Posted by Barry Southon on September 3, 2009 at 5:02 PM
You bugs guy's have got me going from the outstanding efforts you display here with Macro shots I just had to try. I don't have the Macro gear or the knowledge but I fear I may well have caught the bug.
Which lens should I be looking for? I see Canon are bring a new Macro out.
This effort was Canon 35mm-350mm handheld on 1D3 1/500 sec F/14 ISO 800 RAW to PS4 to resize to post and sharpen.
Critique Advice Comments it all works.
Thanks for looking
Posted by Ian Macdermott on September 3, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Nice first try Barry
The background looks a little noisy and you have a dust bunnie on the leaf.
Not too sure on Canons range of lenses as I shoot Nikon but Sigma make some cracking Macros the 150 and 180 being very good.
Look forward to seeing more small stuff from you.
Posted by David Taylor on September 3, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Welcom to Macroland. Nits covered. Just been reading about that lens on DPReview. See http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090102canon100mmmacro.asp If I could find a Sigma to Canon adaptor I might be tempted, but, as Ian suggests, Sigma make some excellent macro lenses at a reasonable price. I use the 50mm EX and I find it very satisfying to use.
If you are in the States how about some of the more obscure species of insect that they get over there. They would be nice to see. Keep them coming.
Looks like you're off to a flying start with your macro photography. A pleasing shot of a beautiful creature.
If insects will be your main target then the longer the focal length, the better. It will allow you more working distance between you and your subject. This can make the difference between getting the shot and getting a rear view of the insect as it quickly departs. But of course it's no substitute for good subject knowledge and fieldcraft.
Either the Canon 180mm Macro lens or the Sigma 180mm Macro lens would be my first choice.
Posted by David Sewell on September 4, 2009 at 3:57 AM
I think it all depends on what size of insects you want to concentrate on. Justin makes a good point, but I have found using my Sigma 150mm in a confined area, that it is sometimes difficult to get far enough back for larger dragonflies and butterflies. I would, however, recommend my lens to anybody, and I think it is probably the most widely used macro overall on this forum.
David
Posted by Barry Southon on September 4, 2009 at 4:37 AM
Thanks for contributing with your views. I think I'll wait until my next tour in the USA before purchasing a lens. Also rather than concentrate on a sector I'd prefer to carry a range of lenses so that I'm able to adapt to whatever subjects I can spot and move to within range.
You can't beat the advice from the people on the front line its far greater value than advertising blur,
Posted by Brett Lewis on September 4, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Nice work Barry and welcome to the world of small things.. I use the Sigma 150mm and I like the extra light it offers for a f2.8, however rarely use it wide open. I agree with the above comments and would go for either the Sigma 150mm or 180mm both produce brilliant results in the right hands.
Look forward to more from you.
Brett
Posted by Matt Cole on September 4, 2009 at 10:53 AM
that's a nice start Barry and one of our most attractive damselflies IMO. A bit noisy and a bit more side lighting would have helped, perhaps with a reflector.
I would also strongly recommend the Sigma 150, a very nice lens.
Matt
Posted by David Kjaer on September 4, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Hi Barry
Nice first attempt at macro work. I use the Canon 180mm but if I was buying today I would buy a Sigma as they are optically as good as the Canon, cheaper and a longer guarantee. Many prefer the Sigma 150mm as it's AF works well at life size and the two 180mm don't - I use mine on manual as it often just will not auto focus when close to life size!
Discussion
8 repliesWhich lens should I be looking for? I see Canon are bring a new Macro out.
This effort was Canon 35mm-350mm handheld on 1D3 1/500 sec F/14 ISO 800 RAW to PS4 to resize to post and sharpen.
Critique Advice Comments it all works.
Thanks for looking
The background looks a little noisy and you have a dust bunnie on the leaf.
Not too sure on Canons range of lenses as I shoot Nikon but Sigma make some cracking Macros the 150 and 180 being very good.
Look forward to seeing more small stuff from you.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090102canon100mmmacro.asp If I could find a Sigma to Canon adaptor I might be tempted, but, as Ian suggests, Sigma make some excellent macro lenses at a reasonable price. I use the 50mm EX and I find it very satisfying to use.
If you are in the States how about some of the more obscure species of insect that they get over there. They would be nice to see. Keep them coming.
If insects will be your main target then the longer the focal length, the better. It will allow you more working distance between you and your subject. This can make the difference between getting the shot and getting a rear view of the insect as it quickly departs. But of course it's no substitute for good subject knowledge and fieldcraft.
Either the Canon 180mm Macro lens or the Sigma 180mm Macro lens would be my first choice.
David
You can't beat the advice from the people on the front line its far greater value than advertising blur,
Look forward to more from you.
Brett
I would also strongly recommend the Sigma 150, a very nice lens.
Matt
Nice first attempt at macro work. I use the Canon 180mm but if I was buying today I would buy a Sigma as they are optically as good as the Canon, cheaper and a longer guarantee. Many prefer the Sigma 150mm as it's AF works well at life size and the two 180mm don't - I use mine on manual as it often just will not auto focus when close to life size!
David