Close -ups

[iron]

What settings should I use to take close-ups of flowers? when I get close the shutter wont work until I back off.

[Shaun]

Macro lenses are the best because they focus closer to the subject. Your also best to shoot with a tripod and a narrow aperture(F/11+) if you want it all in focus. Not having a macro lens isn't a massive problem, you will just have to go a little further out and maybe crop in on the computer.

[Jeni]

you need a macro lens Ron. there is a minimum focussing distance on youe lens, and it will struggle to get really close to stuff.

i use some macro filters, these screw onto your lens and magnify everything. i have to use manual focus with them, not sure if you will. i got mine off ebay! im not sure on the diameter of your lens so cant link to any for you.

[Jeni]

go a little further out and maybe crop in on the computer.

thats what i do usually, at home on non moving stuff ill use the macro filters.

[Shaun]

you need a macro lens Ron. there is a minimum focussing distance on youe lens, and it will struggle to get really close to stuff.

i use some macro filters, these screw onto your lens and magnify everything. i have to use manual focus with them, not sure if you will. i got mine off ebay! im not sure on the diameter of your lens so cant link to any for you.


You do sacrifice quality though.... although you don't hurt the bank!

[Jeni]

yep, i know, but my bank has been hurt enough recently!

[Beeje25]

You do sacrifice quality though.... although you don't hurt the bank!

your right they do sacrifice quality but for £9 including postage I don't think you can complain when you get images like this

http://www.tog247.com/gallery/data/507/thumbs/purple_daisy_t247.jpg ('http://www.tog247.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=23')

[Shaun]

ace :top:

[iron]

There is a Tulip symbol on the camera so it must be the 18-200 lens that prevents me from being able to get up close like I can with my Ixus.

[flook]

ron your lens will have a minimum focusing distance, and it sounds like you have focus lock switched on (means the shutter wont fire until the autofocus locks)

this means if you get too close to the subject, you get closer than the minimum focus distance, thus preventing the focus locking, thus locking your shutter

Did I just repeat myself then???

anway, I hope thats clearish for a friday and a bottle of merlot :banghead:

[iron]

ron your lens will have a minimum focusing distance, and it sounds like you have focus lock switched on (means the shutter wont fire until the autofocus locks)

this means if you get too close to the subject, you get closer than the minimum focus distance, thus preventing the focus locking, thus locking your shutter

Did I just repeat myself then???

anway, I hope thats clearish for a friday and a bottle of merlot :banghead:

When it comes to photography, it matters not what day it is or whether I've enjoyed my favorite tipple (Merlot) it's all as clear as mud, I'll play about with the autofocus lock though. Thanks Flook.

[Pipeman]

Once again Ron, it's that learning curve.
Keep pressing on and keep asking the questions, TOG247 will get you there.
Ask Gel about her flower images of 18 months ago, and look at them now!!!

[CPU]

Ron, if you live in the vicinity of London I'd be more than happy to spend a little time answering your questions. Failing that I suggest to get along to the next Tog247 outing (Isle of White I think is next), a day of togging with like minded people will be good for the soul and the gallery :top:

In the meantime the auotfocus lock is a good, it almost guarantees that you're in focus when the camera goes click. But ALL lenses have minimum distance they have to be away from the subject, otherwise they cannot focus. When in close, macro lenses can do this better than other lenses, that is why we have macro lenses.