Working some more on refining my focus with macro shots. It seems as if my D800 is as good at showing my failings as my sharp shots!
Thanks for your great response to yesterday's shots
Love the composition on this Jane. I had asked the question the other night but are you hand holding or tripod mounting the macro lens. If tripod make sure that the VR is turned off as its compensating for the vibration that isn't there if on a tripod. Also again the shutter speed is very slow and the rules are roughly that the shutter speed should be close to the focal length of the lens...there is a more technical explanation. From experience the D800 is unforgiving and I have found that I have to push the shutter speed right up to get clear images especially where macro is concerned.
@andysg I always thought that the rule re the shutter speed and focal length was for hand holding. Thanks for the tip. I do turn VR off on tripod...except wheni occasionally forget
Jane, I was just going to give you praise :-) Now I should just ask you a question. How do you like the Nikon D800 and your macro lens? I'm still so undecided whether to go Nikon, Canon, or Sony.
@princessleia I love my d800 with and without my macro. On the other hand, if I'd known when I got started with a DSLR and interchangeable lenses that I would love shooting birds in flight I would have gone the canon route because the continuous focus on their latest and best models is fabulous. Given that I've invested in Nikon lenses et al, I am very happy with my camera. The only other thing for me, given that I am almost 70, I can see the day that it will be too heavy for me but you look from your thumbnail as if you are many decades from that!
@andysg Hand held with the D800 and I am finding 1 over 2 to 3 times the focal length is what I require and preferably don't hand hold at all but use a tripod.
@jgpittenger my go-to macro lens is the Nikon 105VR f.2.8 micro. I am also a bit if a hippie in that I don't like to damage plants just because I want to photograph them so I don't pick or clamp them which leaves me at the mercy of the wind.
One of the recent Nikon VR lenses has a VR setting for use on a tripod to compensate for vibrations when the shutter is actuated but I haven't had a chance to try that lens yet
@davidgnc Thanks. That is my go to macro too. I also use the timer for shutter release...though I didn't use MUP. I'm totally with you re not damaging plants...hippie as well, I guess
@jgpittenger my go-to macro lens is the Nikon 105VR f.2.8 micro. I am also a bit if a hippie in that I don't like to damage plants just because I want to photograph them so I don't pick or clamp them which leaves me at the mercy of the wind.
One of the recent Nikon VR lenses has a VR setting for use on a tripod to compensate for vibrations when the shutter is actuated but I haven't had a chance to try that lens yet