Focusing in macro photography

john isaacs wrote:

Gilbert1 wrote:

I've only just started with macro photography, and what's bothering me is the following.

When I try to focus manually, especially when I'm close to the ground, I look to the LCD screen because looking through the viewfinder is sometimes difficult, especially because I wear glasses.

Even then, and using a macro rail, I sometimes struggle to get the subject in its sharpest focus. It sometimes seems as if there is a margin. How can I focus in the best way? I'd love to hear tips. I read about focus peaking. To what extent is this a good tool and what are your experiences?

The Z6 does have focus peaking, but it doesn't seem to work at high image magnification. Due to the limited number of function buttons, I wouldn't bother assigning Focus Peaking to one of them.

Instead, get close to where I need to be using small point AF, and then switch to manual focus (MF). I have AF settings assigned to Fn1, so it's quick and easy to switch.

I then use the magnify function buttons (+ and -) to magnify live view, and adjust focus. It's easy to tell when focus is achieved.

You can easily attach the Nikon DR-6 right angle adapter to the viewfinder. I wear glasses but I can adjust the adapter so I don't need them to look through it. You can switch it between 1x and 2x viewing; I usually leave it at 1x and do live view magnification as needed. Even with glasses, however, you can see enough of the image to adjust focus.

Alternatively, you can use the LCD. I use a Hoodman Loupe to view the LCD; I just hold it up to the screen to view it without intrusion of daylight. Again, it is adjustable and I can use it without glasses, but it has a large eyecup and accomodates glasses as well.

Other options are to use an LCD display attached via HDMI, or use a smartphone connected to control the camera. These are useful options if the camera is in a position that you just can't reach (happens often enough for me that I always have my smartphone with me for just that use). Good to get a smartphone holder that mounts on the hot shoe and tilts up.

Thanks John, you helped me a lot!

I have a few more questions on this:

1) About focus peaking: I already was wondering why it didn't work when I tried to turn it on. But what do you mean by 'high image magnification'?

2) What a good advice, so first (small point) AF and then switching to MF. But I do notice that in macro photography he is often 'hunting' to find the right focus. But maybe you have a solution for this?

3) Which AF settings exactly have you assigned to Fn1?

4) Hoodman DR-6: Seems me very useful, but I see that it is not a cheap solution. What do you mean by 'but I can adjust the adapter so I don't need them to look through it'? Do you use it yourself often? I do use the Hoodman Hoodeye for the viewfinder, very handy!