My first macro attempt with Raynox DCR-250

[metta1013]

Hi all,

Did my first macro attempt with Raynox DCR-250 on 50mm, f/1.8
Build in flash without diffuser, manual mode but autofocus with AF-C.

The location is at bukit batok natural park.

It is really fun but the thin DOF of Raynox is really challenging. Appreciate your guidance.

Thanks!

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#04

[photatographer]

Originally Posted by metta1013 Hi all, Did my first macro attempt with Raynox DCR-250 on 50mm, f/1.8 Build in flash without diffuser, manual mode but autofocus with AF-C. The location is at bukit batok natural park. It is really fun but the thin DOF of Raynox is really challenging. Appreciate your guidance. Thanks! #01 #02 #03 #04

The DOF looks good to me, did you crop you pictures?

[tanjianliang]

hi looks pretty nice to me! do you use a tripod? i can't get a shot even in daylight

[sgfreestyler]

it is pretty gd to have a quality of these photos for the 1st time using raynox250..

what u need to improve on it the shadow and the flash was harsh. u need a diffuser

[TroyP]

Originally Posted by metta1013 Hi all, Did my first macro attempt with Raynox DCR-250 on 50mm, f/1.8 Build in flash without diffuser, manual mode but autofocus with AF-C. The location is at bukit batok natural park. It is really fun but the thin DOF of Raynox is really challenging. Appreciate your guidance. Thanks!

Your shots look good
What camera and settings?
I use difuser, even during the day. I will turn flash off during the right conditions, but still mostly use flash difused (and manual focus).
50mm F1.8 + Raynox DCR250 is my preferred setup too

Originally Posted by tanjianliang hi looks pretty nice to me! do you use a tripod? i can't get a shot even in daylight

I doubt it, it takes WAY too long to setup a tripod for macro (which you don't have the flexibility for insects such as flies and anything else that moves or blows in the breeze).
Monopod is possible, but still, 99% of people here use hand-held.

[metta1013]

Originally Posted by photatographer The DOF looks good to me, did you crop you pictures?

Yes, I cropped the pictures. Otherwise, the object size will looks very small.

[metta1013]

Originally Posted by sgfreestyler it is pretty gd to have a quality of these photos for the 1st time using raynox250.. what u need to improve on it the shadow and the flash was harsh. u need a diffuser

Thank you. I guess I can get these pictures due to the object is not moving.
Ever try to shoot a jumping spider, give up half way.

Yes, read the thread and thinking to get a Meiji milk bottle and DIY my diffuser.
I did make do by cover the flash with some while plastic cap. It is still giving some harsh shadow. Need to practice more.

[metta1013]

Originally Posted by TroyP Your shots look good What camera and settings? I use difuser, even during the day. I will turn flash off during the right conditions, but still mostly use flash difused (and manual focus). 50mm F1.8 + Raynox DCR250 is my preferred setup too I doubt it, it takes WAY too long to setup a tripod for macro (which you don't have the flexibility for insects such as flies and anything else that moves or blows in the breeze). Monopod is possible, but still, 99% of people here use hand-held.

I am using Nikon D300. Iso 200, Shutter set at 1/125-1/160 (I learn from your usual setting) and aperture at f/11-f/16 and hand-held.

Manual focus will be a challenge for me. Need to practice more.

[TroyP]

Originally Posted by metta1013 I am using Nikon D300. Iso 200, Shutter set at 1/125-1/160 (I learn from your usual setting) and aperture at f/11-f/16 and hand-held. Manual focus will be a challenge for me. Need to practice more.

lol ok. Well actually I use ISO 100 (which is called L1.0 on D90, for reasons unknown to me). I've been using 1/125sec a lot, but feel I may still have some blur, will be increasing to 1/160sec to try. Surely there must be something that is compensated due to fast shutter speed, otherwise we'd all be using much faster shutter speeds to eliminate blur. Any idea what is lost when you increase your shutter speed to say, 1/400sec?
It's very tricky to achieve proper focus when in certain positions such as standing and bending forward. If possible, you need to lean against something or sit down.

[ex0rzist]

Originally Posted by TroyP lol ok. Well actually I use ISO 100 (which is called L1.0 on D90, for reasons unknown to me). I've been using 1/125sec a lot, but feel I may still have some blur, will be increasing to 1/160sec to try. Surely there must be something that is compensated due to fast shutter speed, otherwise we'd all be using much faster shutter speeds to eliminate blur. Any idea what is lost when you increase your shutter speed to say, 1/400sec? It's very tricky to achieve proper focus when in certain positions such as standing and bending forward. If possible, you need to lean against something or sit down.

I believe the only element which is lost when using a fast shutter speed is light. I can't think of anything else.

[photatographer]

Originally Posted by ex0rzist I believe the only element which is lost when using a fast shutter speed is light. I can't think of anything else.

And when you start losing too much light... you will have either increase flash power (Shorter battery life), increase aperture size (Lower DOF) or increase ISO (Greater noise).

[karnage]

When u use too high a shutter speed, you lose AMBIENT light. External flash will compensate for exposure, but will give you harsh shadows. And if you turn on auto-ISO, the camera might give you a high ISO, which will introduce noise. Same thing when you use too small an aperture... =)

[mnmohamed]

#2 and #3 are super!

[TroyP]

I never use auto-ISO.
Hmm, so slower shutter speed should mean better quality pics, but must have super steady hands. Is the flash power automatic with TTL setting?

[log1t3ch]

i think for this generation of cameras, we can afford pushing the ISO up between the range of 400-800 comfortably, that is if the background is considered, noise will definitely show up if its purely black, but with shades of green or whatever natural properly lighted scene, its pretty decent. this should help to boost the shutterspeed up or aperture to gain more dof and less handshake.
after paying good $$ for the camera i dont think the image quality would degrade that badly as i normally leave mine at iso 400 and above, rarely coming down to iso200 unless i have the bright sunshine on my side.

[TroyP]

Hmm interesting. Well I might try ISO 200 next time to see if I can notice any difference.