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Using manual aperture lens for macro?

Started Jan 5, 2021 | Questions thread
BBbuilder467 Veteran Member • Posts: 7,057
Re: Using manual aperture lens for macro?

Beetles wrote:

Blokfluitist wrote:

The trick with manual aperture lenses is to focus as wide open as you can (if you're using focus peaking that's probably around f/4 as it becomes difficult to see peaking at wider apertures), then stop down to where you want the exposure. I have a whole bunch of fully manual vintage lenses and that's what I was advised to do.

Rose
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I'm sure that can work on a tripod, even outdoors on a tripod with not much breeze on a flower or plamped, but for freehand captures of live insects, I can't do it. I have to hold my breath, see how everything is moving, what trigger squeezing does to position, and pull. stopping down an aperture ring isn't a go. It's nothing against the lens. I have the 100mm still and the 65 is at least as sharp/contrasty/good color from what I could see, but the manual aperture was a sticking point.

That's what I was trying to explain. It's okay with a tripod and macro rails, but miserable hand-held with flash.

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