Need Help with Macro!

1829 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by MariettaMike, Nov 23, 2016

LowHydrogen

Discussion Starter · Aug 20, 2016

I know next to nothing other than I want to be able to take better pictures of my flies. I Can't get close enough to get the detail I would like. Using Sony Cyber-Shot P&S(pos) DSC-W830. Using a mini tripod and a textured sheet of plack paper for backdrop. I would like to be able to take close up shots of certain parts of the fly, is there any way to do this? Please keep in mind if you're using technical language "camera talk" I won't understand it. Try to explain it on a 3rd grade level. Appreciate any input at all.

Also attaching a few recent pictures taken with that camera, looking for some critique on how to improve.
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Vertigo

· #2 · Aug 20, 2016

If you want better and closer photos, you're probably going to need a camera that mounts a dedicated macro lens. It's also going to cost a hell of a lot more than your current camera. A good camera, the correct lens, a good tripod, remote shutter release and good lighting are all required to get quality macro images.

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LowHydrogen

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 20, 2016

Thanks @Vertigo I was afraid of that. Are there any cameras that are not DSLR that you would recommend? This camera is about beat to hell and I could probably stand to upgrade but don't want to go crazy with it, since I'm really not that into photography. I need another expensive hobby like I need a hole in the head.

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Vertigo

· #4 · Aug 20, 2016

Check out this link for info about "less" expensive macro setups:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora...t-and-craft-point-and-shoot-macro-photography

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LowHydrogen

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 20, 2016

Thanks @Vertigo, promising info there.

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yobata

· #6 · Aug 21, 2016

I too like B&H Photo. They also have a pretty sweet used section, I've bought several items from them and their used rating system is very accurate.

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LowHydrogen

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 21, 2016

yobata said:
I too like B&H Photo. They also have a pretty sweet used section, I've bought several items from them and their used rating system is very accurate.

Thanks for the info.

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permitchaser

· #8 · Nov 23, 2016

There is nothing wrong with those pictures but if you want to get closer you have 3 options. 1. A new macro lens that focuses to 1-3 inches. 2. Close up filters that attach to the front of your lens. 3. Tubes that fit behind your lens and turn you normal lens to a close up lens. But if you move the lens further from the camera you need more light

I have shot macro and micro for years and have shot stock for a NY agency. So pm me if you need more help

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MariettaMike

· #9 · Nov 23, 2016

Somewhere I've got an old P&S Canon Powershot that is waterproof and has a "macro zoom" setting that was pretty darn good. The trick for fly picks was to use the self-timer on a mini tripod with the fly stuck on a piece of driftwood so the auto focus didn't have to struggle with distance/light settings as much.

I think this pic was taken with that camera.

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