Got a Canon EF 100mm 2.8 usm macro lens for my birthday (YAY!). I've played with it for a bit and am having trouble getting clear, crisp shots. I have only done it handheld - looking at ladybugs and leaves in the backyard. When I am taking the shots I 'think' they are in focus, but when I look on my computer I realize that they really aren't. Are there any tricks to getting more in focus shots with the macro while handheld? I have a rebel Xsi (in case there is a camera setting). Also - if I do a higher f-stop, more of the scene will be in focus right? But will there be as much detail? Thanks friends!
The problem with macros is depth of field, if you shoot wide open you'll have a tiny area in focus. The best thing to do is to use a smaller aperture, a longer shutter speed and a remote (or timer). You'll need a tripod for that though.
Most of the detailed macro shots you see of flies are dead insects taken at longer shutter speeds, live subjects can be shot with a ring flash.
Dead insects? Well that shocks me! Congratulations on getting a macro lens Tanya (I'm very envious) and good luck experimenting with it. I look forward to the replies so I can learn too in anticipation of getting a lens.
I ran into the same problem.
The issue is that at such large magnifications, you run into two issues - loss of light and mega camera shake.
So to get crisp shots at full magnification, I'd pump the aperature to 4-5 and shutter speed of 1/500+. If you have enough light to swing that handheld, you're in good shape, otherwise you'll need a tripod.
I have a couple of shots from my 105mm macro in my 365 if you want to check them out.
The best thing to do is as always...trial and error...play with the settings..take several different shots of the same thing and review....MACRO is not by any means easy..as mentioned above, lighting and f stops are considerations. Auto and manual focus are considerations as well. My advice is to play around with it for a bit...
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Most of the detailed macro shots you see of flies are dead insects taken at longer shutter speeds, live subjects can be shot with a ring flash.
The issue is that at such large magnifications, you run into two issues - loss of light and mega camera shake.
So to get crisp shots at full magnification, I'd pump the aperature to 4-5 and shutter speed of 1/500+. If you have enough light to swing that handheld, you're in good shape, otherwise you'll need a tripod.
I have a couple of shots from my 105mm macro in my 365 if you want to check them out.