Flower Aperture

[WestLothian]

This was taken with f/16 and 1/320 second. (I didn't spot the fly at the time)

What is the best aperture for getting sharp focus over the whole flower?

[Boddie]

That would depend on how close you are. This > http://www.insidetheheadofa.com/photo_647629.html

was taken at f2.8 but at more than a metre away with a 105mil macro, and blown up much of the flower was in focus but had I moved closer the DOF would have been far different.

So there is no definitive answer. It just depends how far you are away.

I sometimes find its better to back off then crop. This gives the advantage of not blocking the sunlight and having a greater focal depth.

[nightshade]

What you need is a depth of field table (or a stop-down button)
This is one for theSigma 105mm macro
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/images/Len....8EX_DG(E).pdf

[Boddie]

Thats handy. Thanks mate. I was struggling last week with the moths I was photographing. This gives me a better chance

[nightshade]

You are very welcome,odd gadgets,silly charts, fascinate me

[thunder]

Originally Posted by WestLothian

This was taken with f/16 and 1/320 second. (I didn't spot the fly at the time)

What is the best aperture for getting sharp focus over the whole flower?

Is this some sort of eyesight test? Where is the fly?

henrya

[Garden Carpet]

Originally Posted by thunder

Is this some sort of eyesight test? Where is the fly?

henrya

henrya... upper right as you look at it .. on the little twig... looks like a bud!
jaki

[thunder]

Originally Posted by Garden Carpet

henrya... upper right as you look at it .. on the little twig... looks like a bud!
jaki

It's on the left as I look at it! Hard to spot at first, but once you know it's there.....!

henrya

[jennyb]

Originally Posted by nightshade

What you need is a depth of field table (or a stop-down button)
This is one for theSigma 105mm macro
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/images/Len....8EX_DG(E).pdf

The is very useful I wish I had known about these earlier. I don't suppose you know where I can find one for a Canon 60mm?

WL that is a lovely photo. I am really struggling to get decent flower photos with my new camera. I got much better results with my point and click. Any advice would be welcome.

Jenny

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by jennyb

The is very useful I wish I had known about these earlier. I don't suppose you know where I can find one for a Canon 60mm?

WL that is a lovely photo. I am really struggling to get decent flower photos with my new camera. I got much better results with my point and click. Any advice would be welcome.

Jenny

I will get the advice sheet on macro and flowers i promised to loads of you out soonest mind you this would be much sooner if i actually got my reports for work out of the way instead of spending every evening posting on wab

Like boddie said its very dificult to answer the original question - we cant say use this aperture , because so many other factors come into play.

as tyo general principals
- use a macro lens (*or other macro solution) , or turn on the macro function on your compact.
-use a tripod Dof in macro is much smaller than for a comparable normal lens and camera wobble isd more of a problem
- try to make sure the plant isnt moving in the wind , either by waiting for a calm day or by using something (like a well position bag , or partner , or even your own body) as a wind break
- try to use fairly diffuse light - as on an overcast day, or by putting a light tent up or a diffeuser on your flash - bright light throws harsh shadows which detract from the pic - unless you are doing b+W and are after texture
- experiment with positions , angles , etc
- post some pics here so we can give you some detailed feedback