Macro without a Macro....

[aim54x]

Just thought I would get some critque on these shots that I took with my Nikkor AF-D 50mm f/1.8 + Marumi close up filter set (+1, +2, +4 all stacked).

f/7.1, 1/200 sec, TTL flash, 50mm


f/11, 1/200 sec, TTL flash, 50mm


This was taken using my Tamron 70-300mm (1:2 Macro)
f/5.6, 1/160 sec, TTL flash, 300mm


All three images were handheld using MF (the D60 wont AF any of these lenses) and I was fighting a breeze for all of these as well. I know the first two could do with more DOF, but the close up filters really make the DOF tiny.

[ewm3]

I have little success with macro - although I love it! I think these appear 'soft' on my monitor. Have you tried using a macro lens? For me, I have all the right gear but I'm still looking for talent

[chrisk]

the first one is fantastic cam. the softness and the bold colours are very striking. great job buddy.

[biggerry]

I like that second one, great composition, that grub looks liek a real character and a hungry one at that! Only suggestions would be to have moved that one stray leaf (but hey...nature was not meant to be perfect) on the flower and included the whole flower in the shot (note cutoff bit at the bottom)

[aim54x]

I have little success with macro - although I love it! I think these appear 'soft' on my monitor. Have you tried using a macro lens? For me, I have all the right gear but I'm still looking for talent

I own a Sigma 180mm f/3.5 Macro...it is great to use, but i was just out and about that day without the lens. I agree, there is no real substitute for a proper macro lens but I was very pleased with these results so I thought I would share.

I'll try to get out with the big 180mm and post some results with that lens soon.

the first one is fantastic cam. the softness and the bold colours are very striking. great job buddy.

Thanks mate, these are straight out of the D60 (hence the bold colours) and I have discovered the on board NEF processor...very useful!!!

I like that second one, great composition, that grub looks liek a real character and a hungry one at that! Only suggestions would be to have moved that one stray leaf (but hey...nature was not meant to be perfect) on the flower and included the whole flower in the shot (note cutoff bit at the bottom)

Thanks, I think I was so engrossed by the shot that I didnt notice that stray leaf until I looked at the pictures on the computer. I really like the grub as well, and i agree about the cut off flower....next time I guess!

[colin_12]

Thanks, I think I was so engrossed by the shot that I didnt notice that stray leaf until I looked at the pictures on the computer. I really like the grub as well, and i agree about the cut off flower....next time I guess!

I have that trouble all of the time Cameron. Don't stop living the moment though.
Nice results for tough conditions mate.

[surenj]

Cameron,

I like the flower as is...

I don't like the harsh light in the second. It would be miles better for the flash to be off camera (off axis) maybe with some diffusion.

[DoubleExposure]

I very much like the firs one, I really like the fact it is soft around the edges because this draws you to the centre of the image where it is sharp.

I find the stray leaf in the cutting across the blue and yellow of the flower in the second shot a little distracting.

When you consider what equipment you say you had with you these are an amazing spot and great shots.

[ian.bertram]

I think they're terrific. I was reading a while ago about a famous photographer (if I could remember his name this would actually be an interesting story!!) that only ever shot with a 50mm, nothing else. His argument was that when you only have a 50mm, the important thing becomes the composition, not the technical aspects of the shot. Sometimes I think we get so engrossed in the 'perfect' shot that requires the perfect setup that in the end we're not shooting reality. If I was brave I'd load up my 50mm 1.8 and go for it (unfortunately I'm not very brave).

Well done- I'd be happy if I hand held one of them and you got three looking great.