How do I get enough depth of field when photographing flat artwork with a Canon T2i and a macro lens?
Asked 2/17/2011
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I’m testing a Canon T2i to photograph artwork and I’m struggling to keep the whole piece sharp. Using the 60mm macro lens, focus feels extremely critical in Live View, and if the artwork is even slightly out of plane, some areas go soft. My kit zoom at around 35mm sometimes seems a little easier to use.
I’m confused about aperture, ISO, and whether f/2.8 is fixed. I expected a smaller aperture to increase the in-focus range, but I’m not sure what settings to use. I’ve been trying ISO 100, and I’m also wondering if longer shutter speeds or small tripod vibrations could be reducing sharpness.
What camera mode and settings should I use to maximize sharpness and depth of field for photographing flat artwork?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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ISO and Aperture are two totally different things.
For your purposes, you need a greater depth of field (DOF), which means that you need to decrease the aperture diameter (higher f-number).
Your ISO should be able to stay the same, assuming that you can increase the exposure time to compensate (this shouldn't be a problem if you are using a tripod).
Using a Canon T2i, you probably want to use Av Mode (Aperture Priority), and set the aperture somewhere in the f/5.6-f/8 range. This will probably give you a good sharp image and better DOF.
Originally by user67. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67
15y ago
0
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Use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) to increase depth of field. ISO and aperture are different settings: ISO controls sensitivity, while aperture controls lens opening and depth of field. f/2.8 is just the lens’s widest aperture, not a fixed value.
For artwork, start around f/5.6 to f/8; f/8 is a good baseline for sharpness and more depth of field. On a tripod, keep ISO at 100 and let shutter speed get longer as needed for proper exposure.
You can use Av mode to choose the aperture and let the camera set shutter speed, or use Manual mode and set all three yourself. With macro distances, depth of field is naturally very thin, so even at smaller apertures focus can be very precise.
For best results, mount the camera on a tripod, switch to manual focus, and fine-tune by moving the camera slightly forward or backward rather than relying only on the focus ring. A focusing rail can help with tiny adjustments. Better lighting will also help by allowing lower ISO and steadier, sharper captures.
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