Macro Macro first steps

Scotianphotos · 05-31-2021, 10:54 AM - **2 Likes**

Hello from an unseasonably warm Scotland.

Took the opportunity to take a recently-acquired yet ageing Sigma 50mm f2.8 Macro (my first Macro lens) for a walk on my K70. I wanted to see how it performed as a macro and came away with these below.

Outdoors, tripod, remote shutter release
Bud 1/80 f5.6 iso 200.
Bloom 1/200 f8 iso 200

CC much appreciated. Especially comments on 'sharpness' and Bokeh.
Thanks in advance.

Ian

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Last edited by Scotianphotos; 06-01-2021 at 04:27 PM.

nonpigliounoshoot · 06-17-2021, 04:56 AM

the second seems to me better, brighter and better enhances the colors and detail.

Scotianphotos · 06-17-2021, 10:59 PM

Thanks for this. Beginning to explore outdoor macro while travel restrictions still apply.

**Serkevan** · 06-18-2021, 05:59 AM

First one, I have nothing to add. It's really beautiful. At most, maybe bring the camera down a bit and point it just a smidge further up to have a bit of sky at the top of the frame? Might give a bit more context...
For the second, at least on my screen it looks like the focus is on the right-hand side bulb that is a bit behind the others; I would have personally preferred the focus to be on the left bulbs since they "pop out" more from the background and I feel it would make the image stand out more. Pulling the focus plane closer might have made the foreground leaf on the right also look a bit less busy (which is truly the only nitpick I have lens-wise - the first shot's bokeh is creamy all over).

Don't worry too much about sharpness - macro has very thin DoF as you have probably noticed while focusing, so nailing it is complicated the moment there's a breeze of wind, and you've done a great work. Very nice detail on the focal plane

Keep at it!

Last edited by Serkevan; 06-18-2021 at 06:04 AM.

**Peter Rockstroh** · 06-19-2021, 07:05 PM

Beautiful subject, well exposed and just one suggestion: what makes these plants look interesting is the pubescence
along stem, leaves and flower buds. You got them lit correctly, but in order for the hairs to be visible, you have to shift
your position so they stand out against a dark background. Against a light background they become invisible.

Scotianphotos · 06-20-2021, 09:35 AM

Thanks for all this feedback. It really does help in considering changes in mindset/workflow needed in a new, and so far fascinating, genre. One of the most telling so far is an increased awareness of wind, and its
effects ... not least on my language when waiting for windstill! As they say, every day's a schooldays, and patience is a virtue?

Thanks again folks, much appreciated.

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06-17-2021, 04:56 AM	#2
nonpigliounoshoot Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2019 Posts: 735	the second seems to me better, brighter and better enhances the colors and detail.

06-17-2021, 10:59 PM	#3
Scotianphotos New Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Lothian Posts: 13 Original Poster	Thanks for this. Beginning to explore outdoor macro while travel restrictions still apply.

06-18-2021, 05:59 AM	#4
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	First one, I have nothing to add. It's really beautiful. At most, maybe bring the camera down a bit and point it just a smidge further up to have a bit of sky at the top of the frame? Might give a bit more context... For the second, at least on my screen it looks like the focus is on the right-hand side bulb that is a bit behind the others; I would have personally preferred the focus to be on the left bulbs since they "pop out" more from the background and I feel it would make the image stand out more. Pulling the focus plane closer might have made the foreground leaf on the right also look a bit less busy (which is truly the only nitpick I have lens-wise - the first shot's bokeh is creamy all over). Don't worry too much about sharpness - macro has very thin DoF as you have probably noticed while focusing, so nailing it is complicated the moment there's a breeze of wind, and you've done a great work. Very nice detail on the focal plane Keep at it! Last edited by Serkevan; 06-18-2021 at 06:04 AM.

06-19-2021, 07:05 PM	#5
Peter Rockstroh Admiral Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Bogota Posts: 445	Beautiful subject, well exposed and just one suggestion: what makes these plants look interesting is the pubescence along stem, leaves and flower buds. You got them lit correctly, but in order for the hairs to be visible, you have to shift your position so they stand out against a dark background. Against a light background they become invisible.

06-20-2021, 09:35 AM	#6
Scotianphotos New Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Lothian Posts: 13 Original Poster	Thanks for all this feedback. It really does help in considering changes in mindset/workflow needed in a new, and so far fascinating, genre. One of the most telling so far is an increased awareness of wind, and its effects ... not least on my language when waiting for windstill! As they say, every day's a schooldays, and patience is a virtue? Thanks again folks, much appreciated.