New toy (Sigma 150mm macro lens).

[Copy_Kot]

I bought the Sigma 150mm macro lens this week, and these are just some test images. I had also ordered the Canon 430 EX speedlight from Adorama (they suck) but it is on backorder so I’m still waiting for it. For some reason most of the images I took today came out overexposed… even thou my exposure meter was dead center. If I would of known they were going to look overexposed, I would have stopped down a lot more.

I used my 2X TC, Kenko tubes, and the Sigma lens for these… the little spiders were smaller in diameter than a pencil eraser. Not as sharp as I would like them to be.







Anyone up for a game of leap frog?





One just using the lens...



These two have had crops for composition...

[Loupey]

The first and third spider shots look sharp to me (the focus is just off in #1).

That first bee shot is a BEAUT! Very nice angle of both the bee and blooms - like an earthly view of the scene. Great job!

[Knight]

Awsome Captures Copy .Are they all taken with the TC and Tubes Do you have any with just the 150mm .The Bees are superb.

[almo]

Great set for tests!

I am quite jealous. I have my heart set on the ∑ 105mm f/2.8 EX DG.

Primes Rule!

[jorgemonkey]

I've got that lens also & I love using it. I may have to go get some extension tubes as well

[Loupey]

Copy, I forgot to mention that you followed the "rule of halves/doubles" for primes perfectly. Should make a great addition to your 300mm prime.

Hope your overexposure problem is not with the lens though.

[Copy_Kot]

Thank you Loupey, I really wish I had used a higher f-stop for the spiders, the area that was in-focus was very narrow. I guess it just goes to show how important it can be to use flash (I could have stopped down more).

Thank you Knight, I wrote "one just using the lens..." on mistake, all three of the bee shot's were taken with just the lens (no attachments).

And thank you Almo, there was a time when I thought Canon glass was the only way to go, Payn changed my mind on that with his macro images. I have to admit that I was very surprised (happily) with how well the Sigma lens is built.

[Copy_Kot]

Copy, I forgot to mention that you followed the "rule of halves/doubles" for primes perfectly. Should make a great addition to your 300mm prime.

Hope your overexposure problem is not with the lens though.

What's the "rule of halves/doubles" for primes? :blush2: I don't think I've ever heard of it :blush2:

Jorgemonkey, extension tubes are awesome! You won't regret buying them.

[Loupey]

The "rule" goes like this: when creating an outfit consisting of prime lenses, it is generally ideal to purchase primes at each doubling of focal length.

For those who consider 50mm as standard, this rule would "dictate" buying:

24mm, 50mm, 100mm, 200mm, 400mm lenses

And for those who consider 35mm as standard, the list would go like:

20mm, 35mm, 85mm, 135mm/150mm, 300mm and 600mm.

This allows for no major lapses in coverage

[Copy_Kot]

Thanks for the explanation Loupey, I guess I have to buy the 600mm f/4L now

[payn817]

there was a time when I thought Canon glass was the only way to go, Payn changed my mind on that with his macro images.

That is a huge compliment, thanks! I think you have done a wonderful job on the first time with your new toy. Considering how fast you improved on your bird photos, I am certain we will be seeing some excellent macro from you in the near future. It's great fun, and just may make you forget about those dirty old birds!

Unfortunately, this year may not be a macro year for me, so I am counting on you guys to keep me busy at least looking at macros.

[Copy_Kot]

Thanks Payn, macro's are a blast, you can spend all day in a very small area and find tons of things to shoot.