Proper noob macro questions

Hejikibob

Hejikibob

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Name
Danny
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Hi all.

I have got my lens from CGeezer (70-300 zoom / macro lens) and I have just been having a play.

I have been trying to do some good close up macro shots but I thought to do this you had to get as close to the subject as possible snd zoom in? When I try that it can't focus as it's out of range. However, when I stand about 6 foot away, it does the job and can focus fine.

What are the basic principles of macro photography to get the best shots with what I have?

Cheers

Danny
 
a 70-300 is not really a macro lens ............ what is the minimum focusing distance of the lens?
 
Hi and welcome to TP.

If it is the Sigma version then the minimum focus distance is 95cm. This will mean that you need to be that distance away for it to focus properly. Having said that if I rememebr correctly the lens has to be at 300mm to be in macro mode :shrug: At that focal length you will need to be a fair distance away for most things anyway.

The only way to get closer is with a true macro lens. These are usually prime lenses like the nikon 105mm, sigma 105mm of Tamron 90mm, (there are others available that are shorter and longer) an d have very close focus distance.

HTH

Nick
 
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As above, the term "macro" is used very loosely here. The lens you have can focus slightly closer than another lens of the same type at 300mm, but thats not macro.

A true macro lens will have a working distance of a few inches for 1.1 Magnification, whislt yours will be more like 95CM mentioned above.
 
Hi and thanks for the replies.

It's the Sigma 70-300 F4-F5.6 APO DG MACRO on a Nikon D70.

I'm completely new to the proper DSLR scene and have only used camera phones / Compacts and the S9600 Fuji Bridge. These pretty much set themselves up but were limited.

As for the lens, I don't have to be on top of the object then? That explains it then :lol:
 
Hejikibob said:
As for the lens, I don't have to be on top of the object then? That explains it then :lol:
Click to expand...


Nope, zoom out to 300mm and see how close you can get.
Or buy one of the Raynox thingies there are loads of posts about, that will let you get closer.

Or of course splash the cash on a proper macro lens!
 
TCR4X4 - lol, yeah I may end up spending proper money in the future but at the min I'm dipping my toes in the water so apart from not having much money after buying the body and a couple of lenses I want to make sure I do want to get into it :)

As it said on the box macro I was thinking it may get me some half decent results once I learn what to do then I can decide if to get a dedicated macro lens. As it is it seems a good zoom lens and that is more important to me at the min so I can go to Knockhill and get some good track action shots :)

It definately seems I have got a LOT to learn here lol.
 
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