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08/13/2004 08:59:15 AM · #1 |
Hey all,
I have a problem that whenever I try to take a macro photo it always ends slightly out of focus. I'm using a D70. The following photos were taken using a close up kit (can't remember exactly which filters), with a shutter speed of 1/100 and apeture of 4.5 using the 18-70 kit lens.
Can anyone help me? I've done the usual backfocus tests and that doesn't seem to be the problem. Also, while these weren't taken on a tripod, the camera was resting on a table so it shouldn't have been too much of a problem.
Thanks for any replies!!!
Lewis
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08/13/2004 09:00:48 AM · #2 |
Does the D70 have mirror lockup? If it does, make sure you use that, because at high magnification, any vibration from the mirror snapping up will also be magnified and can result in a blurry image.
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08/13/2004 09:01:37 AM · #3 |
| It looks like camera shake. I know you said it was resting on a table, but look at all the double lines in the picture. That, to me, is an indication that the camera moved. |
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08/13/2004 09:02:05 AM · #4 |
| Try the self-timer and manual focus |
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08/13/2004 09:03:38 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by pcody:
It looks like camera shake. I know you said it was resting on a table, but look at all the double lines in the picture. That, to me, is an indication that the camera moved. |
That's what I was thinking. And I suck at manual focus (I wear contacts and they seem to dry up and go out of focus if I stare into the viewfinder for too long :P) so autofocus it has to be.
And no, Konador, it doesn't have mirror lock up, so that's not an option.
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08/13/2004 09:04:00 AM · #6 |
Make sure the camera stays absolutely still. Set self-timer for about 30secs.
It looks like camera shake to me.
edit: typo
Message edited by author 2004-08-13 09:06:10. |
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08/13/2004 09:07:18 AM · #7 |
Did you press the shutter release or use a timer ? Move the table at all ?
I find I never get good macro shots without using a tripd, remote release and mirror lockup. They'll look okay until you get in close then you'll see blur.
Mirror lock-up isn't really neccessary for all shots, just within certain shutter ranges, with certain lenses, but for any close-up tripod work I use it just as a matter of course.
Also, there is still a minimum focusing distance, even with a macro lens - you can be too close and make it impossible to focus correctly - use the camera focus indications to check that. But it would be best to check on a tripod.
I see its a D70 - Mirror lockup shouldn't be the issue so I wouldn't worry about not being able to do it. This just looks like the camera, the subject or the table moved during the exposure.
Message edited by author 2004-08-13 09:08:34.
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08/13/2004 09:11:17 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
Did you press the shutter release or use a timer ? Move the table at all ?
I find I never get good macro shots without using a tripd, remote release and mirror lockup. They'll look okay until you get in close then you'll see blur.
Mirror lock-up isn't really neccessary for all shots, just within certain shutter ranges, with certain lenses, but for any close-up tripod work I use it just as a matter of course.
Also, there is still a minimum focusing distance, even with a macro lens - you can be too close and make it impossible to focus correctly - use the camera focus indications to check that. But it would be best to check on a tripod.
I see its a D70 - Mirror lockup shouldn't be the issue so I wouldn't worry about not being able to do it. This just looks like the camera, the subject or the table moved during the exposure. |
Nah, the table definantly didn't move, if it did, I'm gonna start getting worried (it's bolted to both walls etc :P). Ok, so it must be the camera moving, thanks for that guys. I love how you can post a question and get it answered within minutes, and with really good answers at that!!! :P Thanks all! Will go off and start using a sturdy tripod and the timer.
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08/13/2004 09:12:39 AM · #9 |
A cable release is handy. Once you have it set up, you will not have to touch the camera. I wouldn't use auto focus on my camera because I want to pick the focus point.
What I sometimes do is set the focus distance I want on the camera(without looking at the object) and then move the camera until I have the object how I want it in the frame. |
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08/13/2004 09:15:11 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by DragonStar:
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Will go off and start using a sturdy tripod and the timer. |
You might look into getting the remote for the D70. I got one, it's surprisingly cheap (~$20) and VERY handy for such situations (and many others besides). |
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08/13/2004 09:15:40 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by pcody:
A cable release is handy. Once you have it set up, you will not have to touch the camera. I wouldn't use auto focus on my camera because I want to pick the focus point.
What I sometimes do is set the focus distance I want on the camera(without looking at the object) and then move the camera until I have the object how I want it in the frame. |
A rail is great for doing that easily.
I know, I know - more money...
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08/13/2004 09:53:26 AM · #12 |
| This all started because I couldn't afford to have my roll film developed. Now I can justify almost all expenses by thinking about how I don't have to spend any money on film. I wouldn't use a rail enough to feel good about buying it but it is an excellent suggestion. |
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08/13/2004 09:57:14 AM · #13 |
The 18-70mm lens can't focus that close by itself, it may be the close up kit that is sending it out of focus.
Get a macro lens like the sigma 105mm, or nikon 105mm if you want to be able to do closeups.
Message edited by author 2004-08-13 09:58:03.
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08/13/2004 10:14:22 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Konador:
Does the D70 have mirror lockup? If it does, make sure you use that, because at high magnification, any vibration from the mirror snapping up will also be magnified and can result in a blurry image. |
For what I´ve read (and actually tested myself) then mirror lockup doesn´t do much at 1/100 (at least not at 70mm). It doesn´t change anything untill you get down to about 1/30. |
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