For our 11th anniversary this year I bought us a macro lens for our DSLR (rig information below). Since we purchased our first DSLR many years ago, I’ve had an interest in up-close photography, mostly of my plants. While it is possible to get great photographs with the standard lens, I felt it was time for an upgrade.
Introducing the Sigma 105mm Macro Lens.
The Sigma 105mm Macro Lens receives promising reviews on both Google research and YouTube vloggers. It is a favorite for some videographers for B-Roll.
The Sigma 105mm Macro Lens achieves 1:1 magnification at its lowest focus of just about 1 foot away from the camera sensor. The lens has an aperture range of f/2.8 through f/22, giving a lot of flexibility for focus depth; one of the things I’m currently working on mastering.
Currently we are shooting with a Canon EOS Rebel T3. The model is beginning to show its age, only achieving 12.2 megapixels on its APS-C size sensor, but a great camera nonetheless. I have a 20D buried somewhere, but that’s also pretty old. We are currently in the market for an upgrade. I’m thinking 5D. Thoughts?
Current Rig:
Canon EOS Rebel T3: No longer made. Check out the T7: https://amzn.to/3c51phR
Sigma 105mm Macro: https://amzn.to/2yzpuQ6
Samsung 64GB MicroSDXC: https://amzn.to/3gpVQho
So, how do we like it?
The learning curve is steep, being our first macro lens, but I’m hooked. We’ve had the lens for about a week now, and what I’ve learned is:
In macro photography the field of focus becomes very noticeable.
I underestimated how difficult the focus would be to master in macro photography. The closer the subject, and the higher the f-stop, the more the auto focus might pick the wrong point to focus on. The issue is apparent below with the lens focusing on the stem instead of the ant. You have to view your photograph, zoom in real close to check the focus on the back-screen, and try again when it does this; leading to my next point.
A tripod, and a good tripod at that, is a must.
In normal conditions daylight, with a standard lens, tripods aren’t necessary. They usually get in the way. Most of our photography experience is sports and people, so fast actions. Tripods don’t do that. But in macro photography, where the slightest shake will show, they are necessary.
Increasing the f-stop, reducing the aperture size, gives a greater field of focus. When attempting to photograph something that has 3 dimensions, so most things in the world, this is very useful. But a smaller aperture size means less light gets to the sensor, so longer exposure times. Solution, tripod.
Below is a photo of a light switch. The focus point is supposed to be the brass conductor screw on the inside. The left photo is me holding the camera. The right is done with a tripod. The difference is obvious.
Backgrounds are important.
Even though the background is not in focus in macro photography, an interesting background is important. This can be done in numerous ways, but keep in mind you need a background that makes the subject pop. I posted these photographs on my facebook. I don’t like spiders, and all these little guys disappeared after a thunderstorm the next day, but they were a cool photo op. The darker background makes the yellow sacs on the spiders really show, making for a better photograph.
Last lesson for the month of May: Plants will be my easiest macro photography subject
Plants don’t really move, unless the wind moves them. And they don’t bitch when I take too long.