The Pursuit of Macro Happiness

yeatzee · 10-29-2009, 10:11 AM

how would a tripod help? If you don't move chances are the bugs will. Likewise, i dont know where you live but very rarely is there no wind which means the flowers are moving. Therefor F/11 and a low shutter speed like you are implying is asking for blurry pictures all together (like I said this does not apply for product shots/indoor controlled environment stuff) Its all about balance. Also, I suggest using the on board flash when using only the macro lens by itself if you dont have any flashes for the extra shutter speed. It actually works really well, keeping that natural look in the photos.

(in PPG)

hand held, on board flash used at F/9 (~70% crop)

From personal experience, as long as your shooting your 1:1 or below stuff outside you will be fine. Rarely do I go to F/11 when only at 1:1 mag. anyways.

Last edited by yeatzee; 10-29-2009 at 01:14 PM.

deadwolfbones · 10-29-2009, 10:47 AM

Shooting Macros Section 1 – Equipment Enticing the Light

ctrl-f "tripod"

All I can say is that a number of professionals strongly disagree with you on this one.

Sure, it's possible to get some shots handheld, but a tripod is essential for others.

**stevebrot** · 10-29-2009, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

Shooting Macros Section 1 – Equipment Enticing the Light

ctrl-f "tripod"

All I can say is that a number of professionals strongly disagree with you on this one.

Sure, it's possible to get some shots handheld, but a tripod is essential for others.

Yeatze and I went around on this one a few months back with the result that I headed to the backyard to try some hand-held shots using AF with my Sigma 50/2.8. I was pleasantly surprised by the results, even at 1:1. Things would have been even better if I had a decent flash and a longer lens.

My conclusion after the experiment is that, contrary to conventional wisdom, you can do pretty good work hand-held if your setup is tuned to that approach. In support of this notion, I believe that Yeatzee's work speaks for itself.

As for me...I don't have the patience to shoot bugs, so I persist in the traditional tripod approach when I do macro.

Steve

yeatzee · 10-29-2009, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

Shooting Macros Section 1 – Equipment Enticing the Light

ctrl-f "tripod"

All I can say is that a number of professionals strongly disagree with you on this one.

Sure, it's possible to get some shots handheld, but a tripod is essential for others.

I couldn't care less what the "professionals" think.

Think about how the world would be if we just took the "professionals" word for it (Fill in the blank for it) instead of trying it out on our own? I am simply stating that a tripod has been completely useless for macro of bugs/flowers in my own experience and that there is a decent chance the same will be with the op.

I think I made some very valid points for the op to consider.

Good luck with the sale!

Mike.P® · 10-29-2009, 12:28 PM

Have been doing mainly macro since I got my K10D 18 months ago, never use a tripod and have nearly always used flash for extra lighting. Recently managed to get myself a Sigma 140 ringflash and have to say I am more than a little impressed. On my first day with it I did a little messing around and took 3 photos ... they all got accepted for PPG.

Ash · 10-29-2009, 01:05 PM

With the knowledge of what macro shots need to be sharp, a lot of light will be needed for moving subjects or a steady tripod with a long exposure for non-moving subjects. Even high ISO won't compensate enough for real close up macros handheld.

yeatzee · 10-29-2009, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by Ash

With the knowledge of what macro shots need to be sharp, a lot of light will be needed for moving subjects or a steady tripod with a long exposure for non-moving subjects. Even high ISO won't compensate enough for real close up macros handheld.

right anything past 1:1 IMO you will need an extra light source if you want any usable DOF.

Also like I said a tripod is fine with macro for product photography obviously because it is not moving and the conditions can be controlled.

EdMaximus · 10-29-2009, 06:10 PM

Wow!! I have learned a lot from you guys about macro from just this thread. I guess there's different approach to the art. Tripod or handheld is just a matter of whatever works best for the person. By the way, those shots that you guys posted are mindblowing. I'll be satisfied if I can take anything on that level.

pinholecam · 10-30-2009, 01:03 AM

Let me help you here :

Flickr: Thomas Shahan's Photostream

Adult Female Phidippus audax Jumping Spider (With Video) on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

50mm reversed, extension tubes + flash on bracket with diffuser

Not much need to trade off that arm and leg

EdMaximus · 10-30-2009, 05:51 AM

Originally posted by pinholecam

Let me help you here :

Flickr: Thomas Shahan's Photostream

Adult Female Phidippus audax Jumping Spider (With Video) on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

50mm reversed, extension tubes + flash on bracket with diffuser

Not much need to trade off that arm and leg

Too late! I already traded the extension to my right arm. Those pictures are amazing though. I might keep my short primes and get an extension tubes to try that same technique later on.

I just click on the check out button for the Tamron 90. I picked it over the Pentax 100 for the price difference and the amazing quality of the pics produced with it.

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10-29-2009, 10:11 AM	#16
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	how would a tripod help? If you don't move chances are the bugs will. Likewise, i dont know where you live but very rarely is there no wind which means the flowers are moving. Therefor F/11 and a low shutter speed like you are implying is asking for blurry pictures all together (like I said this does not apply for product shots/indoor controlled environment stuff) Its all about balance. Also, I suggest using the on board flash when using only the macro lens by itself if you dont have any flashes for the extra shutter speed. It actually works really well, keeping that natural look in the photos. (in PPG) hand held, on board flash used at F/9 (~70% crop) From personal experience, as long as your shooting your 1:1 or below stuff outside you will be fine. Rarely do I go to F/11 when only at 1:1 mag. anyways. Last edited by yeatzee; 10-29-2009 at 01:14 PM.

10-29-2009, 10:47 AM	#17
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Shooting Macros Section 1 – Equipment Enticing the Light ctrl-f "tripod" All I can say is that a number of professionals strongly disagree with you on this one. Sure, it's possible to get some shots handheld, but a tripod is essential for others.

10-29-2009, 11:35 AM	#18
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by deadwolfbones Shooting Macros Section 1 – Equipment Enticing the Light ctrl-f "tripod" All I can say is that a number of professionals strongly disagree with you on this one. Sure, it's possible to get some shots handheld, but a tripod is essential for others. Yeatze and I went around on this one a few months back with the result that I headed to the backyard to try some hand-held shots using AF with my Sigma 50/2.8. I was pleasantly surprised by the results, even at 1:1. Things would have been even better if I had a decent flash and a longer lens. My conclusion after the experiment is that, contrary to conventional wisdom, you can do pretty good work hand-held if your setup is tuned to that approach. In support of this notion, I believe that Yeatzee's work speaks for itself. As for me...I don't have the patience to shoot bugs, so I persist in the traditional tripod approach when I do macro. Steve

10-29-2009, 12:14 PM	#19
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by deadwolfbones Shooting Macros Section 1 – Equipment Enticing the Light ctrl-f "tripod" All I can say is that a number of professionals strongly disagree with you on this one. Sure, it's possible to get some shots handheld, but a tripod is essential for others. I couldn't care less what the "professionals" think. Think about how the world would be if we just took the "professionals" word for it (Fill in the blank for it) instead of trying it out on our own? I am simply stating that a tripod has been completely useless for macro of bugs/flowers in my own experience and that there is a decent chance the same will be with the op. I think I made some very valid points for the op to consider. Good luck with the sale!

10-29-2009, 12:28 PM	#20
Mike.P® Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Milton, Hampshire, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,150	Have been doing mainly macro since I got my K10D 18 months ago, never use a tripod and have nearly always used flash for extra lighting. Recently managed to get myself a Sigma 140 ringflash and have to say I am more than a little impressed. On my first day with it I did a little messing around and took 3 photos ... they all got accepted for PPG.

10-29-2009, 01:05 PM	#21
Ash Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,914	With the knowledge of what macro shots need to be sharp, a lot of light will be needed for moving subjects or a steady tripod with a long exposure for non-moving subjects. Even high ISO won't compensate enough for real close up macros handheld.

10-29-2009, 01:13 PM	#22
yeatzee Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,675	Originally posted by Ash With the knowledge of what macro shots need to be sharp, a lot of light will be needed for moving subjects or a steady tripod with a long exposure for non-moving subjects. Even high ISO won't compensate enough for real close up macros handheld. right anything past 1:1 IMO you will need an extra light source if you want any usable DOF. Also like I said a tripod is fine with macro for product photography obviously because it is not moving and the conditions can be controlled.

10-29-2009, 06:10 PM	#23
EdMaximus Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New York Posts: 318 Original Poster	Wow!! I have learned a lot from you guys about macro from just this thread. I guess there's different approach to the art. Tripod or handheld is just a matter of whatever works best for the person. By the way, those shots that you guys posted are mindblowing. I'll be satisfied if I can take anything on that level.

10-30-2009, 01:03 AM	#24
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,656	Let me help you here : Flickr: Thomas Shahan's Photostream Adult Female Phidippus audax Jumping Spider (With Video) on Flickr - Photo Sharing! 50mm reversed, extension tubes + flash on bracket with diffuser Not much need to trade off that arm and leg

10-30-2009, 05:51 AM	#25
EdMaximus Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New York Posts: 318 Original Poster	Originally posted by pinholecam Let me help you here : Flickr: Thomas Shahan's Photostream Adult Female Phidippus audax Jumping Spider (With Video) on Flickr - Photo Sharing! 50mm reversed, extension tubes + flash on bracket with diffuser Not much need to trade off that arm and leg Too late! I already traded the extension to my right arm. Those pictures are amazing though. I might keep my short primes and get an extension tubes to try that same technique later on. I just click on the check out button for the Tamron 90. I picked it over the Pentax 100 for the price difference and the amazing quality of the pics produced with it.

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