Focusing aids for macro?

[gardener]

Got the good camera(s), got the good lens(es), the viewfinder diopter is set correctly, even got the subjects rounded up in the yard to a degree but still, I can't manually focus worth spit on tiny critters. I wear eyeglasses and my doc says the prescription is right and up to date and in fact, things look good through the viewfinder when I'm taking macro subjects, ie: small bugs, teeny weeny spiders, and the like, but when I download my macro images, many if not most are slightly out of focus and not just from the relatively short DOF. I'm aware that breezes tend to move things around, however slightly, and that the slighest shake of the hands or tripod can ruin an otherwise good image but in most cases, I don't think it's the camera or lens, it's me not focusing down to the n'th degree well enough to assure a clear image because of the relatively small size of the subject matter. My other images (kid sports, landscapes, flowers, etc) turn out fine although I'm using AF on those subjects about 90% of the time instead of manually focusing. Here's the gear in question:
Cameras: 20D, 5D, and/or Mk2n
Macro lenses: Canon 100mm, Sigma 150mm, or Canon 180mm, and a variety of teleconverters (Kenko 300 Pro 1.4x and 2.0x) and extension tubes (Kenko 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm).
Tripod: typically a Manfrotto 3021 B with RRS BH-40 ball head.

Ok, what do I need to do here? I seriously doubt that the equipment is at fault and my eyes ain't going to get any better. ACK! I love taking pics of teeny tiny bugs and critters but am about to give it up unless I can find some means to focus more accurately.
Suggestions are welcome and in fact, are being asked for...
Thanks for reading,
Steve W

[kenw]

try adjusting the diopter to use without glasses.

Using the adjustable diopter with glasses is tricky, I always remove mine and let the diopter adjustment do all the work instead of combining them both.

[TxManx]

Steve -

I'm a fellow bug shooter...find them fascinating, and can't resist taking a fly, or cricket head and print them at 8x10 ::GRIN::

The only thing you don't mention is what your camera settings are when doing them...

I typically shoot at F16, or F22 - (I have a 5d and a 40d - the MPE-65, 100 2.9 and the 180 3.5L) and have gone almost exclusively to using flash...

I set the camera on manual - small aperture, and 1/125 shutter speed... and toss about 70% of my shots due to focusing...and the fact that I handhold instead of using a tripod.

It's really easy to focus just slightly in front of the critter, or slightly behind the eyes...which accounts for my discards...

I'm still not entirely certain how a tripod and macro rails fit into a bug shooting scenario :)

[gardener]

Thanks Ken and Ken. I usually shoot between f/5.6 and f/11 but will try the smaller apertures to see if it makes a difference. I've tried to stay away from flash so far and use natural light instead although I do use flash in the late evenings by necessity.
I may just have to refine my shooting techniques and settings and start over again based on your suggestions.
Thank you for your replies.
Steve

[Donb10]

If you really get into the macro photography, try one of these:

http://www.adorama.com/VNSSM.html?sid=1212685811701989

[zeroendless]

Originally Posted by gardener

Thanks Ken and Ken. I usually shoot between f/5.6 and f/11 but will try the smaller apertures to see if it makes a difference. I've tried to stay away from flash so far and use natural light instead although I do use flash in the late evenings by necessity.
I may just have to refine my shooting techniques and settings and start over again based on your suggestions.
Thank you for your replies.
Steve

Most of the macro shots i've seen here either underflashed or lack of details. Don't be shy, show us your samplers here.

Pick a low wind or nearly calm to none day. The wind actually decides i stay home or out shooting.

[Chimper]

In your original post you did not mention anything about using a cable release and mirror lock-up. Are you using those?

[johnastovall]

RRS macro focusing rails if you real want to do the best work... Then their flash mounts....

[gardener]

I will occasionally use a cable release but rarely MU unless I'm doing dark shots, that is... I'm at that point in the evening that it's almost too dark to even focus without some type of extra light aid like a small flashlight or headlamp.
Thought about the focusing rails too but they seem almost too bulky for quick use on moving bugs where the critter lights here and then there and then walks off your chosen spot entirely while you're still trying to focus spot on. Wouldn't mind giving a set of RRS rails a try if someone can convince me they're worth the money though...
Flash is something that Daniel also brought up and that has me thinking on that problem too and how to resolve it. I'm sure that a flash bracket would help to a large degree as well as some diffuser experimenting.

I appreciate the suggestions so far. It makes me go back and think of what I can change or do differently to get better images.

[TxManx]

They make lights that mount on the front of the lens - so the light can be positioned properly...I personally like the Canon MT-24EX macro light set...

Additionally, you can just use an off camera cord, your flash of choice, and a diffuser (omnibounce works well)...

Unfortunately, you're then left holding the flash with one hand, and trying to support the camera with only the other (gets tiring...)

[educating fire]

I second zeroendless on the low wind\no wind! I handhold with a flash grip and if the wind is blowing, it'll be a worthless day for macros.


educating fire
flickr.com/photos/educatingfire