I'm starting to get a feel for the new glass now. Most of these were hand-held. Two biggest things I've learned are that you have to allow enough DOF to deal with the wind, and lining up the light is essential. Not much margin for error in this genre, but it sure is fun!

http://canonbob.smugmug.com/photos/161339552-L.jpg

http://canonbob.smugmug.com/photos/161339332-L.jpg

http://canonbob.smugmug.com/photos/161339511-L.jpg

http://canonbob.smugmug.com/photos/161339288-L.jpg

http://canonbob.smugmug.com/photos/161339785-L.jpg

Good Captures Bob , i have a question for you . How for are you shooting from? And are you using manual focus?

Good Captures Bob , i have a question for you . How for are you shooting from? And are you using manual focus?

I'm shooting from about 2 to 3 feet away. These were all auto-focus. I shot some manually yesterday, but when done right the camera is much faster than I am.

This lens had a bad rap for being slow on auto focus. Frankly, it's just as fast as any of my other "L" series lenses. This is a macro lens that can also be used as a normal telephoto. I'm convinced that people who are complaining about slow auto focus are not using the focusing limiter switch like they should. I further sped up the auto-focus by reducing the auto-focus points on the 1DsMII from 45 down to one. I put it right in the center of the viewfinder. I also switched my focusing screen to the "Ec" one instead of the standard. The Ec has the crosshair in the center, and is great for macro work. Anyway, now all I do is put the crosshair where I want the focus set, and pull the trigger.

Thanks for the info Bob, i dont have a Macro lens yet ,i have only been using tubes so far but im thinking about getting one . I hear good things about the Tamron 90mm , the Nikon`s just dont fit my budget for now.

Beautiful shot's as usual Bob!

... Two biggest things I've learned are that you have to allow enough DOF to deal with the wind, and lining up the light is essential. ...


You will also find out just how much the background plays a key role in macros. Just a slight shift in the body/camera will place background OOF highlights in just the right place. Completely different feel and image complexity with the same subject but from slightest of changes.

The last image here is my favorite of the bunch.

You will also find out just how much the background plays a key role in macros. Just a slight shift in the body/camera will place background OOF highlights in just the right place. Completely different feel and image complexity with the same subject but from slightest of changes.

The last image here is my favorite of the bunch.

Welcome back!

Yep, I've been bracketing a lot as I'm learning, and have seen exactly what you mean. Hard to believe that just one stop can make such a large difference! Macro is very complex, but very exciting at the same time. I love the creativity of it.