macro

[gtis]

hi all
new to the forum and to macro
i have just got a pentax dfa 100mm macro
can anybody recomment some settings to start with
using a k20 or k200
neil

[Jim Ford]

With any DSLR getting adequate depth of field is a struggle. The longer the focal length of the lens the worse it becomes. I wish I had a quid for every dragon or damsel fly where the eyes are sharp but the wings or tail aren't, and vice versa! Look to be using f11 or smaller. I believe that you've got in-body IS, so that's a plus.

Jim

[eenymac]

Another Pentax user here.
I don't have the Pentax Macro but use the Sigma 105mm. As Jim mentioned, aperture becomes more of an issue with macro and F8-F11 is what I would also suggest. Of course, this can present problems too with available light so I have been investigating use of flash to give me a higher shutter speed at small apertures, especially as I'm usually taking shots handheld in the field on walks. I'm tempted by the Sigma EM 140 DG ringflash as an option, especially at the current SRS price. Manual focus also comes into it's own rather than auto as you'll probably find the lens hunting quite a bit in anything but bright sunlight.

So, a bit of trial and error and experimentation comes into play to learn and hone technique - all part of the fun though and very satisfying once you get it right.

For larger insects, such as dragonflies and some butterflies, I use the DA*300mm for the longer working distance and it produces some exceptional results. Ideally I wanted the Sigma 180mm Macro for the working distance but in Pentax fit it's rare as hens teeth and no longer available new.

[Ukwildlifeo]

A fellow Pentax K20d and 100mm macro user here (and Im also a Neil!).

I got my lense last year in October, cunningly just as most the invertebrates were disappearing so this year its had its first proper outing and Im rather pleased with it and have been trying different settings with it too.

I usual wander round on a sunny day at ISO 200 and at f8 which gives a nice balance between depth of field and shutter speed. Then if I need more depth of field, say for a dragonfly side on I will put up the f number to 9 or 10 and to what ever I can get away with in the light available. If the light isnt there or I have to put the f number up to high I'll got up to ISO 400 or use the flash.

For something like a butterfly side on with its wings closed I would reduce the f number to throw out the backgrounda nd try to get at 90 degrees to the wings so they are all in the same plane of focus.

I've also recent started using a tripod with excellent results and I also sometimes put my raynox macro adapter on the front (with a thread size adapter) for extra close up shots.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by eenymac

I'm tempted by the Sigma EM 140 DG ringflash as an option, especially at the current SRS price.

I recently bought the Metz 15 MS-1 flash and am pretty pleased with it (but still learning!)

Jim

[Ukwildlifeo]

A couple of pics taken with the pentax k20d + 100mm, with the settings (exif data)



EXIF:
Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 100 mm
ISO Speed 200




Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 100 mm
ISO Speed 200

[gtis]

hi all
thanks for the input got my macro lens last week from currys for £300
are the pentax users members of the pentax user forum
i am my user name his gtis
neil

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by gtis

hi all
thanks for the input got my macro lens last week from currys for £300
are the pentax users members of the pentax user forum
i am my user name his gtis
neil

I suspected as much - I got mine in a similar deal at PC world.

Im Neilp on pentax user forum

[gtis]

hi neil
been looking at the sigma ring flash from srs
but it does not come with a 49mm adapter to fit the pentax
100 macro
neil

[eenymac]

Originally Posted by gtis

hi all
thanks for the input got my macro lens last week from currys for £300
are the pentax users members of the pentax user forum
i am my user name his gtis
neil

Hi Neil

Yes, I'm a bit of a lurker over at the Pentax User Forum - same name as here. I did wonder if you might have got the 100mm Macro from Currys... I was tempted but as I already have the Sigma 105mm, I thought 2 at around that focal length would just be greedy!

Still mightily tempted by that sigma ringflash from SRS though..... maybe I'll get home today and find a letter from the Inalnd Revenue telling me I'm one of the people due a rebate..... in which case I'll get one.