I have been using the macro but do feel I'm really using it right. I'm never sure at what distances it works. There seems to be a large distance between where regular focus ends and macro begins. I'm never sure at what zoom I should be and I find focusing with either MF or AF difficult.

Can someone give a short macro primer.

Thanks

I find that you have to put the lens into manual focus mode, but not "full manual", that is, not by pulling the focus wheel back so it clicks and you engage the lens elements physically. Then, with macro mode on, I basically focus the lens as close as it will go, compose the frame, and move the camera back and forth a bit while adjusting the zoom slightly to see where the sweet spot is between subject distance and focus. In my experience it has not been a precise process if thats what you're looking for but I haven't used it for anything other than experimenting.

That seems like good advice Akira.


Michael, might want to ask this guy too.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=117787

In my use I keep the focal length not longer than 25mm. Works fine for all shorter focal lengths.

25mm and under seems to be ideal, 40mm is about the top end of any useful macro. Beyond that you're out to the minimum set by the stop in full manual (2.7 feet).

-Sean

Zoom out to full wide, remove the lens hood and provide plenty of light. Now how close can you focus? Right up to the front element, or within a centimeter or two?