Macro Didn't Know How Much Fun or How Difficult This Could Be

Cwilson1343 · 03-09-2016, 11:45 AM - **2 Likes**

Here's my first Macro attempts ever. Man is the depth and focus tricky. These are handheld so be kind! Shot with a K-50 and D-FA 100mm Macro WR lens

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**TER-OR** · 03-09-2016, 12:20 PM - **1 Like**

Macro takes practice, for sure. Looks like you're off to a good start.

pathdoc · 03-09-2016, 12:45 PM - **1 Like**

Don't be afraid to close the aperture down much further than you are used to. DOF is so razor thin at these close ranges with a relatively long lens; you need all you can get. There's a reason this lens closes down to f/32.

**TER-OR** · 03-09-2016, 02:11 PM - **1 Like**

Out in the field with plenty of light I'm often shooting at f.13 Higher maybe, but I also want to keep the shutter speed pretty high. I've shot at f.22 using the FA100mm but not frequently.

Cwilson1343 · 03-09-2016, 02:26 PM

Thanks for the advice. I didn't have a tripod here at work with me today and I thought I wouldn't be able to stop it down that much being hand held. You are so right about razor thin. Just take a breath at that aperture and its out of focus. Did a couple of portrait/unsuspecting candids with this lens as well and they were really good.

Cwilson1343 · 03-09-2016, 05:48 PM - **1 Like**

Maybe these are a little better. Hand held just before dark with flash.

---------- Post added 03-09-16 at 05:49 PM ----------

Looks like I have some Husky hair on my sensor (right edge) :-(

Unregistered User 8 · 03-09-2016, 10:19 PM - **1 Like**

Hi Cwilson1343. Very good 1st macro photographs. One trick I use with handheld macro, is taking the photograph as soon as I get focus confirmation. The DOF is so small usually that any lag time between focus and shutter release meant blurry images for me as I had moved slightly. Since practicing releasing shutter on focus confirmation, my keeper rate has improved considerably. Good luck. You are definitely on the right track.

Cwilson1343 · 03-10-2016, 05:13 AM

Thanks pjv. Enjoying the forum. You all are a friendly helpful bunch!

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03-09-2016, 12:20 PM - 1 Like	#2
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Macro takes practice, for sure. Looks like you're off to a good start.

03-09-2016, 12:45 PM - 1 Like	#3
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Don't be afraid to close the aperture down much further than you are used to. DOF is so razor thin at these close ranges with a relatively long lens; you need all you can get. There's a reason this lens closes down to f/32.

03-09-2016, 02:11 PM - 1 Like	#4
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Out in the field with plenty of light I'm often shooting at f.13 Higher maybe, but I also want to keep the shutter speed pretty high. I've shot at f.22 using the FA100mm but not frequently.

03-09-2016, 02:26 PM	#5
Cwilson1343 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 99 Original Poster	Thanks for the advice. I didn't have a tripod here at work with me today and I thought I wouldn't be able to stop it down that much being hand held. You are so right about razor thin. Just take a breath at that aperture and its out of focus. Did a couple of portrait/unsuspecting candids with this lens as well and they were really good.

03-09-2016, 10:19 PM - 1 Like	#7
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Hi Cwilson1343. Very good 1st macro photographs. One trick I use with handheld macro, is taking the photograph as soon as I get focus confirmation. The DOF is so small usually that any lag time between focus and shutter release meant blurry images for me as I had moved slightly. Since practicing releasing shutter on focus confirmation, my keeper rate has improved considerably. Good luck. You are definitely on the right track.

03-10-2016, 05:13 AM	#8
Cwilson1343 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 99 Original Poster	Thanks pjv. Enjoying the forum. You all are a friendly helpful bunch!