new lens

[marlunn]

Hi, just joined, my main area of interest is macro - insects plants etc. part of my recent hardware upgrade was a new macro lens, the Sigma 150 EX - I think it should come with a warning - you dont just plug this lens on and use it, it is going to take time to learn how to use it. It has awesome capabilities and I hope to learn to get the best out of it eventually. First shots are not too bad though I think.

not played with post prod editing very much - thats the next thing to work on

[marlunn]

another fly on cow parsley - fascinating creatures when you get close to them



comments / feedback very welcome

[Shadowman]

Nice efforts.

[deetheturk]

Great first posts Mark, welcome to the forum

[FlyingSquirrel]

Welcome, Mark. It is clear, at least by these photos, that you have a good idea of what you're doing. Technically good, and nice bg and subject separation. I look forward to more from you. I have the Sigma 150 and it is a superb lens, with which I've got many excellent photos. The lens is not as complicated as you may think. A quick breeze through the manual and a few minutes experimenting with the OS, and you'll be set.

[JBW]

Hi, just joined, my main area of interest is macro - insects plants etc. part of my recent hardware upgrade was a new macro lens, the Sigma 150 EX - I think it should come with a warning - you dont just plug this lens on and use it, it is going to take time to learn how to use it. It has awesome capabilities and I hope to learn to get the best out of it eventually. First shots are not too bad though I think.

not played with post prod editing very much - thats the next thing to work on

what do you have the lens connected too? And yes p.p. will be both challenging and rewarding. Welcome to the group.

[marlunn]

Thanks Shadowman, deetheturk, Flyingsquirrel and JBW, appreciated. I am using a nikon d5200, taken a few more shots here and there, I previously used a pentax kr with a 25 year old Tokina 90mm macro ( from my slr film days) and found that to be an excellent combination but the Sigma is really a superb lens.

This is part of a frame of a female broad bodied chaser, Libellula depressa just after it emerged, the detail the lens can pick up is stunning but the depth of field is as described by my daughter 'insane', there is much more thought and control required to ensure you get the correct focus point and depth of field right for the shot



No Post production work done ( apart from crop for this forum), Nikon D5200, Sigma 150EX, f4.3, 1/320 sec. ISO 400

[marlunn]

hmm, quick question after reading my response - do you prefer the use of your forum names or where posted your real names in responses ?

[bnnrcn]

We usually use our real names Mark, welcome I'm not a macro shooter but I'm a good follower of macro shooters. I like #1 and # 2 .

[vaez]

great first photo

[marlunn]

so, given my newbie faux pas - Now for the correct response, thank you John, David, Matt, Brian, Binnur and Vaez for your feedback. much apreciated

[HaseebM]

Looks like you gonna have a lot of fun with this lens. Have you tried shooting at f/11 and above? Some of the images will do well with a darker background enhancing the colours on the subject.

[nikon66]

The first one is for me the most beautiful, welcome.

[marlunn]

Thanks Steven,

Looks like you gonna have a lot of fun with this lens. Have you tried shooting at f/11 and above? Some of the images will do well with a darker background enhancing the colours on the subject.

Hi Haseeb,
yep - shot this one at f13 at ISO 320



the background is as 'real' for colour but i know what you mean