Al Servo/Metering Modes?

[ifly223]

I shot this Damselfly (Not Dragonfly) on a very windy day in One Shot Mode for AF and Spot Meter Mode. I should have been shooting in the Al Servo Mode to continue focusing while the button is half pushed. I am using a 1Ds, what is the best Metering Mode to use for Macro? : )

[jfoureyes]

That's a nice photo in tough conditions James... good detail on the little guy! I try not to shoot when the sun is high in the sky but sometimes there's no choice. In this one it would have been better to be on the other side of the subject...the main light is coming from the back. You can also use a reflector at times like this to put some light on this side of the subject. I use the spot meter most of the time for exposure readings. But it really doesn't matter which mode you use as long as you get the right exposure. I use the histogram on my camera to check for proper exposure on the first photo I shoot and then adjust as needed. I shoot RAW and can adjust exposure in the software as require. I use both AF and manual focus it really depends on the subjects I'm shooting.

[Kenj8246]

What Jim said.

[ifly223]

Thanks for the tips Jim. Next time I buy something I think I will ACTUALLY READ the manual.LOL The wind was blowing that blade of grass around badly. I gotta give it to the critter, he was very patient with me and just stayed there until I got a descent shot. : )

[iCe]

I was going to add to what Jim said but I couldn't.

Oh wait! High(er) ISO, stop down, use flash if you can to get the max DOF.

[jfoureyes]

Originally Posted by ifly223

Thanks for the tips Jim. Next time I buy something I think I will ACTUALLY READ the manual.LOL The wind was blowing that blade of grass around badly. I gotta give it to the critter, he was very patient with me and just stayed there until I got a descent shot. : )

I know what you mean, James...They are a lot more tolerant than dragonflies as long as you move slow around them and they are fairly easy to get. And the other nice thing is they usually don't fly off very far. I have to shoot dragonflies with my 75-300 or 80-200 with a tube most of the time. You're doing fine with these keep shooting!!

[toverman]

One thing that changed my life for the better as a photographer was to set up the custom function where I'm using the AE Lock button for focus (helps for weddings, sports, macro, everything!). Taking it off the shutter gives you a lot more control, and in macro work I've appreciated it. Does take a little practice, though.

Another benefit with macro is that if I'm working really close or with a shallow depth of field, I can autofocus my lens to get close and then fine-tune the focus manually without touching the shutter. When it's perfect, bam! I've got the shot. All of Canon's USM-equipped motors have full-time manual focus without having to switch to MF, but it really only works if your focus isn't linked to the shutter button, because the camera will try to refocus all the work you did when you press it.