Hi, I just got a new macro lens (:D), it's a NIkkor 40mm and I have a NIkon D5000. The only lens I had before that was the VR 18-55mm standard lens. This new one takes awesome shots and feels completely different! Does anyone have any particular macro tips on how I can make the most of my new lens? Thank you! (:
My suggestions would be: 1) tripod or clamp / arm for table top stuff; 2) tether to a laptop... you can remote shutter release plus you can see the image in a larger monitor; 3) bright household lamps shooting through a diffuse material for table top stuff
@naomi@asrai I agree with Lee - saw a huge difference in my sharpness using a tripod for macros - also unless you have a remote shutter release, set your self timer for 5 seconds or so and move away. Not a ton of movement, but there is definitely some when you press the release button. Just these two things will visibly increase your sharpness. Oh and if you want to get fancy - check out this free trial - http://www.heliconsoft.com/focus_downloads.html
In situations where a tripod is not practical, I use a gorillapod and brace it against my chest. Breathe slowly when you shoot, do not hold your breath.
Shoot in A, not P. Adjust your aperture to the highest number you can and still keep the shutter speed above 100.
While I agree that a tripod is a very good idea and will make many shots that would otherwise be impossible, I shoot very few macros with one. If hand-holding, so I'll use a flash off-camera or try to have very good/extra lighting. Remember that the closer you get to your subject, the smaller your depth of field is. It can be a lot less than an inch, even using f16.
Another thing to do if you are hand-holding is to turn off auto focus. Set the lens to the magnification you want (i.e., 1:2 or 1:1 etc.) and then lean in and out a tiny bit, watching for when it's in focus. There's a way to use a pole (broomstick, trekking pole, etc.) to get some extra stability, though it won't be as good as using a tripod.
I hardly ever use a tripod, but I do try to make sure I use a faster shutter speed. And the tip about moving in and out a tiny bit to change the focus is a good idea. Shallow DOF is the thing to watch out for - sometimes it makes for an awesome shot, sometimes it doesn't! I have the Nikkor 60mm lens with my Nikon D5000 and I can't use auto focus with it. I shoot on manual all the time now, but keep an eye on shutter speed.
I find my eyes get a bit sore if I do too much concentrating on focus, so keep taking breaks and look away at something in the distance to give your eyes a bit of a change.
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Shoot in A, not P. Adjust your aperture to the highest number you can and still keep the shutter speed above 100.
Another thing to do if you are hand-holding is to turn off auto focus. Set the lens to the magnification you want (i.e., 1:2 or 1:1 etc.) and then lean in and out a tiny bit, watching for when it's in focus. There's a way to use a pole (broomstick, trekking pole, etc.) to get some extra stability, though it won't be as good as using a tripod.
I find my eyes get a bit sore if I do too much concentrating on focus, so keep taking breaks and look away at something in the distance to give your eyes a bit of a change.