It’s a small world

I'm still getting used to macro photography and the results so far are somewhat hit and (mainly) miss. That means I'm deleting vast quantities of misses, and keeping a few 'ok' shots. I took about 70 shots of ants today and have nothing really usable, and just a couple that look like ants. Mind you they were rushing around like crazy, making it even more difficult to compose a shot. This is probably par for the course, but shooting digitally means that wastage isn't a problem.

Ant

The two aspects that I'm having most difficulty with are camera shake and focusing. Almost any movement shows up, and the only way to eliminate it (other than setting up a tripod, which I don't have) is to use a very fast shutter speed. I can manage that by using a large aperture (low F-setting) and pumping the ISO up to 800 or even 1600. But the large aperture reduces the depth of field (how wide a range will stay in focus). This means that unless everything is perfectly line up, part of the image will be out of focus. I'm focusing manually as it's actually more successful and quicker than the autofocus. The margins are minuscule as illustrated in this photo of a fly.

Note how the far side of the fly is out of focus.

Of course, focusing isn't made easier when you're aiming at a moving target. So that means several shots (assuming a lens a few inches from its face doesn't scare the subject away). Even a light breeze causes problems when photographing plants. Increasing the aperture gives very slightly more depth of field, but slows the shutter speed to compensate. I may need to experiment with different settings. Or buy a tripod.

Apple blossom

Buttercup, proving that flowers are easier than ants.

But sunsets are even easier 😉

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This Post Has 9 Comments

  1. SittingFox

    22 Apr 2007

    I've never used any lens like this but can appreciate some of the difficulties. As for tripods, as you know I have a heavy Manfratto tripod because it's necessary to hold my spotting scope steady, but I really need a tripod that's more portable for general camera use. Hope you find a useful one; they do seem to vary quite a lot. Still, the fly is fantastic (I can see the hairs on its legs!) :up: and those flowers are superb.

    And nice posing pigeon! 😀

  2. Flying Red Fox Blog

    22 Apr 2007

    Lovelly pics there, and good sunset too well done!:D

  3. anonymous

    22 Apr 2007

    Zachary writes:

    I don't know if I can help, but to help with camera shake I use the timer function. When I take pictures most of the blur comes from my subtle hand movement as I press the shutter button. This effect might be magnified with a macro lens. On a timer all I have to concentrate on is keeping the camera steady, and hoping the subject does not move. (Usually not a problem because I am taking pictures of stationary cars or motorbikes… might not be applicable for jittery insects!)

  4. SittingFox

    22 Apr 2007

    ^ Actually, that's a really good idea 🙂 There's a remote shutter control for Canons which I use for astrophotography or dusk pictures. I just set the camera on the tripod, get the focus correct, and then fire from a safe distance! Might be applicable to insects with macro too…

  5. Words

    22 Apr 2007

    Might be worth trying, but I think I have a 10 second delay which may be too long for moving targets. It would be fine for static targets.

  6. Words

    22 Apr 2007

    I see what you mean. The timer function has a delay. A remote would be great but presumably a tripod would be handy otherwise I have the camera lined up (two hands to keep it steady and the remote… between my teeth?).

    I know. I need a tripod. Then all solutions are feasible. Nice gadget by the way. I hadn't even thought of a wireless device :faint:

  7. SittingFox

    22 Apr 2007

    Yes, but surely the remote shutter wouldn't be affected by that? I use it all the time with instant settings, even for the foxes sometimes (when on high zoom at low light). You can see it here (well, this is the one I have for my 300D, so I presume the 400 also accepts it).

  8. SittingFox

    22 Apr 2007

    Well, yes, a tripod is fairly essential for this device 😉

    I think I got this originally because I was having such trouble keeping the camera steady while shooting through the spotting scope :irked: It comes in handy for all kinds of things.

  9. volkuro

    26 Apr 2007

    Good series of photo. Especially the sunset, I love the composition. :yes:

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