First images with new macro lens

[StephenM]

Hi all,

My siblings kindly got together and bought me a Pentax 50mm f/2.8 macro lens for my 40th birthday earlier in the week, and so I gave it a bit of a test run today. I'm very much a novice at this macro stuff, but this lens seems to be a big improvement over the 70-300mm telephoto/macro that I've been playing around with up till now.

Anyway, here are a few of the first shots from today. These were shot at 800 iso (without flash) using either f/8 or f/2.8. I'm guessing that it would be worth investing in a decent external flash? Any advice or comments are most welcome!

Cheers,
Stephen

[matt]

Very good, Stephen.

Which camera were these taken with?

Do you use any in-camera sharpening?

[StephenM]

Thanks Matt. I forgot to mention that they were taken using the K100D. No in-camera sharpening, and no subsequent manipulation other than cropping and resizing in PS7. Do you think sharpening in PS7 would be worth trying?

Cheers,
Stephen

[matt]

I was thinking they already look quite sharp. That second image is very good.

Nice work:thumbsup:

[astro_south]

They look great Stephen.

You are right about the flash - this will let you shoot at f10+ and give you a bigger depth of field.

I went for a 580EXII Speedlight as it gave the most control over power and had the most features, though I don't think it really matters what flash you get - the critical thing is diffusing the light and getting the light to the front of the lens as your subject is usually quite close. I have seen plenty of setups with dedicated flash brackets down to diffusing the light with a milk bottle. Google macro flash setups and you will find plenty of ideas, and the dearest isn't necessarily the most effective.

[ving]

lovely shots :) a ring flsh might be up your alley.

[StephenM]

Thanks for the comments Matt, Andrew and David. I'll have to do a bit of research into flash options.

Cheers,
Stephen

[Dennis]

Hi Stephen

Wow – these are really good macro shots. I love the spider (2nd) and the detail showing the hexagonal cells in the fly’s eyes is amazing. Well done!

I won’t say that you must have a good macro lens, as that’s like saying to a master chef you must have a good set of pots and pans!

Cheers

Dennis

[multiweb]

Incredible shots :eyepop: Love the colors. I didn't know you could take picture that close up.

[RB]

Beautiful shots Stephen !

:thumbsup:

[StephenM]

Thanks very much Dennis, Marc and Andrew!



Dennis, I think in this case the quality of the lens is the key - all I did was hold the camera and press the button! Hopefully I'll improve with more practice...

Cheers,
Stephen