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Category: Problems with Photo Equipment - Tips & Tricks

Photography Question 

Amber Stephens 		 

Why can't I get this lens to focus?


 
 
I have a Canon 70-300 IS lens (Macro 1.5 m / 4.9 ft). I can't get it to focus like I want. I also can't get the image to fill the frame because I have to stand back so far to get it to focus. I want to take macro photos of insects, flowers, etc. and also photos of animals at a distance. This is the lens recommended by the camera shop I went to. Any suggestions? Is it camera shake on my part? Attached are some examples. Thank you!


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July 06, 2007

 
- Gregory LaGrange

BetterPhoto Member
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Gregory LaGrange's Gallery 		  That lens isn't macro.


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July 06, 2007

 

Todd Bennett 		  Greg's right! The lens isn't macro. And if you are zoomed out to 300mm you'll need about a 1/500 shutter speed for a handheld shot to not get camera shake.


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July 06, 2007

 

Jon Close 		  The "MACRO 1.5m/4.9ft" marked on the side of the lens indicates the limit of its close focus ability. It is not a macro lens. You can get closer focus and greater magnification by using a good quality close-up lens that screws onto the front filter threads, such as the Canon 500D.

Your samples at f/5.6 aren't out of focus so much as the depth of field is paper thin. That is what happens at macro focusing distances. You need to stop down to f/11-f/22 to get more of your subject within the depth of field. IS isn't enough to overcome the resulting slow shutter speeds, you'll need to use a tripod.


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July 06, 2007

 

Amber Stephens 		  Thanks, guys. I appreciate the information.


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July 12, 2007

 

Kombizz Kashani 		  Your lens is NOT macro one !


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July 13, 2007

 
- Gregory LaGrange

BetterPhoto Member
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Gregory LaGrange's Gallery 		  Must be because of the time zone difference.


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July 13, 2007

 

Todd Bennett 		  Ya think?


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July 13, 2007

 
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