My first spider macro

What do you think? Taken with the Sigma 18-200 with a +3 closeup filter. It cropped to about 50%.




He/she is very persistent, built a web halfway across the garden!

A credible first attempt. Well done. Focus is a little off, the web being more in focus than the spider. Closeup filters have limited use in Macro photography because the IQ is affected so much. The Raynox range being the only possible exception.

What lighting did you use? With more light, you can use a smaller aperture and increase the DOF to get more of the subject in focus.

If you really get the macro bug (no pun intended) a dedicated macro lens is a must. I can personally recommend either the SMCP-F 100mm Macro, or the SMCP-FA variant. The D-FA version is lighter but I've no personal experience of it.

Hi, Peter and Everyone,

Beakynet, a dramatic shot - great bokeh!

I have a pristine f4 55mm SMC MACRO in screw mount and the good Bower Pentax M42/PK adapter (2nd one just arrived from the US - $25.00 shipped).

I haven't had a chance to try it on my K110D yet, but used to love this lens on my Spotmatics.

Would like your thoughts on whether the 1.5 factor on digital will be a detriment or an added advantage?

Thanks,

And SORRY! I've gone and hijacked another thread!

I think that the 55mm 1:1.4 lens is more suited to copy work. I believe it has a flatter plane of focus than the various 50mm 1:2.8 K mount versions.

Also, insects are not very keen on having cameras thrust into their faces so the longer focal length establishes some distance between lens and subject. 50mm is a tad too short I think. I've recently bought JohnMcD's 50mm Macro but as yet I haven't used it (it's in UK, I'm in Spain).

I prefer longer Macro lenses to maximise the distance between lens & subject but still retain 1:1 magnification capability. I use the FA 100mm 1:2.8 Macro and the Sigma 180mm EX DG Macro lenses.

Thanks, I think the web effect is as a result of the small amount of sharpening that I applied, however, the focus was intended to be on the face and that seemed to be what I achieved - best out of 4 or 5 shots.

I used the available light as it was good and my garden faces the setting sun. I have a flash that has a -7degree down setting, I will give it a try and see if I can use a smaller apature without making the image seem flash lit.

This is bacially a tester to see if I can get on with it and how much I would use it. I have looked at the Tamron 90 which seems to have good reviews too. It will really be a matter of what would also work as a good prime lens focal length for me. I also have a Tamron 70-300 with a 1:2 macro capability at the 300mm end, so I have the kit to see if I get the 'bug'

The Sigma is a good alround performer and I chose it for the 200mm end and the already close focusing capability, the image is better that I though considering I am adding glass and had no hood to prevent any flare. I do like the bokeh, though it doesn't compare with my DA* 50 to 135, however that couldn't get me as close.