Praying mantis macro mpe-65mm video canon 5D mark II 2

[EmperorArek]

I just spend 4 hours with my 5D mark II and MP-E65 and MT-24MX with difiusers and I do not have one usefull shot :-/

I just got my camera and lenses yesterday and this was my first try. Is loooooong way to go for me to learn this mpe65.

I use Manual mode on my camera.

Any advice?

[Naturaldefenceplant]

@EmperorArek

You have thrown yourself into the deep end, but this is no problem. I would suggest first practising on stationary objects, eg. small coins, maybe letters on paper, or anything else. Start at 1x magnification, then try 2-3x magnification. Practising like this will help you llocate the subject in the viewfinder quickly, which is important for shooting insects as they can move away quickly.

What settings are you using for the camera? most of my high magnification macro shots

[Naturaldefenceplant]

are done at f/10 shutter speed at 1/200 and iso 100. With these settings you usually use around 1/8th power on the mt24ex at 2-3x magnification.

You learn quickly to focus on the subject and keep still, i think the hardest part in getting diffuse light from the right angles, so adapting your diffusers may be the next step after you learn to focus and shoot consistantly.

[EmperorArek]

@Naturaldefenceplant I think I start to get it. I try diferent setings from f5.6 to f16 any think from f10 up to f16 looks good. Shutter speed I keep on 1/200 and ISO 100.

Flash: I use manual mode, is my 2nd day with this camera and this flash thats why i'm not to sure if I get this right. Pictures looks ok from 1/4 to 1/16 depend whith f/ I use.

If you want to see my progres I can send you few pictures on your email. Just remember is not art like yours, I just start....