I am not interested in nature photography or macro. Not even a bit. But I read your post with extreme interest nevertheless as a great example of how to share technical insights and experiences in a useful and readable way. All illustrated by splendid and pertinent photos. Well done! 👏
Some really excellent photos here, and incredible sharpness and clarity. My main problem with macro (mostly) is focusing when there is a bit of wind. You mentioned there was some wind when you took that spider photo but yet it's perfectly sharp. Do you have any tips? I find as soon as something moves, the camera can't find the focus, and neither can I with manual focus.
Thanks, Susanne!! Okay - for wind, I prioritize shutter speed over anything else - even if I have to raise my ISO to like 12,800 - (Lightroom takes care of the noise). My camera is wildly good at single-shot autofocus, so I generally take 5-10 shots, knowing most of them will be in focus, but there will be some variations in the composition (because it's hard to control where everything will be with it all moving!). So that's it! I keep it pretty simple. (and for REALLY windy situations, I'll do the same but use manual focus and machine-gun on drive mode knowing that the movement will likely come into the focus plane - knowing at least a few will be in focus! Hope this helps!!
Thanks for that! So you get some shots in focus even if nothing is in focus when you actually do the shoot? My old Olympus also has a very good autofocus but I always think my photos are too soft. Perhaps I spend too much time trying to focus and too little time trying to shoot.
Well… I think that sounds fair! I spend almost no time focusing and shooting a ton! That’s why I left Fuji - I shoot fast, and it couldn’t keep up. OM SYSTEM - Nikon - Canon - Sony - those all have really stunning autofocus systems, and matched with fast-focusing lenses, it’s all I need. I just trust the camera and/or the fact that in one plane of focus, if something’s moving, taking multiple photos will get it in focus. It’s harder for composition, but at least I have something to work with!
Seriously amazing stuff. I really need to try an olympus setup like this. I was using my a7cr with 200-600 today trying the same thing and realizing how much easier it would have been with the 1.4x teleconverter. I think I’m going to get an Olympus for my girlfriend to use since she couldn’t hold the Sony setup cause of weight. I’m sure I’ll end up using it a lot myself though lol
Great thinking, my man! Lol! I love it - and the setup is extremely easy. I have had a few small workshops and tell them it's my "cheat mode" and people just love the setup!!
I am not interested in nature photography or macro. Not even a bit. But I read your post with extreme interest nevertheless as a great example of how to share technical insights and experiences in a useful and readable way. All illustrated by splendid and pertinent photos. Well done! 👏
Wow, Alessandro. What a wonderful comment. Thank you so much - it's a joy knowing people get something out of what I post.
Some really excellent photos here, and incredible sharpness and clarity. My main problem with macro (mostly) is focusing when there is a bit of wind. You mentioned there was some wind when you took that spider photo but yet it's perfectly sharp. Do you have any tips? I find as soon as something moves, the camera can't find the focus, and neither can I with manual focus.
Thanks, Susanne!! Okay - for wind, I prioritize shutter speed over anything else - even if I have to raise my ISO to like 12,800 - (Lightroom takes care of the noise). My camera is wildly good at single-shot autofocus, so I generally take 5-10 shots, knowing most of them will be in focus, but there will be some variations in the composition (because it's hard to control where everything will be with it all moving!). So that's it! I keep it pretty simple. (and for REALLY windy situations, I'll do the same but use manual focus and machine-gun on drive mode knowing that the movement will likely come into the focus plane - knowing at least a few will be in focus! Hope this helps!!
Thanks for that! So you get some shots in focus even if nothing is in focus when you actually do the shoot? My old Olympus also has a very good autofocus but I always think my photos are too soft. Perhaps I spend too much time trying to focus and too little time trying to shoot.
Well… I think that sounds fair! I spend almost no time focusing and shooting a ton! That’s why I left Fuji - I shoot fast, and it couldn’t keep up. OM SYSTEM - Nikon - Canon - Sony - those all have really stunning autofocus systems, and matched with fast-focusing lenses, it’s all I need. I just trust the camera and/or the fact that in one plane of focus, if something’s moving, taking multiple photos will get it in focus. It’s harder for composition, but at least I have something to work with!
Seriously amazing stuff. I really need to try an olympus setup like this. I was using my a7cr with 200-600 today trying the same thing and realizing how much easier it would have been with the 1.4x teleconverter. I think I’m going to get an Olympus for my girlfriend to use since she couldn’t hold the Sony setup cause of weight. I’m sure I’ll end up using it a lot myself though lol
Great thinking, my man! Lol! I love it - and the setup is extremely easy. I have had a few small workshops and tell them it's my "cheat mode" and people just love the setup!!