18 17 August 2019 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
KITLIST ▲ ▲ ▲
Technique
RossHoddinott
Ross is one of the UK’s leading landscape and
natural history photographers. He is the author
of several books, and a multi-award winner. Ross
lives in Cornwall, and is a popular and experienced
tutor. He is also a Manfrotto Ambassador and
Nikon Alumni. Visit http://www.rosshoddinott.co.uk.Teleconverter
Teleconverters are great accessories for
close-ups, increasing the effective
focal length, yet retaining
the same minimum focusing
distance. Image quality is
reduced slightly, and they will
reduce the maximum speed of
your lens by up to two stops.Auto extension tubes
Auto extension tubes are hollow rings that
fit between the camera and lens. They
reduce the lens’s
minimum focusing
distance, thereby
increasing the
lens’s maximum
magnification.Beanbag
For ground-level work, a beanbag is
arguably the best accessory for
supporting and stabilising
longer lenses. They are
quick and easy to position;
will dampen any vibrations;
and will help you to remain
nice and steady.Use a fast shutter speed
To eliminate shake when using a telephoto, select a
suitably fast shutter. I would recommend using the
‘1/focal length’ shutter speed rule – for example, if
using a 300mm lens, select a shutter speed upwards
of 1/300sec. If you are using a cropped sensor,
remember to fi rst multiply your focal length by the
crop factor to provide the focal length in 35mm
terms. Also, switch on lens or camera stabilisation.Work further away
While a macro lens is the obvious
choice for shooting insects, a longer
telephoto will allow you to work
further away from the subject. This
will minimise the risk of disturbing
nervy subjects, and maximise your
chances of success. Most modern
telephotos have a useful short
minimum focusing distance in the
region of 1-2m and a reproduction
ratio of 1:2 or 1:4 life-size, which is
ideal. If your telephoto lens doesn’t
focus close enough – or you wish to
achieve a ‘true macro’ magnifi cation
of 1:1 – attach an auto extension
tube (see panel below).
Isolate
detail
The magnifi cation of
a telephoto is great
for isolating detail.
You can achieve
frame-fi lling
close-ups with
oodles of impact. By
cropping in tightly to
a small sliver of your
subject, you can
remove context and
create abstract-
looking results.
Study the world
around you closely,
and crop in tightly
to highlight colour,
shape and form. ALL PICTURES ON PAGES 18-19 © ROSS HODDINOTTTelephoto for macro