Posted by David Taylor on March 30, 2007 at 7:55 PM
My Sigma SD14 arrived yesterday. Extremely pleased with it. Using it on the manual setting at the moment (I had a Nikon FM2n slr once upon a time).
The subject is an opening leaf bud of a rare form of horse-chesnut with very narrow, deeply incised leaves Aesculus hippocastanum
'Laciniata'.
I'm posting this for any suggestions on how to get the best out of using my new camera. It would be very much appreciated as you are
a very knowledgeable lot.
Sigma SD14
F5
1/30s
ISO 100
Sigma 50mm EX Macro
Cropped a bit each side
Hand held
Natural light
I used to have the SD9 and loved the IQ, though the rez was not stunning. I loved it for macro photography, and used the 180mm with it extensively. I never managed to get any good shots of "wildlife" with it though so i'm not sure what to recommend.
I think the 80-400mm OS would be a good start though i believe there was a 400mm f5.6 HSM for the SIGMA like there was for the canon, which was a very close match to the 400mm f5.6L!
What type of things do you like taking pictures of?
I'm posting this for any suggestions on how to get the best out of using my new camera.
Go out with the camera whenever you can,really enjoy using it and getting the best from it is bound to fall into place.
Nice image with an interestingly shaped subject and an attractive dappled backdrop.
If I had to make one suggestion for improvement it would be to shoot this kind of subject in slightly less harsh light,although that would possibly elliminate the nice dappled backdrop,so diffusing the light falling on the bud but allowing the backdrop to remain sunlit may be one possible solution.
Have fun with your new camera
What a crazy looking bud David. Looks like you'll be enjoying that new camera.
Number one tip for this type of shot is to use a tripod, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
If you can increase the bg distance or open up the f stop the bg will be even more diffused.
I still have my FM2 and FE2 - great cameras both. Digital is just too tempting though...
Posted by David Taylor on March 31, 2007 at 7:03 PM
Paul, Close ups and macros of plants and insects are my favourite things. I have a Sigma
'Bigma' 50-500mm zoom on order, to try telephoto shots. I will probably buy the 150mm macro as well.
Thanks Justin and Clive for your suggestions. I've bought a Manfrotto Modo monopod to try out (nice and light and cheap) and was thinking of buying a Manfrotto 222NAT Grip Action Ball Head for more versatility. Uni-loc or Benbo tripods look interesting.Are they difficult to use?
Whilst a monopod is often really useful I'd definately make the tripod a priority over the monopod particularly as you mention plants being one of your favourite subjects.
I used a Benbo Mk 1 for years,and have in fact kept hold of a Benbo Trekker (useful for holding flashguns,etc) just in case it may come in useful.
Some people hate them,some people get on fine with them.Personally I never had a problem using one and found them extremely quick to set-up and very versatile.
The secret is to always hold the tripod by the center column whilst setting up,because as soon as you loosen the single bolt locking lever, the column as well as the legs all become free,possibly causing your camra to suffer a nasty knock,if however you always ensure the center column is supported you'll never have a problem,I know I didn't in several years of use.
I'd avoid the Benbo Treker models as they're not really up supporting the weight and bulk of a heavy DSLR with hefty or hefty'ish lens attached,they will do the job,and they will support the weight,but you certainly need to proceed with extreme caution to avoid any mishaps.
A much better option IMHO would be the more substantial Benbo Mk 1 (or Uniloc equivelant)
Your longer lenses will isolate the bg better. I too have old Benbo tripods Mk1 and 'baby benbo', the latter is great for low down macro shots with not too heavy a lens. I have heard that handling these triods described as 'like wrestling a set of bagpipes' but as Justin says, hold the centre column and you'll be fine.
Posted by David Taylor on April 1, 2007 at 6:19 PM
Justin & Clive
Thanks for the advice on the Benbo/Uni-loc tripod. I think I will be getting the Mk 1 Benbo as suggested. Cheers.
Discussion
7 repliesThe subject is an opening leaf bud of a rare form of horse-chesnut with very narrow, deeply incised leaves Aesculus hippocastanum
'Laciniata'.
I'm posting this for any suggestions on how to get the best out of using my new camera. It would be very much appreciated as you are
a very knowledgeable lot.
Sigma SD14
F5
1/30s
ISO 100
Sigma 50mm EX Macro
Cropped a bit each side
Hand held
Natural light
I think the 80-400mm OS would be a good start though i believe there was a 400mm f5.6 HSM for the SIGMA like there was for the canon, which was a very close match to the 400mm f5.6L!
What type of things do you like taking pictures of?
Go out with the camera whenever you can,really enjoy using it and getting the best from it is bound to fall into place.
Nice image with an interestingly shaped subject and an attractive dappled backdrop.
If I had to make one suggestion for improvement it would be to shoot this kind of subject in slightly less harsh light,although that would possibly elliminate the nice dappled backdrop,so diffusing the light falling on the bud but allowing the backdrop to remain sunlit may be one possible solution.
Have fun with your new camera
Number one tip for this type of shot is to use a tripod, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
If you can increase the bg distance or open up the f stop the bg will be even more diffused.
I still have my FM2 and FE2 - great cameras both. Digital is just too tempting though...
'Bigma' 50-500mm zoom on order, to try telephoto shots. I will probably buy the 150mm macro as well.
Thanks Justin and Clive for your suggestions. I've bought a Manfrotto Modo monopod to try out (nice and light and cheap) and was thinking of buying a Manfrotto 222NAT Grip Action Ball Head for more versatility. Uni-loc or Benbo tripods look interesting.Are they difficult to use?
Whilst a monopod is often really useful I'd definately make the tripod a priority over the monopod particularly as you mention plants being one of your favourite subjects.
I used a Benbo Mk 1 for years,and have in fact kept hold of a Benbo Trekker (useful for holding flashguns,etc) just in case it may come in useful.
Some people hate them,some people get on fine with them.Personally I never had a problem using one and found them extremely quick to set-up and very versatile.
The secret is to always hold the tripod by the center column whilst setting up,because as soon as you loosen the single bolt locking lever, the column as well as the legs all become free,possibly causing your camra to suffer a nasty knock,if however you always ensure the center column is supported you'll never have a problem,I know I didn't in several years of use.
I'd avoid the Benbo Treker models as they're not really up supporting the weight and bulk of a heavy DSLR with hefty or hefty'ish lens attached,they will do the job,and they will support the weight,but you certainly need to proceed with extreme caution to avoid any mishaps.
A much better option IMHO would be the more substantial Benbo Mk 1 (or Uniloc equivelant)
Your longer lenses will isolate the bg better. I too have old Benbo tripods Mk1 and 'baby benbo', the latter is great for low down macro shots with not too heavy a lens. I have heard that handling these triods described as 'like wrestling a set of bagpipes' but as Justin says, hold the centre column and you'll be fine.
Thanks for the advice on the Benbo/Uni-loc tripod. I think I will be getting the Mk 1 Benbo as suggested. Cheers.