HI I need some advice

[john the joiner]

Please help wanted .regarding my new macro lens.[canon 100 f 2.8 macro .Having tried close ups with 17 85 usm is canon.results very acceptable with help from Chris and Roy.Connected new lens here we go to the top of the ladder.KNOW WAY.HAND HELD FIRST SET OF IMMAGES DUFF.Inow know I should have placed on tripd.would some one please reccomend a usefull website to get me started?or point me in the right direction.I am very patient on willing to masterthis lens.pleas give me three pointers.to start me off.chris and roy have been most helpfull for putting up with my questions. many thanks regards john

[miketoll]

Nice lens. Do not know what advise Chris and Roy have given you so will probably be repeating (or disagreeing!) with what they have said. For top quality use a sturdy tripod and shoot a static subject, focus manually, stop down to about f16 and use a low ISO like 100 or 200. A remote control is useful or use the self timer on 2 second delay and perhaps use mirror lock up too. For flowers a bright but overcast day works best. Movement and very shallow depth of field are the main problems. If you have to shoot hand held up the ISO to ensure a high shutter speed as camera shake is very noticeable with macro. I am far from an expert on macro but hope that helps.

[john the joiner]

Hi that is good start most helpfull will try and see how i go on.roy and chris helped me on photos submitted.also which lens.to use.also to let them how i went on .many thanks this is my first propper macro lens.regards john.

[JONTHELENS]

Always use a lens hood as well. If its a sunny day with harsh light (unless you want that effect)you could always use a diffuser.
Try this. http://browse.deviantart.com/resourc...rder=9&q=macro

Hope its been of help.

ATB

jon

[yelvertoft]

As has been mentioned, use a sturdy tripod, use mirror lock-up and/or timer shutter release and, if you ave one, a remote release control for best results. A lot depends on what your subject is, and what kind of shutter speeds you can achieve in the conditions. It is safe to say, that the closer you get to your subject, the more noticeable the effects of camera shake.

[Roy C]

A sturdy tripod is obviously the best but I very often use the 100 2.8 with a Monopod when in the field as it is easier/quicker to use. I also use this lens with a 1.4 tc (kenko pro) to give a bit more working distance for butterflies/dragonflies/insects.

As already stated, depth of field is the main problem with macro so you need to close down to f11-16 typically. I have no problems with shooting at ISO 400 if needed to get a reasonable shutter speed.
As 'Yelvertoft' has said, a lot depends on your subject - if you are shooting mega close-ups then a remote release and a sturdy tripod gives the best results.

Another tip is to set the lens at 0.48m - infinity if you do not need to get any closer as AF is a lot better than 0.31m - infinity ( but for mega close-ups use manual focus anyway).

For moving subjects takes loads of shots as you are bound to get Duffers, if you take 10 shots of a subject and nail just one that's all you need.

[gordon g]

To add to the very good advice above: you can use your tripod as a bipod by only extending 2 legs - this is a bit like using a monopod but stabalises the camera a bit more, allowing you to rock forwards and back to maintain focus where you want it on slowly moving subjects. Secondly, something a bit more specialist - if you have a static subject and placing the focal plane is critical, eg on a flower's stamem, a focussing rail, which slides the camera forward by small amounts on a screw driven thread, can be very useful. Just set the lens to the desired magnifaction, roughly position the tripod, then fine tune the position of sharpest focus with the rail - particularly good if using a shallow DOF to isolate the subject. Thirdly - lighting. High contrast often spoils macro shots, which are generally about detail. (A sweeping generalisation, I know) A screen of thin white cloth on bamboo canes can act as a diffuser and a very useful wind break.
I have found odd bits of kit like small scissors, string/cotton thread and tweezers all to be useful in the field, also my rocket blower, and a reflector (a piece of white card would do).

[john the joiner]

Hi all many thanks for your inputs. a lot to take in and consider.once again thank you .will try my best Will try and post images later [YOU are a freindly bunch] regards john. ps what is the correct remote controller canon list two .also do you retain auto focus with 1.4 tc pro?many thanks.

[Roy C]

Originally Posted by john the joiner

also do you retain auto focus with 1.4 tc pro?.

Yes John, AF is retained with the tc (note a Canon tc will not fit which is why I use the Kenko pro with this lens).

[miketoll]

[quote=john the joiner; ps what is the correct remote controller canon list two .[/QUOTE]

Which camera body are you using?