Since I got my new flash and extension cord, I have been trying to get as close to bugs and their eggs as possible. The photo attached is an example of getting the best results with my available equipment. For these eggs, I first tried reversing my 20mm F2.8 AIS lens, then reversed my 35mm F2.8 AIS lens then used extension tubes on my 105mm F4 macro.
All photos were taken on a sturdy tripod with timer-delay and with 3 seconds exposure delay mode. ISO was 100 and the sharpest aperture was F11. In the center of each egg (total top to bottom distance for total group of eggs was 1/8") was a spiny protuberance that I was trying to get sharp, only partially successful.
Any suggestions for getting a sharper or more detailed photo would be appreciated.
As do I. I'm not sure how it could be sharper. If you want closer you probably would need something like the Canon 65mm MPE 1X-5X but it's really sharp and fine the way it is.
I agree it looks pretty good. You say you are using the self timer, but if your camera has a mirror then you are still going to have vibration from the mirror opening. You should use a release with the mirror lock up function. Since your subject is generally static, you could stack focus, which would allow you to use a sharper aperture and get all the depth you want.
Discussion
4 repliesAll photos were taken on a sturdy tripod with timer-delay and with 3 seconds exposure delay mode. ISO was 100 and the sharpest aperture was F11. In the center of each egg (total top to bottom distance for total group of eggs was 1/8") was a spiny protuberance that I was trying to get sharp, only partially successful.
Any suggestions for getting a sharper or more detailed photo would be appreciated.
Sandy