Actually, I use the Sigma 150/2.8 macro lens. It goes down to 1:1 (lifesize). Now, I will try to give you some tips, but for the most part, it has been big time trial and error. The more I use the lens (only had it a couple of months) the more I become comfortable with it.

First off, when you are at 1:1, the DOF is razor thin no matter what the aperture is. I can take it up to say... F22, and still have problems getting things in focus. Hand shake is a big issue when at lifesize and at the 150 FL (90 may be a bit less forgiving, but at life size it is still going to be tough). So the biggest thing is to get your shutter speed up as high as you can, which requires going into manual mode and using a flash off camera. I have some cheap quantary ms-1 slave flashes (about $20 US) that I use for this. Having said that, I still struggle when doing 1:1 macro things if not on a tripod, and I hate using a tripod, just too restrictive. All still manual focus at this point, because the AF just isn't accurate enough at close to 1:1.

Now once I get up to 1:2 or so, I find it much easier to get things in focus handheld (and can occasionally switch over to AF). I usually switch over to A priority once I get to this magnification and control the amount of DOF I want that way. Still try to keep my shutter speed up to at least 150 at a minimum, but can usually get a decent keeper rate at 1:2 or above.

Anything larger (closer to 1:1) than 1:2, I always MF, and usually get the perspective and size I want, and if I am handholding will move the camera back and forth a tad until I see it in focus, then fire off the shot. Also, I try to look for some detail where I want the sharpest focus. Look at the tiny hair like things on one of those flying disc looking flowers I posted a few days ago. I will focus on one of those where I want the sharpest focus.

With the bee shots I took this weekend, I tried using AF, but found that MF provided the best results, even at 1:2 or less magnification. They just move to fast for the AF to work well. I would focus on a place where they looked like they were going, and wait till they arrived. Keeper rate on the bees was about 2 out of 10 shots taken, so not all that great.

Thank you for the kind words. If I can explain something further that wasn't clear above let me know. Will do my best to help any way I can. Keep in mind, I am not an expert at this at all. Just someone trying to learn and enjoy when I do get a shot that turns out well.

And yes, I do crop. I try to maintain the aspect ratio, but cropping I have found is your friend with macro. I can usually get the shot I want without too much cropping on flowers and such, but am not skilled enough to consistently get moving things (insects) without a bit of cropping.

Yeah, it is tough judging sharpness when manual focusing. The biggest thing is to look for some detail (crack in a flower, line, dot), something to judge by. If you try to focus the whole subject it is going to be difficult. I always try to find some detail, and work from that.

Another thing, is keep in mind that the DOF is very thin, so if it works, the more of the subject is horizontal to your camera, the better. Also, the DOF extends approximately 1/3 in front and 2/3 behind your focus point (or so I've been told). I have found that varies, but it is pretty close.

1. Spiky fella


2. Yellow flower


3. Dew


4. Upside down spider


5. Up close with red flower

6. close-up of the water lily. It was an adventure trying to get this shot


7. a red flower


8. dreamy flower

1. girl tries her hand at kite flying...


2. it's flying!


2a. look! it is still flying (when it is not)


3. kite doesnt fly and my finger hurts!


4. pout.

5. younger sister tries


5a. it's up!


6. oops!


7. kite doesnt fly either!


8. sheepish grin.

a1 . boy tries. all system: check


a2. he seems pretty confident...


a3. lift off


a4. kite is flying!


a5. it is soaring...


a6. yippee!


a7. yes! yes!


a8. what? i cant believe it! it is down?


a9. stupid sport