Eos 20d & Macro Lens

Fourwings · #1 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 08:31 PM

I finally took the plunge today, I went out and bought myself a DSLR.
After looking at a few models I decided on the Canon EOS 20D, it just stood out a mile over any of the other models below £1000.

I've noticed that quite a few contributers to WAB use this camera, so I was wondering if anyone could pass on some hints/tips to help me and my new camera become best friends before the start of the new Dragonfly season in a few weeks time.

Tragus · #2 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 08:46 PM

Congratulations
I'm actually green with envy (

<--- see)
If I ever get enough money saved that would be my next choice too!
Unfortunately I can't give you any tips....sorry!
Jo

digi · #3 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwings

I finally took the plunge today, I went out and bought myself a DSLR.
After looking at a few models I decided on the Canon EOS 20D, it just stood out a mile over any of the other models below £1000.

I've noticed that quite a few contributers to WAB use this camera, so I was wondering if anyone could pass on some hints/tips to help me and my new camera become best friends before the start of the new Dragonfly season in a few weeks time.

Congratulations

Set the focus point to centre only

Use AI Servo focus mode

Shoot RAW

Set shooting mode to continuous if photographing a fast moving subject

Hold camera face down when changing lenses to help keep dust off the sensor

You can always pm me if you want further help

Fourwings · #4 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 09:08 PM

Thanks Digi - know doubt I shall be in touch
One question for now though, is any of the software packaged with the camera any good?
I have recently bought photoshop elements 4 and this has Adobe camera RAW incorporated into it and was planning to use this for RAW conversion unless whats supplied is better.

Oy · #5 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 10:31 PM

Have you got a Macro lens for it?

glsammy · #6 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 11:07 PM

Nice one Fourwings, You've beaten me to it!
What Lenses have you got? I'm considering getting a Sigma 180mm F3.5 EX DG Macro, for closeup work. I like the idea of having a bit of distance to the subject, whilst still getting 1:1 Macro.

pxl8 · #7 (**permalink**) 26-02-2006, 11:30 PM

Canon's DPP software that ships with the camera is pretty good at processing raw files, esp. for colour range. There's a new version in the pipeline that will include noise reduction but in the meantime something like Noise Ninja will do a good job. RawShooter Essentials/Premium I would avoid, it's not really suited to macro shots as it's noise reduction/sharpening has a habit of making fine detail look a bit lumpy and has noticable banding in the out of focus areas.

I use a combination of Capture One and DPP for processing raw as I've found that no one app will work for all images. Any further work I do in Paint Shop Pro X as I prefer it to Photoshop. PSPX's noise removal is particularly good.

It's not often I use AF but when I do I prefer One Shot mode with a full time manual lens so I can adjust if need be.

I use AV mode almost exclusively when shooting bugs as I prefer to base my shots on DoF.

As far as a macro lens goes, I'd go for the Sigma 150mm instead of the 180mm. The 150mm is a bit lighter and easier to handle and is constantly reviewed as sharper than the 180mm. The other thing that swung it for me was the ability to put a 2x tele on the 150mm and keep AF making it a reasonable wildlife lens into the bargain.

Anyway, congrats on the purchase, it's a good time to be buying the 20D. I very nearly got one myself but went for new glass and a nice holiday instead

digi · #8 (**permalink**) 27-02-2006, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Thanks Digi - know doubt I shall be in touch
One question for now though, is any of the software packaged with the camera any good?
I have recently bought photoshop elements 4 and this has Adobe camera RAW incorporated into it and was planning to use this for RAW conversion unless whats supplied is better.

The elements package should be fine for what you need, I sometimes use adobe raw converter but prefer Rawshooter, it has a far better control over the image and always seems to come top of the reviews and its free for the standard version.

Another tip - don't buy too large a memory card, buy two smaller ones instead then if/when one fails when your out shooting you have a spare. Also purchase hi-speed cards Kingston Elite are very good. I carry a large number of 1 GB cards and a photo storage device but then I take around 40,000 images a year.

As for macro the Sigma lens is one of the best, but as you know I am not in to close up photography.

Oy · #9 (**permalink**) 27-02-2006, 07:34 AM

I have the Sigma 50mm Macro but would probably go for the 105 or 150.

I've heard very good things about the Tamron 90mm too.

Fourwings · #10 (**permalink**) 27-02-2006, 07:39 PM

Thanks very much everyone your help and advice is greatfully recieved.

I very nearly bought a macro lens with the camera yesterday, the salesman put a Sigma 105mm on it for me to try, it seemed a very nice lens, great focusing ability,extremely well built and excellent value at £288.
The reason I didn't do the deal was that I felt that I'd really like the chance to try the 150mm before I commit myself to making a choice, but they didn't have one in stock
The 150mm would give just that bit more distance between camera and subject whilst still achieving a 1:1 magnification ratio, plus as pxl8 says with the addition of a 2x converter it will also double up as a good telephoto lens.

Before the new Dragonfly season I will have to buy a macro lens and a remote release cord should I buy the 150mm model as I don't think hand-held will be possible with this.

Believe it or not the camera has not made it out the box yet, I've still got a bit of reading to do, I like to study manuals first, so if nothing else I have a good over-view of the camera before I switch it on.

digi · #11 (**permalink**) 27-02-2006, 07:44 PM

"Read the manual" - Thats a sign of weakness Fourwings.

Fourwings · #12 (**permalink**) 27-02-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digi

"Read the manual" - Thats a sign of weakness Fourwings.

I just want to be sure that when that magic photo opportunity comes my way, I don't blow it by pressing the wrong button or using an incorrect setting.

Plus when you use 5 different digital cameras sometimes the old brain box gets a bit confused

arvensis · #13 (**permalink**) 27-02-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Before the new Dragonfly season I will have to buy a macro lens and a remote release cord should I buy the 150mm model as I don't think hand-held will be possible with this.

I have the 150mm and its a cracking lens. You may get away with a few handheld shots in decent light, I would recommend using it with a tripod. If you want, I can post a picture of what I think is a crocus that I took today.

Mark

pxl8 · #14 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Before the new Dragonfly season I will have to buy a macro lens and a remote release cord should I buy the 150mm model as I don't think hand-held will be possible with this.

Hand held with the 150mm shouldn't be a problem as long as you've got the shutter at 1/180s or faster you'll be fine. In good dragon weather you'll probably be using at least 1\250s at f11.

Helen · #15 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 09:39 AM

Fourwings, I included the words "Macro Lens" in your thread title, makes it easier for search purposes, etc.

matt_xyz · #16 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 10:53 AM

Er, the thread title says 'marcro' lens which may make searching difficult :-))

Good luck with the new camera Fourwings, I look forward to seeing those dragonfly shots.

Matt

Helen · #17 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

Er, the thread title says 'marcro' lens which may make searching difficult :-))

Matt

Nahh...must have been a figment of your imagination

Thanks for that, now corrected!

Fourwings · #18 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen

Fourwings, I included the words "Macro Lens" in your thread title, makes it easier for search purposes, etc.

Thanks Helen, that makes sense as there's some good advice in this thread for anyone considering the purchase of a macro lens.

Fourwings · #19 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pxl8

Hand held with the 150mm shouldn't be a problem as long as you've got the shutter at 1/180s or faster you'll be fine. In good dragon weather you'll probably be using at least 1\250s at f11.

Hmm, now that info has almost made my mind up, plus I read in the 20D's manual that iso speeds up to iso800 are completely noise free, now that gives you some serious options.

nightshade · #20 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 07:00 PM

The range of excellent macro lenses is getting wider but no one seems to say what the close focus distances are this would be useful to would be buyers

digi · #21 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwings

Hmm, now that info has almost made my mind up, plus I read in the 20D's manual that iso speeds up to iso800 are completely noise free, now that gives you some serious options.

I would say iso up to 400, you will see noise at 800 but its less than most of the competition.

Helen · #22 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 07:30 PM

Here's a pic taken with ISO 1600 with the 20D

Exposure Time = 1/800"
F Number = F5.6
Exposure Program = Shutter priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 1600

It was taken in pretty deep shadow. I raised the levels somewhat in PS elements, etc.

glsammy · #23 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

The range of excellent macro lenses is getting wider but no one seems to say what the close focus distances are this would be useful to would be buyers

Go to http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/len...sp?navigator=6
Shows all the technical details of the full Sigma range.
The 150mm has a minimum focus distance of 15.1 inches, the 180mm is 18.1 inches.

glsammy · #24 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen

Here's a pic taken with ISO 1600 with the 20D

Exposure Time = 1/800"
F Number = F5.6
Exposure Program = Shutter priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 1600

It was taken in pretty deep shadow. I raised the levels somewhat in PS elements, etc.

Nice shot, noise levels seem very acceptable to me. I'd be pleased with that at ISO 200 with my FZ30. Makes me even more determined to go the DSLR route.

gnu · #25 (**permalink**) 28-02-2006, 08:08 PM

Hi Everyone

Ive got a 300d that I've had for 12 months, still very pleased with it, jealous of the 20D! I'm interested in the comments re macro lenses. No one has mentioned the canon efs 60mm f2.8. Is it any good? Obviously everyone is greatly infavour of the cheaper sigma lenses. Ive never owned a macro lense so would greatly appreciate any comments or tips.

gnu