Cherry blossoms and tulip

[Hawk]

Today just two images - my recent macro work. Cherry blossoms shoot with 100/2.8, tulip with 35-70/4 in macro mode.

[Dr. Harout]

Superb shots. Bravo!

[Birma]

Hi Hawk. Very nice shots. I particularly like the tulip shot which is at an unusual angle for tulips. I have been a bit disappointed with the shots from my 35-70/4. Any tips for shooting with it in macro?

[Hawk]

Hi Hawk. Very nice shots. I particularly like the tulip shot which is at an unusual angle for tulips. I have been a bit disappointed with the shots from my 35-70/4. Any tips for shooting with it in macro?

I don't know if it will be any useful but here are some rules I use for 35-70/4:

1. I use focus confirmation feature when shooting in macro.
2. If subject is moving (due to wind or ie. moving bug) I move camera back and forward to go "through" point of focus while taking shots. Usually at least one should hit focus. Quite often used method with macro shots I think.
3. Lens provides three things: very natural and strong colors, great sharpness and great bokeh. I usually try to concetrate on one of those when composing with it.
4. For flower macro shots I usually go with f4.

[Birma]

Thank you Hawk - I will try your tips next time and see how I get on.