few years ago, when I had a fuji P&S. I reverse mounted a 50mm to the front, made for a surprisingly good combo...

Meet 'n greet. by Daire Quinlan, on Flickr

Green Shield Bug by Daire Quinlan, on Flickr

af_thefragile · 26-06-2012 11:04pm

I have the 70-300mm macro lens but I need something bigger. Rather than spending a grand on a 100mm L lense, I decided I'm gonna get the extenders kit tomorrow and see how close it can get me!!

af_thefragile · 26-06-2012 11:07pm

Zascar wrote: »

Can anyone tell me more about using one of those Tubes? I might give it a go.

I found the Rail Slider if anyone is interested, only €20 http://www.ebay.ie/itm/110849694144#ht_2956wt_973

This video is pretty good explaining macro photography and extension tubes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiPzTMUAWs8

Goolay · 28-06-2012 1:22pm

Some great info in this thread! Got myself a 10 euro set of extension tubes off Amazon last week. They arrived a few days ago and stuck 'em straight on my nifty fifty

Finding it pretty challenging to get anything sharp while shooting handheld.

A few first attempts:

Shell

8DB5CEBE6C784581933D2FD78279A075-0000341111-0002911774-00500L-D2C72DBA8BB447929859B39B9FA06531.jpg

Snail's Eye (NEARLY in focus!)

923DD86B04534260BEF690FB26085BBE-0000341111-0002911778-00500L-DC350B447C1C46F7B17B7E2BAC949D23.jpg

Cigarette Butt (not mine - filthy habit :P )

8A04013C188E4BB69A13EF296689A666-0000341111-0002911785-00500L-6CB7F52D558645F4BBDC7EA84856B918.jpg

Managed to get a bit sharper with a tripod:

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Looking forward to experimenting more with it!

Zascar · 28-06-2012 1:27pm

What sort of shutter speeds are they taken at?

Goolay · 28-06-2012 1:31pm

Zascar wrote: »

What sort of shutter speeds are they taken at?

Hiya,

Snail pics: 1/500

ciagarette butt: 1/250

Leaf: 1/80

cheers

Zascar · 28-06-2012 1:34pm

Sorry forgot to ask aperture also? Seems like there is too much depth of field almost! Cool shots though, keep us update on your progress, I might get one myself!

Can you link to what you bought on Amazon?

Goolay · 28-06-2012 2:06pm

Yeah, they're all wide open at 1.8. Once you go above f4 they're completely overexposed. This particular set of extension tubes require lenses with apeture rings. I think the main problem (if there is one) here is that I'm using all the tubes together at once so it's crazy-magnified to use the correct scientific terminology. Going to experiment with different combinations.

The set I got was: This one

Add £3 GBP for shipping

pixbyjohn · 28-06-2012 2:38pm

1cent by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

DaireQuinlan · 28-06-2012 2:52pm

Goolay wrote: »

Yeah, they're all wide open at 1.8. Once you go above f4 they're completely overexposed.

That's probably because you're setting the aperture on the body. These tubes don't have the little lever necessary to transmit the set aperture to the lens to stop it down, so if the lens is wide open at f/1.8 and you set f/4 on the body it'll overexpose by two stops. You're better off setting the camera to use the aperture set on the lens (if you can do that with your camera body) and use aperture priority, metering stopped down, or just use manual and chimp.

Most macro I've done has been just using TTL flash to provide the illumination, with the shutter speed set to sync speed or less, and the aperture set to f/16 or so to get some DOF.

The reason TTL metering (either straight metering or flash) is useful in macro is because you get quite dramatic fall off as you approach 1:1. At 1:1 the lens is extended to twice its focal length away from the sensor, so you're losing 2 stops or so. You have to compensate for this yourself if you're metering externally and shooting manually.

Goolay · 28-06-2012 3:10pm

Thanks Daire.

Meant to say underexposed! Yes that's it, have to set aperture on the lens as on the D90 I don't think I can change on the body. In manual or A mode I'm just getting "f.EE" where aperture would normally be on the LCD

af_thefragile · 28-06-2012 8:11pm

I got myself the kenko extension tubes today!

Now can't wait to take some nice close up macro shots!

Although I'm a little worried if the weight of the 70-300mm lens + the extension tubes would damage the camera when its on the tripod??... Mines only a plastic bodied Canon 600D...

Now I wish I owned a macro!

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