First shots with Sigma 150 macro lens

[Ollie]

Hi all
Just treated myself to a Sigma 150 macro lens, and a Canon 400D body. I am going to use the bigma on the 400D and the 150 Macro on my existing 350D body

Took a few shots with the macro lens today and I was that pleased with them I just had to show you a couple. Okay they are not perfect by any means or techinacally great shots but to me it was an achievement as macro is a totally new thing to me, with a dedicated macro lens anyway. I have a long way to go but hopefully I shall be ready for those Dragonflies etc when the time comes.

Any advice or critique on these or any tips for macro would be helpfull. I am thick skinned so don't worry about being honest on them.

Thanks
Roger

[Boddie]

I know you are probably limited on subject but I would have gone in even closer as the subjects are not really saying anything



Macro lenses are great for showing off curves where the DOF can produce some great images. All told you could have taken these images with a pocket camera as they are a bit flat. I like to use one of the other focal points, other than the centre spot that is, and throw everything else out, but that is personal choice

[Ollie]

Think you are probably right Boddie. Guess it could be because I am used to having to stand way back with the bigma that I didn't go in any closer with these and use the lens to it's full potential. Thanks for looking and the comments
Roger

[Boddie]

I am quite jealous of your purchase. I saw Steves recently. Quite a beast. Bet you cant wait for spring now although some nice autumnal leaf shots are possible. Its that time of year for going out and collecting items to bring home and practice on.

[Ollie]

Yes, can't wait for spring to arrive and all the insects etc. Although we shouldn't wish our time away, I'm old enough as it is. Hopefully by then with a fair amount of practice I should have got to grips with this lens
Roger

[matt_xyz]

Lucky you Roger, it does seem like a great lens. It seems you've already mastered the basics. Unless you're intentionally after a shallow DOF, the key when taking insects would seem to be to keep the aperture as small as possible, at least f8 or 10. Even then the DOF will be very shallow. Did you take the above shots with a tripod? I gather it's pretty tricky to handhold.

Matt

[Ollie]

Thanks for the comments and tips Matt. Yes I did use a tripod, don't think I have a steady enough hand to hand hold. Seemed very strange having to get as near something as this after the bigma, but it's a thing I shall no doubt get used to. At the end of the day taking close ups of insects etc is a completely different ball game to the bird photography that I am more used to, but with practice I shall improve. (maybe)

[matt_xyz]

you will definitely master it Roger. Macro is very different to a telephoto (especially the Bigma!), although at least you don't have to get that close with the Sigma 150. With my macro set-up on my FZ30 I have to be around 6-8 inches away from the subject!

You will have great fun come Spring. I might be tempted to splash out myself - it will be a toss-up between the Sigma 150 and the 105 I think.

Matt

[Ollie]

I ummed and arred between the 105 and 150 Matt and in the end it was the wife who made my mind up by saying "Dont you dare get the 105 and say in six months time you ought to have got the 150" So I couldn't argue with that. Although the 150 is more expensive I am sure it was the right decision.
Roger

[matt_xyz]

Originally Posted by Ollie

I ummed and arred between the 105 and 150 Matt and in the end it was the wife who made my mind up by saying "Dont you dare get the 105 and say in six months time you ought to have got the 150" So I couldn't argue with that. Although the 150 is more expensive I am sure it was the right decision.
Roger

I think you're probably right (as is your wife ). I'd better start saving

Matt