More Macro Practice

**jstp** · 14th August 2012, 10:04 AM

Hello,

Here is another try with the Tamron 60mm. I thought I would try on something that does not move this time, I don't think the wind has stopped blowing since I got the lens, making it a bit of a challenge to use outside.

Cheers

J

**kris** · 14th August 2012, 10:13 AM

Hy Jason

the wind can be disturbing, nevertheless you may still get reasonable results. So do not be discouraged, just try.

Here is a shot I took few days ago, here the subject was moving too.

Nikon D800, Nikon 60mm f/2.8 AF-D, 1/250sec, f/18, ISO800

Cheers
Andrea

**jstp** · 14th August 2012, 10:54 PM

Hi Andrea,

Thanks, I won't give up that's for sure, I have been waiting a while to finally get the macro I am not going to let some wind get in my way

. My biggest issue is figuring which settings are the best for what i am shooting, things like which focus mode to use and such, but I guess that will come with more experience. Thanks again for the support.

Cheers

J

**kris** · 15th August 2012, 12:52 PM

Dear Jason,

for Macro what I use is the Aperture Priority (A mode) to have a full control on DOF. To check the DOF I use the DOF preview button. I am not sure the D5100 has one, probably not, so in your case you may take two or three shots (if possible

) with different f-stops to compare them. When I do not use a tripod or the subject is moving I use a speed of 1/250s or higher. If needed I can get this for fixed f-stop by increasing the ISO setting. With the D5100 you can use ISO up to 800 or 1600 before noise becomes too strong. If this is not enough, I switch to Manual (M mode). Generally this gives me slightly underexposed shots, which I can adjust in PP. For this I use RAW.

As focus mode I use AF-S, but switch to AF-C if the subject is moving. Warning: by default the AF-C should be in Shutter release priority. You have to change it to Focus priority if you want the shutter to be released only after the subject is in focus.

Depending on the scene I also use either Matrix or Center-weighted metering.

These are just some hints from my experience, not the rules.

As final words: if you cannot figure out what is the best setting just try, if possible, two or three different settings. You can then compare the results, and choose the one you like more. Probably next time one will be enough.

Cheers
Andrea

**jstp** · 16th August 2012, 03:54 AM

Thanks again Chris,

The advice is appreciated. I got out and about today, slacking of work for the rest of the week, and managed some more shots. Here are two of them.

Cheers

J