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01/17/2008 05:42:10 AM · #1 |
I want to make a move into the great world of Macro photgraphy. I own a Sony alpha 100 SLR with the standard 18 -70mm lens.
The plan:
Step 1: Buy a sigma 105mm F2.8 macro lens.
Step 2: Build my kit further on.
Questions:
Is this lens worth buying and a good start to begin with? Is the 1:1 magnification enough for me to see a real differnce?
Can I put accessories on this lens like extention tubes and bellows units to push up my magnification later on?
What items should I look to buy in the future, flashes ect?
I know there is some great Macro photographers on DPC, help will be much appreciated!
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01/17/2008 06:01:15 AM · #2 |
Nevermind :)
Message edited by author 2008-01-17 06:06:04. |
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01/17/2008 06:03:41 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by eyewave:
The Sigma ain't bad, but I'd spend another ~ 150$ and go for the Canon 100/f2.8 USM, it's marvellous. Sigma builds a macro ring flash that fits on the Canon lens, too. |
It won't fit on a Sony :P
Both Sigma 105 and Tamron 90 are fine for this job and you can still use extension tubes for greater magnification.
Message edited by author 2008-01-17 06:03:56.
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01/17/2008 06:07:47 AM · #4 |
If your interested
I did not put it on eBay yet |
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01/17/2008 06:08:20 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by mark_u_U:
It won't fit on a Sony :P
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I shouldn't read so fast :)
BTW, since when does Sony build cameras? Mwuhahaha! |
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01/17/2008 06:35:56 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by Jacques123:
I want to make a move into the great world of Macro photgraphy. I own a Sony alpha 100 SLR with the standard 18 -70mm lens.
The plan:
Step 1: Buy a sigma 105mm F2.8 macro lens.
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I use the Sigma 150mm F2.8 macro, great lens and gives you more working distance than the 105mm. This is especially useful if you are going after bugs. |
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01/17/2008 06:43:19 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by eyewave:
BTW, since when does Sony build cameras? Mwuhahaha! |
They have been building sensors for Nikon since the stone age. Since they now own KM, they have some pretty decent glass as well. Carl Zeiss builds lenses for Sony, as do Tamron and Sigma.
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01/17/2008 06:58:47 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by mark_u_U:
Since they now own KM, they have some pretty decent glass as well. |
Errr, they didn't actually buy KM, they just bought KM's photography technology/assets.
For the OP, yes the Sigma 105mm 1:1 is a good place to start (or the Tamron 90mm 1:1 as mentioned as an alternative). 1:1 is actually quite a lot of magnification. The other accessory that will be most useful when starting out is a tripod - with the extreme magnification and narrow depth of field in macro, your hand/body shake can introduce noticeable blur.
Some people buy extension tubes first and use them with their usual lenses (instead of a macro lens), but a proper macro lens will give you the best results. You can get even more magnification by combining extension tubes with the macro lens.
Other accessories you could get later on include:
- A ring flash that mounts on the front of your lens.
- A macro rail/plate that sits between your tripod and the camera and simplifies the minute adjustments when setting up a macro shot.
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01/17/2008 08:03:24 AM · #9 |
If you don't have a flash with a cord (off camera shoe cord or whatever sonys equivalent is) - you're going to be limited as to what you can do with macro photography. It may be wiser to invest in a flash and an extension tube for the lens you already have (extension tube allows you to focus closer to objects ... allowing for macro work).
In order to keep some depth of field and maintain sharpness, you're going to needs settings like f16 @ 1/200sec. This can't really be done without a flash (unless you always shoot in bright sunlight).
Just some thoughts |
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01/18/2008 10:57:32 PM · #10 |
I have a Sigma 50mm macro that I'd like to add an extension tube to for greater magnification - is the Canon EF25 going to (a) work and (b) provide autofocus, metering?
What I don't get is...is it the camera or lens that needs to be compatible, or is it all Canon EF compatible as it is for lenses? Sorry for the dumb question but I've never gone any further than plain 50mm macro shots.
Thanks
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01/19/2008 09:14:33 AM · #11 |
you own a canon eos camera ... so you need canon eos compatible lenses and extension tubes
yes, the canon extension tube will work and give you autofocus and metering, but so would a kenko extension tube (eos compatible) and it's cheaper. |
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01/19/2008 10:26:16 AM · #12 |
Brill..many thanks...at least this is a relatively cheap thing for my wish list.
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