Help...focus problems

My photography usually takes place and OhGod's o'clock...ususally well before 6 am...and is done *live*...I see it, I take a pic...this can be a problem when what I am shooting is outdoors in wind, bright sun and with Willow huffing about...I tend therefore to shoot in Auto mode, for speed, as it is difficult to jusge how long she shot will last. And it is really tricky to get a good sharp focus when trying to take a macro shot...let me show you...

These from this morning...




Bear in mind this is the kit lens...it is going to take me a while to afford a better set of lenses...but I've seen a lot of pics here that are so much sharper...are they studio shots, or am I missing something fundamental?

As long as the object stays roughly the same distance from the lens the focus should be ok, if it's moving quite a bit then you can either try a tracking mode on your camera, or holding the leaf still. Or use a larger f number (aperture) to get more area in focus

Tracking mode...damn...forgot I had that...I'll try that tomorrow.
Re. the aperture, I am aware of the physics, but it seems to make less difference that I was expecting...maybe I will rethink the thing, or just take *ok-ish for t'internet* macro shots until I can get a decent lens...

...or someone points out that yes, the really tight=focussed shots Zounds, and Mel (for example) take aren't done in the rain at 5am with a Rottie trying to lick your eyeball out through your eardrum...

Have a look at this lesson: http://www.yophotographer.com/page.php?t=4504

Also, while you're at it, take the time to do the rest too - they are quite helpful

Lessons 1, 2, 3:

http://www.yophotographer.com/sectio...ost&order=desc

I think you have answered your own points why some of your pictures aren't up to the same standard you are judging them against i.e Zounds etc.

Firstly the technical skill and quality will come with practice and a little more discerning approach to your photography. You can't really expect to execute a good picture if you have the dog tugging away etc! The shots you see from some of our more accomplished members be it macro or whatever are achieved by an appreciation of a unique picture for a start, the right lighting, correct exposure, possibly a tripod, patience and time to achieve the shot, a series of exposures, attention to detail in the frame etc.

The shots you exhibit in this thread could be razor sharp even with the kit lens you have. Stop it down a little, ensure the camera is rock steady and ensure enough depth of field and really those pictures would look almost the same on a dedicated macro. I'm sure if you were honest you could work out the issues anyway but just getting a macro lens isn't the answer. Macro's simply focus a little closer and are corrected to work best at close focus whereas your kit zoom will be more generalised but fine for the pics you have there

The other point is your rather throwaway comment about pictures being good enough for 'tinternet. That implies it's not the best but it's good enough for us to look at. Actually on the contrary, most of us are only uploading some of our better work, possibly only one or two pictures a month and never in fact never publish our daily routine shots the failures or those judged not to be good enough.

I think it's great to get out with a camera and in fact i'm happy to walk 10 or 15 miles to try and get a picture but often when the light is crap or a good subject doesn't quite fit properly into that little frame I don't get anything.

Regarding focus, then I'd suggest you read up a little on depth of field. Generally you can get your depth of field to extend approx one third distance in front of the point of focus and two thirds behind it so rather than focus on the front of the ladybird where the red of it's back starts could be a likely point. I'm sure you know that most shots coming out of an SLR require tweaking to get them about right and usually they are sharpened up in Photoshop or similar.

Appreciate the comments aren't all sweetness and light but hopefully it encourages you to go out with just the camera sometimes if the mutt won't leave you alone!

PS. yes, you are quite right, some natural shots of insects etc. are taken by professionals in controlled conditions.

Gaz

If your into macro photography can I recommend the Tamron SP AF90mm f2.8 Di Macro lens, they do a Sony mount for it. I have this particular lens and it is razor sharp, also it yet again has come top (as it did in another mag some time ago) in this months Digital Camera Magazine (page113). Yet in the magazine it is the lowest priced of the following @ £495 but obviously it can been found cheaper elsewhere no doubt

The comparison test was against the Sony 100mm f2.8 Macro-Sigma 105 f2.8 EX DG Macro-Pentax smc DFA 100mm f2.8 Macro-Nikon AF-s VR Micro-Nikkorf2.8g IF_ED and the Canon EF100f2.8 MACRO USM lenses . so to beat those it must be preety good anyway

Bazza

I think you're starting out right, in that you really want to make it work obviosuly. Half of it is really building up a passion for the type of photography you're doing. I *love* macro work, it's by far my favourite, and has (I believe) become my best stuff. You will get there, equipment helps, but you are capable of excellent shots with what you have!

Good luck!

xx