Test Photo Feedback?

[MAP]

Traded in my 30mm F3.5 Macro lens for a 50mm F2.8mm lens. The "sales pitch" was that I should be able to take better macro photos with a better depth of field due to being able to take pictures from a farther distance.

Not sure if I'm so crazy about it. Much more difficult to use for an extreme amateur like me.

Much more difficult to take non-blurry photos with no tripod vs the old 30mm lens. (I have a tripod already but it doesn't let me get in real close inside the light box). I do think that I now need a more flexible tripod and a shutter release cable...more money spent. I should just get the new Google Pixel phone........LoL

Also can't get those really close shots of just a few millimeters away of say a hinge or catch...or at least haven't mastered it yet

So....What do you think of the photos? I'm I asking too much of this lens?

Are they any good?

Double Click to enlarge.

Thanks!

Michael

[Gwar]

looks great..

[Aleksander P]

I think the photos are good. It always takes a little time to get used to DSLR's.

You can also add some final touches with Photoshop or a similar program, for example. I adjusted the lighting, contrast and sharpness in your photo a little bit:

[Walkwolf]

Nice image Michael - though I know what you mean
about trying to stabilize a camera in your hands.
I solved the problem by picking up a very small
tripod at the local dollar store, though I don't
always use it, lol.........

[MAP]

Thanks guys.

Yes, I did not adjust anything with the photos. Just the raw image.

Here are a few others that I just took to see how close I can get.... As noted, I can't get as close as the 30mm lens but you can see that with some editing (crop/enlarge and sharpness) they are pretty decent. I did not adjust the brightness.

If I can get a better and more stable platform I'm sure I can get sharper images. Plus my eyes are not so great and manual focus is hard (auto focus at the extreme close up level doesn't work)

Untouched Photo 1



Untouched Photo 2



Untouched Photo 3



Photo 4 - Cropped from photo 3 above



Photo 5 -Cropped and sharpness enhance from Photo 3

[carpediem]

You seem to be getting the hang of it pretty quick! Looks like it will work out good.

[MAP]

Nice image Michael - though I know what you mean
about trying to stabilize a camera in your hands.
I solved the problem by picking up a very small
tripod at the local dollar store, though I don't
always use it, lol.........

Yes was looking at the small tripod but they typically aren't big/tall enough with the macro lens attached.

This is my basic set up with the reflective front flap up for the photo. It is a huge light box at 31 inches square with bright built in LED lighting. Most are 16 to 24 inches (and yes ...down a messy unfinished basement). You can see the problem with the tripod and thus I typically will jury/jerry rig a platform to get the item up close as I can't get it into the light box.

They sell a tripod with an actuating arm that should work but then I would also need to shutter release cable...as said...more $$$$$

I'm just trying to take the most detailed photos I can.

[MAP]

You seem to be getting the hang of it pretty quick! Looks like it will work out good.

I'm just massively critical of my own photos and want to produce the sharpest photos I can get so everyone can use as a reference.

Compared to a year ago these are light years better but having no photography training I know I still have a ways to go.

[Aleksander P]

I'm just massively critical of my own photos and want to produce the sharpest photos I can get so everyone can use as a reference.

Compared to a year ago these are light years better but having no photography training I know I still have a ways to go.

I know the feeling. I suck at taking photos with my DSLR and my scanner doesn't provide scans that are bright enough when scanning awards.

I'm very meticulous when it comes to photos, so it's hell, lol.

[MAP]

good threads......

Aperture settings and photos.

Taking GREAT Shots of Militaria, TIPS, Technical Details, etc. Sticky?

In this day and age with all the fakes out there high quality photos are a great tool to provide authentication.