Macro with Sigma 70-300 DG Macro

[TheRaven]

I was looking for a new, better, longer and good value for money telephoto lens when I came across the Sigma 70-300 DG macro.

What a cracking lens! In Sony fitment it was £99, new from Currys, and it has a Macro switch on the side, so from 200-300mm it can be a macro!

Now I don't do macro and I won't buy a dedicated macro lens, but it is a nice thing to have and I've had a bit of fun with it this weekend!

I am more than please with how this lens performs for £99!

Anyways, thoughts on this? As I don't do macro, any tips etc?


ID Please? by Raven Photography by Jenna Goodwin, on Flickr

[Ridg]

the main issue with macro¹ and close up photography is the DoF, as you can see on your photo the DoF is so low that the image lacks definition, which is where focus stacking comes in;

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5717972844/focus-stacking-in-macro-photography

the other option is to use a tripod head with a geared rail which moves the camera forward, thus moving the focal point.

what you'll probably end up doing is using a narrow aperture and flash, at which point you'll want a soft box / beauty dish type modifier.

Anyways, thoughts on this? As I don't do macro, any tips etc?

If you're going to venture into macro, get a decent tripod, remote shutter and practice on static subjects.

¹ a true macro lens offers a 1:1 or greater reproduction on the sensor or film.

[TheRaven]

the main issue with macro¹ and close up photography is the DoF, as you can see on your photo the DoF is so low that the image lacks definition, which is where focus stacking comes in;

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/5717972844/focus-stacking-in-macro-photography

the other option is to use a tripod head with a geared rail which moves the camera forward, thus moving the focal point.

what you'll probably end up doing is using a narrow aperture and flash, at which point you'll want a soft box / beauty dish type modifier.

Anyways, thoughts on this? As I don't do macro, any tips etc?

If you're going to venture into macro, get a decent tripod, remote shutter and practice on static subjects.

¹ a true macro lens offers a 1:1 or greater reproduction on the sensor or film.

Cheers, it is just off true macro, it's 1:2, which is pretty good considering the price and there is no extra glass in there etc.

I will try more in the studio, I was actually taking photos of my horse in the field with the telephoto when I noticed these guys in the sun on the gate, so was not prepared!

[TheRaven]

Here is another one taken at the same time...


Stomoxys calcitrans - Stable Fly by Raven Photography by Jenna Goodwin, on Flickr