digital photog discussion den

[jstrain]

So what focal length do you guys recommend for a starter macro lens? I was just looking at the 100, but not sure I want to drop $500 for another lens right now. I saw the 50 for half the price. Is that worth it?

[VA_rider]

I picked up my 60 Macro for about $285 .... it's an AMAZING performer...

also... Looking at reviews on the 50... it's not a "true" macro, as it won't go 1:1 magnification... it'll only go 1:2 (.5x) magnification ....

Have a look at Digital Picture's review of each ....

50mm

60mm

[jstrain]

Aaron, what are you using it for? Strictly macro, or other stuff as well? If you shoot macro with that, how close are you to the subject for filling the frame?

[VA_rider]

I haven't had it too long... but, I'm using it more as a multi-purpose lens... as well as Macro... with the Macro stuff, you have to get pretty close to what you're shooting to get 1:1 ...

With the Macros, you've got to look at the Minimum Focusing Distance to get an idea of how far away from your subject you're going to be... the 60mm, 100mm, and 180mm Macros all max out at 1:1 magnification...

On the 60, MFD is 7.9" ... so, at 7.9" away from your subject, you're at 1:1 ... any further away, and you're less than 1:1

On the 100, MFD is 12" ... on the 180mm, 19.2" ....

so... since maximum magnification is the same on all 3 of these Macros, the decision comes down to MFD .... and how far you want to be away from what you're shooting when it comes to Macro stuff.... and how much you want to spend...

[ryan the geek]

Originally Posted by jstrain

Thanks guys! Giv, I love the shot of the waves crashing on the rocks. How do you like the ND filter? Do you use it often? I keep thinking I would find it useful for allowing me to slow the shutter speed down for my water shots. Just not sure how often I'd really use it.

I use my filters about once or twice a month depending on were i am at. Water or wispy skies are the pre-requisite for me to bust them out. I think the 3 stop filter is the most popular to play with.

[VA_rider]

the skies are interesting around here today.... we've got those "Super-Cell Thunderstorms" terrorizing the area....

[ryan the geek]

Those are some dark sky's!

[jredford]

Originally Posted by VA_rider

the skies are interesting around here today.... we've got those "Super-Cell Thunderstorms" terrorizing the area....

Wow, talk about an image that lends itself to HDR!

[jstrain]

Badass Aaron!

[jstrain]

Ryan, do the nd filters do anything special
to the sky? Or were you saying you use them when the sky is bright just to prevent overexp?

[ryan the geek]

Originally Posted by jstrain

Ryan, do the nd filters do anything special
to the sky? Or were you saying you use them when the sky is bright just to prevent overexp?

I like to use them on windy days when the clouds are moving fast, really gives your photo a feeling of movement. This isn't with a ND, but should give you an idea of what I was saying. Also if you get enough exposure time you can make objects in motion completely disappear.

[ryan the geek]

OK found one, I think I shot this one with either my 3 stop or 10 stop. Cant remember.

[ryan the geek]

So I have had some time to play with the Sigma 30mm f1.4. A lot of mixed feelings about this lens. First off it is very sharp wide open, no complains in the IQ department, but..... getting it to focus in some modes can be fun. So I am pretty sure the AI Servo mode is user error because I have searched and found no other people experiencing this problem. I have never used Servo focus on a lens this wide before, so I think this is most of the issue (hard to focus on the moving object because it is not that large in the viewfinder). As for one shot focusing, knock on wood I haven't experienced any problems here, but over all it gets to focus rather quickly with minimal hunting in low light.

When it does hunt for focus (very rare), you can here the motor step through the fine focus points till it locks on. Not bad, but just very different from any lens I have used before.

Build quality is perfect, not to heavy for the amount of glass inside, but has the feel of a solid construction. Filter size is odd at but now I am just being picky.

If this was my most used focal range I would splurge for the 35L, but as this is not and only gets used for low light and playing, I am quite happy with the purchase (for now, lol)

[ryan the geek]

So DD, wanted to say thanks for the ideas with lighting the backdrop. God knows you gave me that tip about 6 months ago, but worked really good.

Setup the softbox to hang from the ceiling and hit just the backdrop, and used my second for my key (left of camera). Then I busted out my wifes car windshield reflector thing (big silver reflector) and hung it from a stand on camera right. Filled like a charm!

Thanks again.

[hammer]

I remember that photo, Ryan (the moving cloud shot)...... I liked that one a lot.

VA's story about turning photos into something more than just standard promotion shots (selling his pick-up turck), reminded me of these photos, which I took today in-between rain showers.
The 50'ish year-old woman who lives next door refuses to trim her female Sweet Gum tree, which are notorious for being 'trash' trees in a residential neighborhood. Her tree is right on the property line, and throws down a never ending hail of obnoxious rubbish onto my driveway. My wife tripped last year on the 2" diameter sharply-spiked seed pods, and twisted her ankle. I've told the 'inconsiderate' one that the tree needs trimming every 3 years or so, as previous owners of the home have done in the past. My requests have fallen on deaf (moron) ears ! How would you like to wade through this mess everyday ???
I took photos of the driveway, and will present them to my insurance agent for advisement. This led to the nifty-fifty finding some fun perspectives.

[ryan the geek]

scoop that shit up and put it one here front patio! LOL I don't have a lot of patients when it comes to the neighbor tard-o-meter!

[drfous]

Gasoline is an excellent weed killer.

Nice pics

[jredford]

Originally Posted by ryan the geek

scoop that shit up and put it one here front patio! LOL I don't have a lot of patients when it comes to the neighbor tard-o-meter!

Some one once told me that if you want to dispatch a tree drive a copper nail into it. Sound like someone may have a reason to test this theory...

[hammer]

Originally Posted by jredford

Some one once told me that if you want to dispatch a tree drive a copper nail into it. Sound like someone may have a reason to test this theory...

[hammer]

Nice portrait, Ryan
Is that you and your family ?