How to Get Super-Sharp Detailed MACRO, with a Zoom Lens

Here are more than 15 tips on how I capture the glint in the eyes of my tiniest subjects!
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My Website: rachellerch.com
My Camera Gear:
Bag: Lowepro Protactic 450 AW
Camera: Sony a99ii
Lenses: Sony Zeiss 16-35 f2.8 SSM ZA
Sony Zeiss 24-70 f2.8 SSM ZA
Sony 70-300 f4.5-5.6 SSM G
Minolta 55mm Macro
Manfrotto 190go! tripod
Lee Filters: www.leefilters.com
Deluxe Filter Kit
0.6 Neutral Density Graduated Medium
0.9 Neutral Density Graduated Hard
1.2 Neutral Density Graduated Medium
Lee Polarizer
Big Stopper
Sky Set: Sunsets 2, Coral Stripe, Sky Blue 3
My Video Gear:
Canon M50 - vlogging camera
EFM 18-150mm f3.5-6.3 IS STM - lens
Zhiyun Crane v2 - gimbal
Pergear gimbal tripod
Rode VideoMicro with wind muff
Rode Wireless Go
Lerch Merch: teespring.com/stores/lerch-merch
#landscapephotography #photography
TIMESTAMPS
01:42 Shutter Speed
02:24 ISO
03:54 Light
04:58 Aperture
07:00 Megapixels
08:24 Cropping
09:30 Go Steady
10:05 Sharpening
11:07 Viewfinder
11:39 Subject Motion
12:19 Focus
14:57 Drive Mode
16:16 Where to Stand

[@lindabell4892]

I just found this video by chance and I am so excited about it! I just bought a 70x300mm telephoto lens for my camera and I really don't know much about it. I have had my camera for years, but never really played with it. I have been reading and reading and reading about the different function on the camera trying to learn as much as I can. You are by far my savior on earth. I've watched other videos to hopefully get answers to my questions and by the ends of those videos I was more confused than before I watched them. The other videos were too busy getting technical and just laying it on thick. You on the other hand stayed on point and so easy to understand. Your explanations were clear and easy to follow. I found myself taking notes and I plan on using them the next time I take my camera out. I feel like I have gotten great advice from you. I am excited about what else I can learn from your other videos. Thank you so much for your time in making this video!

[@kenyalang007]

Thank you, Rachel. I'm just starting out on macro photography and your video is very helpful pre-starting information for me. If I may say so, I also like the way you present things. Very humble, no pretense. You didn't even mind people seeing that you were checking your notes from time to time. Your images speak for themselves. Thanks again.

[@RachelLerch]

Oh thank you!! I really appreciate that. Such a nice comment.

[@dennispenton2052]

Great recap Rachel - Aperture / Depth of field relationship & high shutter speeds for macro results. I always enjoy a vibe of relaxation watching your presentations.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Dennis! 😊

[@lensphotographymx]

wow I saw your channel again after a few years and you are more fascinating I love your work and seeing that you continue with the a99ii as I do it only means that it is a great camera!

[@jimjanus3710]

Great pictures. Your advice is terrific, and you make it easy to understand how to make great photos

[@RachelLerch]

Hey thanks Jim!

[@davidak_de]

Great tips, thank you!

[@patriciazn8471]

Hi Rachel, glad to see you back. I really enjoy close-up photography while discovering the tiny world around me. Your advices are precious (I like the format) and reading the comments is interesting too. Thank you !

[@RachelLerch]

Hi Patricia! The discovery is the best part, I agree! Thanks so much. I’m so glad you liked the video!

[@GilbertTV]

really good tips Rachel ..thank you

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Gilbert!

[@wongkenneth4005]

Rachel, your video is like a crash course lesson, so happy to learn tips and tricks form you. Thank you so much sharing.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks so much!!

[@jimhamilton8775]

Fantastic video Rachel. I myself am considering doing more macro.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Jim! 😊 Macro is a lot of fun. Thankfully with digital, we can try new things without huge cost!

[@rozeis28]

Glad to see you doing well Rachel!! Loving all your videos as always!!!!

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Roslyn 😊

[@twin-bridge-gillie]

Good episode Rachel! Excellent advice, and the images provide the proof! Hope to see you soon.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks so much!!

[@tonytfuntek3262]

WOW..those are some great shots. Thanks for sharing and good to see you back.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Tony!!

[@charlenenagel7962]

Great info here Rachel and wonderful photos! Close-up photography is so much fun. Your insects are great (not easy!) and I love the toad at 17:24 - you can even see the landscape reflected in its eye! Thanks for talking about the issue of cropping. I am always baffled by those who look at this disparagingly. Frankly, it can be loads of fun finding smaller images within an image. Like you said, it's art! Thanks for keeping it playful!

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Charlene!! Really appreciate this.

[@lynnecliffe3056]

Good enthusiasm, as usual / valid suggestions / great photos. Thanks.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Lynne!!

[@rubyhopper6751]

Thanks. Very good advice.

[@RachelLerch]

Glad you liked it Ruby! 😊

[@bobrobosborne6849]

Lots of great tips and info! Thank you!

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Bob!! 😊

[@bobrobosborne6849]

@@RachelLerch --you are so very welcome! As I preferred my 70-300 over my macro lens for closeup work, I ended up selling the macro lens.

[@RachelLerch]

@@bobrobosborne6849 Wow! Yeah, as a matter of fact I haven’t used my macro lens much either.

[@Lottekoen]

Rachel, thank you for the tips and the photos, as always, where great.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks so much Willy!!

[@barryjosephson4893]

Excellent information, interestingly presented. You are a good teacher. Thank you.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Barry!!

[@rcgrant9310]

Rachel, I'm so glad I came across your video. Thank you for taking the time to share the detailed tips. The images you displayed throughout this video were great. I look forward to viewing more of your work. You will surely have a positive influence on my photography as I follow your tips. Again, THANK YOU and I love your enthusiasm as it added to the enjoyment of viewing your instructional video!

[@RachelLerch]

Oh thank you so much!! What a nice comment! 😊

[@juanitakelly3082]

Great lesson!

[@RachelLerch]

So glad Juanita! Thanks!!

[@WestCoastUSA546]

Rachel, I love this teaching format!👍🏻 Please continue it. EXCELLENT IMAGES !🔥

[@RachelLerch]

Thank you!! Cool! I’ll have to make more videos like this then! 😃

[@cindybaker7543]

Wow great images Rachel. And great info on camera settings to capture sharp photos. 💛💚👏💚💛💚💛 Loved all the images.

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Cindy!! 💚💛💚💛

[@sukij45]

love you , thank you

[@darrinlalla9008]

This is the best macro tips video I've seen. Thank you for this.

[@RachelLerch]

Oh I’m so glad!! Thanks Darrin. That means a lot.

[@52788653]

Great job, Im kind of new to this, and i like your advice on how you do it. thanks alot.

[@RachelLerch]

I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@jimcooke5590]

Brilliant Rachel, thoroughly enjoyed this episode, thanks for the tips I shall now have a go myself, take it easy see you soon

[@RachelLerch]

Thanks Jim! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@garyholman8634]

Very interesting vlog Rachel. I did change to back button focus about a year ago and it takes a bit of getting used to, but I find it much better now. Not everyone's choice but works well for me. Great vlog! 👍.

[@RachelLerch]

Hey that’s cool that it works for you. I keep saying I’m going to try it but haven’t yet. It’s good to hear that someone was able to switch successfully!

[@aviatorman8]

So helpful and well thought out. Thank you so much Rachel! Exactly what I was looking for being a hand held shooter. The demo images look world class on my big screen TV! Looking forward to the demo on location!

[@RachelLerch]

I’m so glad!!! And thank you! I love macro and like you, love handheld photography!

[@aviatorman8]

@@RachelLerch it’s so liberating. I think I used the tripod one or twice in the past two years. Handheld is the way to go!

[@robertvarner9519]

Rachel!! Nice to see you're back. I had to check the video release date to make sure that this is a new video. I hear a kind of roughness in your voice. Hope you are in good health. Good advice as usual. You are a favorite of mine. Take care.

[@RachelLerch]

Aw thanks Robert! Yes… almost back to full health! 😊👍

[@juanlecaros8362]

Muchas gracias por tu video, es exelente para entender conmceptos a considerar en el fotografia macro. saludos desde Chile. Thank you very much for your video, it is excellent for understanding concepts to consider in macro photography. greetings from Chile.

[@RachelLerch]

Thank you Juan!! Greetings! 😊

[@bravomike1969]

Hi Rachel thank you for this very well done and informative video. I am getting into macro photography and will be upgrading my Dslr Nikon to a mirrorless one. I’m torn between the 24mp or the 45mp versions. Just curious about what size SD card do you recommend for the 24mp and 45mp camera?

[@RachelLerch]

For my 42mp camera I use 32 and 64 gb cards, but I do also put video on them. They do hold a lot! A nee camera sounds exciting!! I think you’ll love it either way.

[@carltanner9065]

Great video, Rachel😊 One thing I would add and that's when you take your pics, the best time to take them is when you're breathing out and right near the bottom of your outgoing breath. That's when your hands will be at their steadiest and you have the least tension in your arms and chest. I've been shooting a lot of film lately. Taking pics of everything and anything. I have about 8 or so films to get processed sitting in my fridge!! You hear people saying they struggle to get through a roll of 36, I can go through a roll that size pretty easily!!! Not uncommon for me to take 3 or 4 rolls out on a shoot and go through all of them in an hour or so, but I try to space the shots out😊📸

[@RachelLerch]

That awesome Carl! And using film… so satisfying! That’s great advice about holding the camera steady. My dad would tell me that too. 👍

[@divinerdetective44]

Great info thanks! Love the floral sheer curtains as well, do you recall where you got them?

[@RachelLerch]

I think maybe Amazon? 😁😁

[@EdwardKilner]

I used to fail a lot with macro shots. A D7200, Nikon 105mm macro, and frustration. Autofocus was difficult. The crop factor might have made the 105 inappropriate. Now, my Z6ii, same lens (FTZ adapter), and my results are surprisingly better. Still haven’t found the secret to getting those solid black backgrounds, but will do research. I use DXO Photolab 5 and exporting with the full Prime noise processing allows me to use auto ISO maximum at up to 12,000 ( seldom goes that high ) and get great images. With only 24 MP, cropping would seem to be out, but actually it is not bad at all. Nice big pixels seem to work really well and produce an image quality I never dreamed of until I experienced it firsthand. Thanks for your video. It was interesting and the examples were appreciated. More please.

[@RachelLerch]

I like your thoughts on big pixels! The dark background… put your subject in bright light and make sure the background is in the dark. When you expose for the foreground, the area behind fades to black. 👍

[@eltinjones4542]

Some great tips there Rachel I've been shooting birds recently using Manual but with ISO on auto and it works really well. I'm now going to try this on macro shooting using some of your tips also. I use a crop sensor Nikon D7200 because my full frame D800 is not as responsive and far too slow.

[@RachelLerch]

That’s awesome Eltin! 👍👍

[@1040mediahouse]

Thanks I learnt alot from just listening to you

[@rogerplested9484]

Thank you

[@RachelLerch]

My pleasure! Glad you liked it.

[@denisroy81]

Good advice. I find that using back button focus helps for quick focusing. Also helps control camera movement.

[@RachelLerch]

I’ve heard a lot of people say that. 👍👍 Maybe I’ll try it!

[@denisroy81]

@@RachelLerch You definitely should give it a try. Not partially pressing the shutter button for focus is a game changer.

[@cesurkarakus209]

I found an old bridge-camera for really good price. It has 40x zoom and 1cm minimum focus distance in Macro mode. Can I use it for Macro Photography? Model: Fujifilm Finepix S8200

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Hi Rachel, Mike, West Bromwich, not been on YT for quite a while, just wondered if Tim still had his channel as I can no longer find him, hope you and your family are all keeping well, Regards Mike

[@RachelLerch]

Yes he does Mike! @timday

[@jccreative6681]

Cool! Is that an alpha SLT? I still use one!

[@RachelLerch]

It is!!! That’s awesome that you have one too! I love it!

[@alandavis9154]

I Have been feeling very unispired lately. Tomorrow I will be out in my garden with my camera. Many Thanks

[@RachelLerch]

I hope it went well!!

[@user-dp3wz5ex4u]

очень красиво!

[@Bobcat-1967]

You should do a macro critique.

[@RachelLerch]

Ooh! That would be fun!

[@rrrosecarbinela]

Very good advice. I'll add one bit: Intentional Camera Movement is a thing, and sometimes "missed" photos can be cool. I also don't mind a little wing blur on butterflies -- that can look really cool. :)

[@RachelLerch]

This is great advice!! Definitely a good addition to the list! 👍

[@aomedina3844]

it's the pixel size that counts...related to megapixels.

[@brucetrue]

I hope you are alright. No video in more than 2 months. Be well number 1.

[@daniellegrandpa]

New episodes twice weekly ???????

[@chung6962]

very　useful！

[@RachelLerch]

So glad!!

[@bobcohen4008]

Good tips. A somewhat minor point - not all memory cards are SD cards.

[@WestCoastUSA546]

That's not the point of this video. Use whatever memory card you use

[@RachelLerch]

True Bob. Thanks 😊