On Jun 4, 2018, PeterN wrote
(in article ):

On 6/4/2018 10:54 AM, Savageduck wrote:
On Jun 4, 2018, PeterN wrote
(in article ):

On 6/4/2018 5:35 AM, Paul Carmichael wrote:

snip


Could something similar to this be your problem
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/2248343

No. I don't have a problem (well, that would interest anyone here). This
thread seems to have gone a bit wonky. I simply asked a question about
the usability of large apertures on a macro lens. No problems, no
complaints, just curiosity.

BTW, it's a manual lens.

I us MF on a lot of my macro shots. I also use high speed sync; i set
manual mode for shutter speed and exposure, to black out the background,
and make it blurry. I have to keep adjusting for lighting conditions.
Here is a test shot from yesterday. it is a RAW file so anyone who
downloads the file has a non-exclusive right to analyze it and play to
your hearts content. I must add, that use of this file is for personal
use in learning, only. I retain all right of copyright ownership. If you
want to use the image, or any derivation, for any purpose, other than
personal learning, you must ask for my permission.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/k35yio67hk...tique%20flower
s_6824.NEF?dl=0

I actually like what you have done with this shot with regard to the shallow
DoF and OoF background. My only beef is the bud and stem on the left seem to
be in sharper focus than the actual flower with its stamens, which is great
if that ws what you intended. If I intended to have the entire flower, stem,
and buds in focus I might have considered focus stacking/bracketing.

Thanks for your comment. You have pointed out one of the issues with
hand held MF. I posted that image only for the purpose of illustrating
the use of high speed sync. Note that HSS only works with cameras that
support it, and does not work with the built in flash on my D800. If and
when I trade in my D800 for an 850, I will try focus stacking.

I got focus bracketing/stacking with the latest firmware update for my X-T2,
it wasn’t included in the new FW for the X-E3. For focus stacking a tripod
is a must. I have done a few experimental 24 frame stacks processed with
Photoshop CC so that I can hone a workflow for focus stacking.

What speedlight are you using?

For my Nikon I have an SB-800 which has served me well for 15 years.

For my Fujifilm cameras I have gone for a smaller Godox TT350f, and I have
Godox X1T-F wireless trigger for off camera lighting. With that setup I can
also use the TT350f, and/or the SB-800 as off camera slaves.

http://www.godox.com/EN/Products_Mini_Camera_Flash_TT350F.html

http://www.godox.com/EN/Products_Rem..._Flash_Tr igg
er.html

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Regards,
Savageduck