macro

[kabrnak]

Hi, After reading many advices and articles about taking pictures at close range /macro/ I still don't know what's the golden rule. Some suggest to use largest opening-aperture /2.8 or so/ to achieve blurred backround effect to minimize DOF, on the other hand others suggest smallest opening /5.6 or even 8/ to get best sharpness as it is very critical when shooting so close. Does it really depend on personal choice and circumstances ?

[Mikefellh]

Yes, it all depends on what YOU want...there is no golden rule.

One photo (like of a single flower in a field) you may the background blurred, but for a photo of the insides of a watch you may want every level of the watch sharp.

That's the same with everything in photography...there are some guidelines, but in the end you're the boss.

If you're shooting for competitions it's different...the judges are more fussy; with the same picture in one competition might get high marks, and in another competition might get low marks.

[kabrnak]

Thanks for your reply I kind of suspected that, but I was not really sure. TY

[hedwards]

I agree with Mike. I try to be aware of the rules, and when useful break them deliberatly. Ultimately if there are minimal distraction and the shot is worth looking at later that is probably enough for most people.
Cheers

[NHL]

Another benefit of the smaller opening beside the increase in DOF is the darkening of the background through the use of flash (with possibly a combination of higher shutter speed to shut out the ambient light).

... If all else fail there's always Photoshop! :-):-):-)

[kabrnak]

I thank everybody who replied to my question.